Kevin O'Leary Blasts US Intel Subsidies Following Viral Robot Failure Video
Canadian billionaire and former Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary has launched a sharp critique against the United States government's financial support for semiconductor giant Intel. This criticism emerged after a widely circulated video depicted a robot malfunctioning dangerously close to a tray of french fries, raising immediate safety alarms.
O'Leary took to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to voice his concerns. He described the incident as "not funny" and directly attributed the robotic failure to the use of government-subsidized Intel chips. "This is what happens when you use government-subsidized Intel chips. You don't wanna put them inside a robot. We should have never funded that company. It should have died," O'Leary wrote in his post, highlighting his skepticism towards public funding in the tech sector.
Proposing Safety Measures and Mocking the Flaw
Expanding on his initial remarks, O'Leary suggested implementing basic safety mechanisms to prevent such accidents. He proposed the idea of a "kill switch" for robots, stating, "Maybe the idea of a kill switch is not a bad idea. Like, just pull one of its eyes out, it stops right there. That's the way it should be." He further mocked the technical flaw, quipping that the robot failed specifically "when they get near fries," adding a layer of sarcasm to his serious safety concerns.
Humanoid Robots Driving AI Innovation Amid Growing Scrutiny
This criticism arrives at a pivotal moment when humanoid robot technology is gaining significant traction and investment globally. Notably, Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently claimed that his company could be among the first to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI) embodied in humanoid robots. Musk also suggested Tesla might lead in developing "atom-shaping" robots capable of performing advanced, precise tasks.
On another front, Nvidia-backed Figure AI released footage of its Helix O2 humanoid robot performing household chores, though Musk questioned whether the robot was operating autonomously or via remote control. Meanwhile, Chinese tech firm Xiaomi has deployed humanoid robots in its electric vehicle assembly plant, reporting three hours of autonomous operation with a 90.2% success rate in tasks like placing self-tapping nuts in die-casting workshops.
Intensifying Debate Over Tech Funding and Safety
O'Leary's pointed remarks underscore a growing skepticism regarding government subsidies in the technology industry, particularly when linked to potential safety risks. As humanoid robots edge closer to mainstream adoption in various sectors, including manufacturing and domestic assistance, the debate over their reliability, appropriate funding sources, and necessary safeguards is intensifying rapidly. This incident serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on how public investment intersects with innovation and safety protocols in emerging technologies.
