tech

I let robot-trainers clean my apartment for free. It was unsettling, but I got over it.

I invited cleaners and a chef from the startup Shift into my New York apartment. They worked for free — but recorded the process to train AI robots.

I let robot-trainers clean my apartment for free. It was unsettling, but I got over it.

TL;DR

  • Shift, an AI startup, offers free housekeeping and chef services in New York.
  • The price for these services is the video recording of the household tasks to train robots.
  • The author agreed to have cleaners and a chef document their apartment and cooking process.
  • While initially nervous about the cameras, the author appreciated the free services.
  • The cleaning quality was average, but the three-course meal prepared by the chef was a positive experience.
  • The author questions the sustainability of Shift's business model due to high operational costs.
  • Despite privacy concerns, the demand for such services is high.