We Have Nothing to Fear But…

A UK-based paper published an article discussing the possibility of robots eventually overthrowing mankind.  Because of a debate raised by scientists at The Science Museum, the issue has been given some light.

So then that brings me to my question:  Should we be worried?

As of today, robots are used mainly in scenarios that are too dangerous or tedious for humans.  Many aspects of production now rely on robots, and that seems safe.  Mechanical arms are unlikely to be programmed to think for themselves or harm anyone.

Yet, the Korean military is developing robots programmed to shoot individuals on sight, the Japanese are attempting to create child-raising robots and the U.S. military is developing robotic helicopters that are programmed to kill as well.

How far is too far?  Should we play God by creating a race (likely in our own image) that could eventually deny us as their masters and creators?  Really, who could we trust to program machines like this?  Clearly, man has never known limits before, but then again, man rarely considers the consequences.

 

What’s your flavor?

Professor Kerstin Dautenhahn and her team from the University of Hertfordshire Science and Technology Research Institute have conducted a study regarding people and the robot companion they choose.

The project was an investigation on people and what type of robot they would prefer to interact with and in what manner.  For their study, the team looked at two very broad personality types–extroverted and introverted.  Their thery is that robots should not be build and then have programs applied to them prior to placement, but rather that people should be involved with the building of robots they are going to interact with.

Their findings have shown that people with extrovert type personalities prefer humanoid robots whereas introverts tend to lean toward more machanical looking models.

 

A Helping ‘Hand’

The aging Baby Boomer generation may find some help from an unusual place.

Developers at the University of Massachussetts Amherst have created a robotic aid that can help perform tasks for the elderly, as well as serve as a reminder for medication doses, call 911 for help when needed, alert clients of incoming phone calls and act as a medium for doctors to make ‘house calls’.  The u-BOT5 is also capable of detecting dangerous situations (such as an object in the way) and act as a communication hub.

Fitted with sensors that allow it to ’see’ ad ‘hear’, the u-BOT5 will help ease the stress that is expected in the healthcare industry when more than 77 million Americans retire in the next few decades.

 

A Beautiful Mind

Researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden have been developing a new method of programming robotic minds.  The COSPAL project aims to model robotic thinking after human thinking.  People don’t make decisions or react based on predetermined mathmatical equations.  Learning is based on experience and enviornment.

The COSPAL (Cognitive Systems: Perception, Action, Learning) project has led to a cognitive robotic system that enables the robot to make decisions based on its past experiences and observation of humans as well as use those experiences to create reactions in unforseen situations.

 Alng these lines, robots may soon find their way out of traditional laboratories and factories and eventually living and learning among humans.

 

RoboCup German Open

In the US, soccer is already flying below the radar–so a soccer competition for robots is bound to turn some heads.

Over 80 teams are expected to compete from April 21-25 at the Hannover Messe.

And if you thought soccer training for people was intense, you have no idea what it takes for a robot to compete.  A complex series of sensors, camera and processors are required in order for the robot to recognize the ball, sidelines and other ‘players’.

The leagues are split into classes which include robots on wheels, four-legged competitors and humanoids.

 

Polly want a byte?

Scientists at the University of Hertfordshire working on a program known as ITALK–and no, it isnt a new Apple product.  It stands for the Integration and Transfer of Action and Language Knowledge in Robots.  “What?”  Well basically the project aims to not simply program a robot to speak, but to TEACH it to and to actually mimic a developing vocabulary.

The vessel for the experiments is iCub.  You might actually be charmed by him.  He’s about a three and a half feet tall and looks something like this.

The scientists are teaching iCub language by the same methods parents use to teach their children.  They talk to him and put him through a series of child-learning activities (remember trying to put the round peg in the square hole?  He might too!)

iCub will put together what he learns himself and from others to develop language.

 

Adopt a Robot

I’m not exactly sure how to feel about this, but you’ve got to admit it’s impressive.

Japansese scientists have created an android toddler (see humanoid robot) that can walk, talk and feel.  His name is CB2 and he weighs 73 lbs and stands 4′3″.  His skin is made of silicon and it conceals 197 sensors that give CB2 his sense of touch.  He’s able to react to his surroundings via 51 compressed air-powered actuators.

CB2 behaves just like a real toddler.  Dangle something in front of his face and he’ll grab for it.  He’ll also turn to face you if you tap him.  His developers are currently developing software so that he will walk more like a toddler and his vocabulary will be expanded to more closely resemble a 3-year-old.

Will robotic adoption be an option in the future?  What about real children who need a home?  And how will developers overcome the issue of making CB2 “grow up”?

 

Sex Drive Meets Hard Drive

Today it is difficult to walk down the street as a same-sex or interracial couple without attracting at least a stare or two.  However, one man claims that in about 40 years some couples may not even both be human.

His name is David Levy, and he is an articificial intelligence expert.

According to Levy, humans can and will be attracted to robotic counterparts in the very near future.  That’s not to say every man and woman will be seeking legal marriage to their toaster or vacuum cleaner, but it isnt too far off.

Levy has worked with software that makes robots more like humans.  It gives them artificial intelligence as well as the ability to portray human emotions.  Additionally, materials that look and feel just like human skin have already been developed.

If you’re still shaking your head in disbelief, then brace yourself, because studies have already shown that humans are more than capable of “falling in love” with a robot.

There are many people out there who are emotionally deficient or anti-social to the point where finding companionship in another person is out of the question.  “They’re lonely; they’re miserable,” says Levy. “I think society will be a much better place when they have an alternative that satisfies them without doing any harm to other people.”

There are, of course, many legal and ethical hurdles to overcome before Juliet needs to be recharged, but looking at the technological advancements of the past few decades, it really doesnt seem all that unlikely.

For more information please visit here.