MIT researchers huddled around a humanoid robot in a mock kitchen. The robot slowly scooped lemonade powder out of a bowl into a pitcher of water, mixed the liquid, and poured the lemonade into a glass, with no spills.
The space, called the Living Lab, is intended to show researchers how robots could assist people with everyday tasks.
The lab is equipped with a fully functioning kitchen complete with a fridge, sink, center island and cabinets. The researchers teach the robots how to do these tasks by wearing sensors and acting them out.
Scott Kirsner, a columnist with our editorial partner MassLive, joins WBUR’s Morning Edition to discuss a recent trip to the lab and the future of robotic caregivers.
See photos from the visit below:
A robot prepares to throw a tennis ball at MIT’s lab (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
Researcher Joseph DelPreto shows how sensors are placed on a human arm to gather data to to train the robots. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
MIT doctoral candidate Peter Werner works on programming a robotic arm to stock shelves. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
A robot builds a wall of foam bricks. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
Humanoid robots at MIT’s Living Lab. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
This segment aired on November 11, 2025. Audio will be available soon.