The AI laboratory HUMXN has launched a program to collect real-world data for training robotics systems. The company offers free home services, including plumbing, electrical work, HVAC maintenance, duct cleaning, and carpet cleaning, to homeowners who allow technicians equipped with wearable recording devices to film their work.
Founder Thomas Unise stated that the initiative aims to capture high-skill professional interactions with the physical world, which are currently unavailable in standardized formats. By recording technicians in diverse residential settings, the company intends to train AI models to handle complex tasks, from site assessment and tool selection to troubleshooting and quality control.
The program is currently operating in three cities: Minneapolis, Chicago, and Miami. This geographic spread is intended to provide data across various climate conditions and equipment types. HUMXN covers the cost of the services, effectively paying homeowners for the right to record data within their private residences.
This model contrasts with common industry practices where AI labs have faced criticism for scraping data without authorization. HUMXN emphasizes that its approach ensures that service professionals receive their standard compensation while creating a system where homeowners and service providers can benefit from the value of professional expertise.
