A human-shaped robot, with a white body and a black head and torso, has been appearing across online video feeds. You may have seen clips of it dancing, or encountered other demonstrations that make advances in AI-powered robotics look close to science fiction. But impressive videos don’t necessarily mean these machines are ready to reshape everyday life. The story examines the gap between eye-catching robot performances and the practical challenges that still stand in the way of broad, useful deployment. While progress in AI and robotics is real, the benefits may take longer to reach homes and workplaces than viral clips suggest. This piece is a collaboration between MIT Technology Review and Aventine, a nonprofit research foundation that creates and supports content about how technology and science are changing the way we live.