A white, human-shaped robot with a black head and torso has been appearing across social media, showing off dance moves and other eye-catching actions. Such videos can make it seem as though robots are on the verge of becoming a familiar part of everyday life. But impressive demonstrations don’t necessarily mean the technology is ready for widespread use. This story examines why recent advances in robotics AI may take much longer to affect how most people live and work. It is a collaboration between MIT Technology Review and Aventine, a nonprofit research foundation that creates and supports content about the ways science and technology are changing our lives.