Social robotics expert Naomi Fitter on why humanoid robots are reaching a tipping point

NPR | By Scott Simon

Published August 22, 2026 at 5:43 AM MDT

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Robots that resemble human beings – known as humanoids – are on the rise. NPR's Scott Simon talks to Naomi Fitter from Oregon State University about what's driving the advances in the technology.

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Scott Simon

Scott Simon is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

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