AI and robotics startups such as Encord, Micro1, and Scale are paying people to film themselves doing everyday chores (like folding laundry or loading dishwashers). The goal is to collect real-world training data so robots can learn dexterity and object manipulation. Because robots can’t learn from internet text alone, companies pay people between $25 and $50 an hour for basic tasks, and up to $150 an hour for specialized, technical actions. This approach helps address a major data shortage in robotics development.
