Technology
Are humanoid robots now coming for retail jobs?
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Humanoid robots just got another real job. This time, they are clocking in behind the scenes at a major retail operation. Figure AI has signed a commercial agreement with Catalyst Brands. That is the company behind JCPenney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica.
The first rollout begins at Catalyst’s Reno, Nevada Distribution Logistics Center. So, no, these robots are not greeting shoppers or folding jeans in the store aisle. At least not yet.
For now, they are heading into warehouse and supply chain work. Still, the announcement has some people worried. Many see humanoid robots entering a workplace and immediately wonder what happens to human jobs. That concern is fair.
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THE AI-POWERED ROBOT ARMY THAT PACKS YOUR GROCERIES IN MINUTES
Figure’s humanoid robots are starting behind the scenes in Catalyst Brands’ Reno warehouse, not on the store floor. (Figure AI)
Figure’s humanoid robots enter warehouse work
Catalyst Brands says Figure’s humanoid robots will help with supply chain work. The companies say the robots will focus on repetitive, physically demanding sorting and packing tasks. In other words, this starts with warehouse work that can wear people down over time. The robots will first assist with Catalyst’s Joey Pouch sorting system in Reno. That system helps with computerized induction, sorting and packing inside the facility. Catalyst says the Reno site also underwent a $40 million infrastructure update in 2024.
“As we invest in and scale our portfolio, this collaboration with Figure shows how emerging technologies can modernize our operations while strengthening our workforce,” said Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands. “When we automate routine tasks, our associates can focus on higher-value work and better serve our customers across all our brands.”
So, this is happening behind the scenes in the warehouse, not on the store floor. That detail is important, especially because some online reactions made it sound like robots were already headed into retail stores. The announcement points to warehouse operations first. Still, warehouse jobs are real jobs. That is why this deal is getting so much attention.
Why the Figure AI and Catalyst Brands deal stands out
Catalyst Brands owns several major retail brands and operates a large retail network. Figure AI also describes this as a step toward deploying humanoid robots at scale, even though it has not said how many robots will be used.
There is also a financial connection behind the scenes. Brookfield is an investor in Figure AI and also has a stake in Catalyst Brands. Figure says this is the first commercial bridge between Figure and a Brookfield portfolio company.
If the robots perform well in Reno, the companies could look for more ways to use them across the business.
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The robots will first assist with repetitive sorting and packing work inside Catalyst’s updated distribution center. (Figure AI)
What Figure AI has not revealed yet
The announcement leaves out several key details. We do not know how many robots Figure AI will deploy. We do not know the exact start date. We also do not know whether Catalyst is buying the robots, leasing them or using a robots-as-a-service model. The companies have also not said how many human roles could change because of the rollout.
Figure AI says the robots are being integrated into Catalyst’s distribution facility and will focus on physically demanding work. However, the release does not spell out the exact jobs the robots will handle day to day.
That missing information gives people room to worry. It also gives people room to guess. And online, people did both. Some thought humanoid robots were coming straight into stores. Others focused on the bigger fear, which is that robots could take over jobs that people depend on.
Why humanoid robots make workers nervous
The fear around this deal goes beyond one company. Workers have already watched companies use AI to cut costs, slow hiring and reorganize teams. Now, physical robots are entering spaces where people lift, sort, pack and move products. That feels different.
Figure AI and Catalyst say the robots can handle routine tasks and help associates shift toward higher-value work. That sounds promising. However, workers may hear a very different message. They may wonder who gets retrained. They may also wonder who gets replaced. Companies cannot brush off those concerns. If humanoid robots are coming into more workplaces, workers deserve clear answers.
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The big question is whether humanoid robots will help workers handle tough warehouse tasks or eventually replace some of those jobs. (Figure AI)
Why retail companies want warehouse robots
Warehouse work can be tough on the body. People lift boxes, move products, repeat the same motions and race to keep up when orders spike. That is why retail companies are looking hard at automation.
Figure’s pitch is that humanoid robots can fit into places already built for people. They do not need a warehouse rebuilt from scratch. In theory, they can step into certain jobs and help with repetitive work.
For a retailer, that could mean products move faster, and workers face less physical strain. It could also help during busy shopping seasons, when distribution centers get slammed.
What to watch next with Figure AI robots
The next big signal will be whether Catalyst expands the robot program beyond Reno. A small rollout may be a learning test. A wider deployment would point to a much larger shift in how retailers move products.
Watch for details on robot count, job duties and worker impact. Those specifics will tell us more than anything else. Also, pay attention to how companies talk about employees. If they say robots will help workers move into better roles, they should explain exactly how that will happen. Workers deserve more than buzzwords.
What this means for you
These robots may start in a warehouse, but the ripple effect could eventually reach workers, shoppers and prices.
For shoppers, the upside is easy to see. If robots help move products faster, stores may have fewer empty shelves. Online orders could also move through warehouses more quickly.
For workers, it gets more complicated. Companies often say robots will take over the hardest tasks so people can move into better roles. That sounds good, but workers need more than a promise. They need training. They need clear answers. They also need to know whether a robot is there to help them or replace them.
And for the rest of us, this raises a bigger question. Are we comfortable with retailers using humanoid robots if it makes shopping faster or cheaper? Or do we want companies to prove that people are still part of the plan?
Kurt’s key takeaways
Figure AI’s deal with Catalyst Brands shows how quickly humanoid robots are entering our workplaces. For now, these robots are starting in a distribution center. They are not walking through the aisles at JCPenney. That distinction is important. Still, the bigger concern remains. People want to know whether these machines will help workers or slowly push them aside. Automation can reduce hard physical work. It can also create real fear when companies avoid direct answers. Humanoid robots may soon become a normal part of warehouse operations for retailers. The real test will be whether companies use them in a way that helps people, instead of treating people like a cost to cut.
Would you shop with a retailer that uses humanoid robots in its warehouses, or would that make you think twice? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Valve now says that the delayed Steam Machine PC and Steam Frame VR headset are set to launch sometime this summer. In a Thursday blog post detailing its Verified programs for both pieces of hardware, Valve concludes by saying that “We’re excited for players to try your titles on the new Steam hardware once they launch this summer.”
When the company originally announced the Machine and Frame alongside its new Steam Controller late last year, it said that it would start shipping the new gadgets in early 2026. But in February, the company announced that the ongoing memory and storage crunch had forced it to revisit its pricing and shipping plans. And in March, Valve said in a blog post that it would be “shipping all three products this year” — though that was after the company initially said in the post that “we hope to ship in 2026,” which it removed in an update.
Valve opted to release the Steam Controller on its own, putting it up for sale in early May. For the Machine and Frame, while “summer” isn’t exactly a specific date, it narrows the window for when the products might finally come out.
Ahead of actually launching the devices, Valve is redesigning the Steam store and sharing information about the Verified programs for the hardware so that developers can prepare their games. Like with the Steam Deck, if a game is verified for the Machine or the Frame, the badge signals that the game should work well without any tweaks from the user.
For the Machine, the requirements for a game to be verified are “nearly identical” to what they are for the Steam Deck. With the Machine being “roughly six times as powerful” as the Deck, in theory, many more games will be verified for it. Valve also says that it’s testing “every title on Machine that fell below our performance requirements on Deck.”
For the Frame, Valve’s verified badge will signify games that run well while being played natively on the headset — as opposed to games that work well streamed to the headset, which the Frame is also capable of. “Like Steam Deck Verified, the Steam Frame Standalone Verified program focuses on the experience customers will have with the device out-of-the-box in standalone mode,” Valve says.
Now, we just need Valve to share exactly when the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will be released and how much they might cost. After last week’s price hikes for the Steam Deck, I’m gearing up for sticker shock.
Tan and countless other DIYers are attracting millions of views showing off the personal computers they’ve built inside purses, jewelry boxes, toys, and old tech, hiding Raspberry Pi boards inside art projects.
Cyberdecks, but make it fashion
The colorful, quirky builds popping up across social media are a drastic shift away from the typical look the cyberdecks we’ve featured have had, which often consisted of a 3D-printed chassis or a rugged box like a Pelican case, usually with a cyberpunk-style design.
Inside, these homemade devices are essentially mini Linux computers for specific tasks, usually done offline, like reading, journaling, or listening to music. But now, a cyberdeck doesn’t have to look like a computer at all.
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A phone call may have opened the door to a major telecom security scare involving Charter Communications, the company behind Spectrum. Charter is one of the largest broadband and cable providers in the United States, serving more than 32 million customers across more than 40 states with internet, cable TV, mobile and phone service.
The company has confirmed a cybersecurity incident after the ransomware group ShinyHunters listed it on a leak site. Charter says the most sensitive customer information was not released. However, the hackers claim they stole millions of records, which means customers should stay alert for scams that may follow.
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TRANSUNION BECOMES LATEST VICTIM IN MAJOR WAVE OF SALESFORCE-LINKED CYBERATTACKS, 4.4M AMERICANS AFFECTED
Charter says the breach affected business customer sales tools, while hackers claim they stole a much larger set of customer records. (Charter Communications)
What happened in the Charter data breach
The incident became public after ShinyHunters added Charter to its data leak site. The ransomware group claimed it breached the company’s systems and threatened to release stolen data unless a ransom was paid.
Charter has confirmed it is aware of the situation. The company says it is following security protocols and working with authorities. CyberGuy reached out to Charter for comment. A Charter spokesperson provided this statement:
“We are aware of the situation, following our security protocols and are working with appropriate authorities. Only sales tools used to manage current, past and prospective Business customers were impacted; no CPNI or sensitive PI was released by the threat actor.”
In other words, Charter says the breach affected sales tools used for current, past and prospective business customers. The company also says hackers did not release sensitive personal information or private telecom account data. Private telecom account data can include details tied to someone’s service, account activity or communication services. For customers, the key point is this: Charter says the incident was limited. The hackers are making a much broader claim.
What ShinyHunters claims it stole from Charter
ShinyHunters claims the attack happened on April 1, 2026. The group says it used a voice phishing scam, also known as vishing, to get inside.
A vishing attack usually starts with a phone call. The attacker pretends to be someone trustworthy, often IT support, customer service or a security employee. Then the scammer tries to pressure the person into approving access, sharing a code or opening a company system.
According to ShinyHunters, the attackers obtained access to a Microsoft Entra account belonging to an employee. Microsoft Entra helps companies manage employee logins and access. From there, the group claims it accessed Charter’s Salesforce system. ShinyHunters says it pulled customer names, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers, phone types, plan information and support ticket data.
The group also claims some private telecom account data was stolen. Charter denies that sensitive personal information or private telecom account data was released. That gap between Charter’s statement and the hackers’ claims is why customers should pay attention.
1 CLICK COST A FATHER $4 MILLION IN BITCOIN TO VISHING SCAMMERS
Phone-based phishing attacks can trick employees into giving hackers access to company systems before anyone realizes what happened. (Charter Communications)
Why the Charter breach could affect you
Even if the most sensitive information was not released, exposed contact details can still create problems. Scammers can use names, email addresses, phone numbers, addresses and service details to make fake messages feel more believable. They may pretend to be Charter, Spectrum, billing support or technical support.
A scammer might claim your account needs verification. They could warn that your service will be disconnected. They may also offer a fake refund or ask you to update your payment information. That is where customers can get caught off guard.
The scam may sound more believable if the person already knows your provider or account details. That does not mean you should panic. It does mean you should slow down before clicking, replying or sharing anything.
What companies can learn from the Charter breach
This incident also shows why companies need to take phone-based attacks seriously. Hackers no longer need to rely only on malicious emails. Sometimes, they call an employee and talk their way into a system.
Companies should train workers to verify unexpected support calls. They should also limit employee access, monitor unusual logins and use stronger sign-in protections for cloud tools.
Salesforce, Microsoft Entra and other business platforms can hold valuable customer information. That makes them attractive targets. A convincing phone call should never be enough to open the door.
10 SIGNS YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING SOLD ONLINE
Customers should watch for fake Spectrum messages, billing alerts and support calls that use breach news to sound more convincing. (Charter Communications)
Ways to stay safe after the Charter data breach
You may not control what happens inside a company’s systems, but you can control how quickly you react to suspicious calls, texts, emails and account changes.
1) Watch for fake Charter and Spectrum messages
Be careful with unexpected calls, texts or emails claiming to come from Charter or Spectrum. Do not click links in surprise messages. Instead, open the official Spectrum app or type the company’s website into your browser.
2) Do not share login codes by phone
Never give a one-time login code to someone who calls you. Scammers often ask for these codes because they are trying to break into your account. A real support agent should not need you to read that code out loud.
3) Change your Spectrum password
If you have a Spectrum account, change your password. Use a strong password that you do not use anywhere else. A password manager can help you create and save stronger passwords without having to remember each one. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.
4) Check your account details
Log in through the official Spectrum website or app. Review your email address, phone number, billing information and account settings. If anything looks strange, contact Spectrum directly through a verified number.
5) Watch for fake billing alerts
Scammers may use breach news to send fake payment warnings. They might say your card failed or that your account will be suspended. Do not pay through a link in a text or email. Go directly to your account instead.
6) Let unknown callers go to voicemail
If someone calls claiming to be from Charter or Spectrum, do not rely on caller ID. Scammers can spoof real company numbers. Let the call go to voicemail. Then call back using a number from your bill or the official website.
7) Use strong antivirus software
Install strong antivirus software on your devices. It can help detect malicious links, fake websites, malware and other online threats. That extra layer helps if you accidentally click something risky. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
8) Use a data removal service
A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information appears on people-search sites and data broker databases. After a breach, scammers often combine leaked information with public records. The less they can find about you online, the harder it becomes to make a scam feel personal. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
9) Consider identity theft protection
If your personal information appears in a breach, identity theft protection can help you spot suspicious activity faster. Some services monitor the dark web, alert you to possible misuse and help with recovery steps. You can also check your credit reports and consider a credit freeze if you are worried about identity theft. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at CyberGuy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Charter data breach story comes down to two very different claims. Charter says the incident affected sales tools for business customers and that hackers did not release sensitive personal or private telecom account information. ShinyHunters claims it stole millions of records with customer details. Until more facts come out, the safest move is to stay alert. Check your account, avoid surprise links and be careful with anyone who calls claiming to be from Charter or Spectrum. Even basic contact information can help a scammer sound more convincing.
Should companies do more to protect your data from phone-based attacks before one employee mistake turns into a breach? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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