"I'm dreading a future where all work is done by AI" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing CLOid, an AI-powered robot that takes care of household chores, unveiled by electronics brand LG at the CES tech fair in Las Vegas.

The humanoid robot uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn users' habits and help with daily tasks like cooking and laundry. The unit is fitted with a speaker, cameras, sensors and a voice-based generative AI.

"The infantilisation of the species"

Some readers were on board with the idea. "If it can make tacos on demand, I'm sold!" said Dariusz Boron.

Architect Incognito was more measured in their assessment, recognising the robot as "great for people with disabilities and elderly people". But, they warned "I'm dreading a future where all work is done by AI (and AI-driven robots), where the only thing for humans to do is to consume AI slop, devoid of purpose and direction."

Idracula voiced similar concerns, reflecting on "the infantilisation of the species".

Meanwhile, Marius suggested that by "moving less, we will need to exercise more, hence the photo of the focused lady with the mini dumbbells."

"She's keeping up her strength in case she has to fight it," replied HP.

What's your take on the AI robot? Join the discussion ›

"I'm enthralled by the dramatic silhouette"

Another story that got readers talking this week was Studio Weave's Woolwich Market Pavilion – a brick building in London characterised by its stepped arches and two monumental chimneys, containing a cafe, public toilets and market facilities.

Not everyone was convinced. "And the function of the two huge chimneys?" wondered Idracula.

Commenter Henri was on the fence, writing "on the one hand, I'm enthralled by the dramatic silhouette with the bold chimneys, arches and angled roofing". They countered "but on the other hand, the building is bland and vaguely blends into the background".

One reader who had nothing but praise was Jb, arguing "this is architecture creatively derived from the architectural context, culture and artistry, modestly and magnificently contrived – magnificence at a small scale is no mean feat."

What do you reckon? Join the discussion ›

"Strange form over function design" 

Also causing a stir in the comments section was a coffee shop in Hamburg centred around a cork-clad DJ booth, designed by its owner Vincent von Thien to evoke the relaxing atmosphere of Japan's jazz cafes.

"I love the concept, but the seats scare me," said Henri, suggesting "they seem very clunky, limited and uncomfortable."

And they weren't the only commenter to argue this, with American Tinker branding them "not bony-butt friendly."

On the same page was Kevin McGrath, who put forward "I'm a huge fan of these HiFi cafes", but "not the seats and atmosphere in this cold, sterile one – I wouldn't last long in such discomfort."

Baju-baju called it "strange form over function design" and argued that "the small wall-hung speakers are in truly bizarre positions and the concrete ceiling will reverberate and is not designed for sound".

Do you agree? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

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