Rebuttal 1: Why must robots be humanoid? Aren't wheeled or function-specific robots more efficient and cheaper in most scenarios?

Why "Humanoid"? That's a really good question!

Hey, friend. You've hit on a crucial point, and many people share this question. To be honest, in many specific, singular scenarios, you are absolutely right.

For example:

In a flat warehouse, wheeled AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are much faster and can carry heavier loads than a bipedal humanoid robot, making them far more efficient.
On an automotive production line, for tasks like tightening screws or welding, a stationary robotic arm can tirelessly repeat the same motion 24/7 with impeccable precision and speed.

If our world were composed entirely of such "regular, flat, singular" environments, then there would indeed be no need for "humanoid" forms.

But the key is, our world isn't like that.

The core advantage of humanoid robots isn't about excelling in a single "specialized" task, but rather in their "versatility" and "adaptability."

1. The world is designed for "humans," not for "machines."

Look at our surroundings:

Architecture: There are stairs, thresholds, and narrow corridors.
Tools: Hammers, screwdrivers, keyboards, steering wheels—all are designed according to the size and operational habits of human hands.
Facilities: The height of tables, the position of switches, the size of buttons—all are designed for human convenience.

If we want a robot to seamlessly integrate into our living and working environments, to use existing facilities and tools, then giving the robot a form similar to ours (walking on two legs, working with two hands, having dexterous fingers) is undoubtedly the most cost-effective and efficient solution.

To give an analogy: You buy a house and want a robot to help manage it.

Option A (Specialized Robots): You'd need to buy a robot vacuum, a window-cleaning robot, a cooking robotic arm (which might require kitchen modifications), a stair-climbing transport robot... and you'd still need to ensure they can cooperate. This is costly and complex.

Option B (Humanoid Robot): You only need one robot. It can walk up stairs, open doors with its hands, pick up a rag to wipe tables, vacuum the floor, and even cook using your existing pots and pans. It directly utilizes all the existing facilities in your home.

From this perspective, the "versatility" of humanoid robots precisely brings long-term economic benefits. We don't need to redesign the entire world for robots.

2. "Efficiency" and "Cost" need to be viewed in terms of the "Overall Balance Sheet."

Regarding Efficiency: A wheeled robot can get from point A to point B quickly, but it's "out of commission" if it encounters a single step. A humanoid robot, while slower, can "traverse mountains and valleys," completing a full-process task like picking up an item from point A, climbing stairs, passing through a narrow doorway, and finally placing the item in a cabinet at point B. This "integrated efficiency" in completing complex, continuous tasks is unmatched by specialized robots.
Regarding Cost: Currently, humanoid robots are indeed very expensive because they are still in the R&D and early stages. Think about the first computers or mobile phones—weren't they astronomically priced? The future logic is: through large-scale industrial production, the cost of a general-purpose humanoid robot will decrease. This single robot will then replace tasks that previously required N specialized robots. "One-time investment, multi-scenario reuse"—when you calculate this "overall balance sheet," it might be far more cost-effective than developing a specialized piece of equipment for each scenario.

To summarize

Think of specialized robots as "professional tools"—like a power drill. It's unbeatable for drilling holes, but you can't use it to write.

Think of a humanoid robot as an "all-around worker." It might not drill holes as fast as a power drill, but it can not only drill holes but also tighten screws, paint walls, move things, drive a car... it can do anything.

So, choosing the "humanoid" path isn't because it's the strongest in every single task, but because it has the potential to become the "ultimate solution" that can adapt to our human society and accomplish various complex tasks. This is a larger, more ambitious strategy for the future.