A robotics startup cofounder shares why most robots likely won't need legs

In the evolving landscape of robotics, the vision of two-legged humanoid robots has captured the imagination of many, with companies like Tesla and Figure.AI pushing boundaries. However, a lesser-known Austin startup, Diligent Robotics, is challenging this narrative by highlighting the effectiveness of wheeled robots in real-world applications. Founded in 2017, Diligent Robotics has focused on the healthcare sector, developing Moxi, a wheeled robot designed to assist with essential tasks in hospitals. Moxi automates routine chores such as delivering lab samples and medical supplies, allowing healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to patient care. Vivian Chu, co-founder of Diligent Robotics, emphasizes that the wheel-based design is likely to become the preferred form factor for most robotic applications. "I think over time, the wheel form factor — with two arms, a head, and a wheel — will cover the majority of what you need in various settings," Chu stated in a recent interview. Unlike the advanced humanoid robots often depicted in sci-fi, Moxi is described by Chu as the "minimum viable humanoid," focused on executing specific tasks rather than engaging in complex dialogue. With over 90 robots deployed in more than 25 hospitals, Moxi has successfully completed over 1.2 million deliveries, translating to an impressive estimate of around half a million human hours saved. During the early stages of development, Diligent Robotics conducted extensive research, interviewing around 150 healthcare workers to identify areas where robots could alleviate burdens. They discovered that nurses often spent 30% of their time gathering supplies, a logistical challenge that detracted from direct patient care. This feedback solidified the startup's belief that robots should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. The design of Moxi was strategic; having an arm allows the robot to interact with existing hospital infrastructure, such as pressing elevator buttons without requiring costly adaptations. Additionally, the robot's head facilitates communication of intent through eye contact and other cues, enhancing its integration into healthcare environments. The choice of wheels over legs further aligns with hospital layouts, which are already ADA-compliant, making Moxi a statistically stable and safe option for navigating ramps and elevators. Success metrics for Moxi include time and steps saved, with one hospital system reporting that all telemetry boxes are now managed by the robot, eliminating the need for human transport. Chu believes that while legged robots have potential for specific use cases, such as disaster recovery or navigating stairs, the practicality of wheeled robots will dominate most tasks in healthcare for the foreseeable future. Investor interest has shifted as well; early discussions revolved around Moxi's arm, whereas now investors inquire about adding additional arms to enhance functionality. As technology progresses, Diligent Robotics is focused on expanding Moxi's capabilities, including greater dexterity and integration with hospital systems to streamline operations further. Looking ahead, Diligent seeks advancements in battery technology to extend Moxi's operational time, as current robots manage around 16 hours with smart charging. Safety and efficiency remain priorities, and the company aims to innovate in these areas to enhance the overall effectiveness of their robots in healthcare settings.