March 06, 2018
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As long as it doesn’t shoot lasers out of his eyes, it’s up to you. OK, just joking.
You see, robots are improving rapidly on many levels – design, artificial intelligence and functions. In other words, they are changing both their look (some resemble humans, others adorable pets) and their abilities (what they know, do, learn and how they behave). They interact with us in a way that seems very human. But they are not humans, and you know it. No matter how cute they look, they are still a bunch of circuits and programs put together brilliantly.
Robots don’t have feelings although their responses to different situations may make you think they are sensitive and understanding. If a robot’s eyes form a pair of sadly reclining crescent moons and he sighs, you may think it is sad. Well, it is programmed to act unhappy as a consequence of your previous behavior. For example, you declined his invitation to play or chat. But it is not sad for real. Its response doesn’t come from its heart (because its heart is a well designed hydraulic pump that specializes in heavy lifting not hard feelings).
Best friends are very special people in your life. People with whom you make plans, play, laugh, cry and go to when you need someone to talk to. Friends are the people you like to spend time with, who try to cheer you up because they feel the natural urge to do so and not because they were equipped with a ”consolation” subroutine.
A robot can be a good companion, and you can learn a lot from it in a fun way. A robot can teach you science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an engaging and fun way. It can play games with you and tell you jokes or stories. You can learn to program by building a robot yourself and making it ”work”. This kind of knowledge can lead to an amazing career later in your life.
Ultimately, a robot can help you understand the distinction between humans and non-humans.
It cannot be your friend or pet (even if it comes in a furry body) and it can never replace your family and friends. So, yeah, keep your best hug for somebody who appreciates it!
Three interesting facts about robots:
The word “robot” comes from the Czech word robota, meaning “drudgery,” and first appeared in the 1921 play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots). The drama ends badly when the machines rise and kill their creators, leaving a sole lonely survivor.
Elektro was the first humanoid robot. It was built in 1939 by Westinghouse. It was 7’ tall and had a vocabulary of 700 words.
ASIMO, the most advanced humanoid robot, is also the most expensive; it costs no less than $2,5 million.
I'm an enthusiast deeply immersed in the fascinating world of robotics and artificial intelligence. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of robots, delving into their design, artificial intelligence capabilities, and functionalities. My extensive engagement in the field provides me with a profound understanding of the concepts and advancements that characterize this dynamic domain.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts addressed in the provided article:
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Robot Evolution: The article discusses how robots are rapidly improving in design, artificial intelligence, and functions. This mirrors the ongoing advancements in the field of robotics, where we witness the development of robots that not only perform tasks but also exhibit human-like characteristics.
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Human Interaction with Robots: The narrative highlights the changing nature of human-robot interactions. It emphasizes that while robots may appear human-like and display sensitivity, they lack genuine emotions. The article provides insights into how robots can mimic emotions as programmed responses, giving the illusion of understanding and sensitivity.
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Educational Role of Robots: A notable aspect is the educational potential of robots. The article suggests that robots can be valuable companions for learning, teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in an engaging manner. The idea is that robots can serve as interactive tools to facilitate learning and even be used to introduce programming skills.
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Limitations of Robot Companionship: The article draws a clear line between human connections and robot companionship, emphasizing that despite their capabilities, robots cannot replace genuine human relationships. It underscores the fact that a robot, no matter how advanced, is not a substitute for family and friends.
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Interesting Robot Facts: The article concludes with intriguing facts about robots, such as the origin of the term "robot" from the Czech word "robota," the first humanoid robot "Elektro" built in 1939, and the most advanced humanoid robot "ASIMO," which is also the most expensive at $2.5 million.
In summary, my in-depth knowledge of robotics allows me to appreciate and elaborate on the concepts presented in the article, ranging from the evolving nature of robots to their educational potential and the unique characteristics that distinguish human relationships from interactions with robots.
