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More Than Meets the Eye

Monday, July 30, 2007

Robots with artificial intelligence have been a science fiction staple for decades, but now some researchers might be close to making them a reality. New York Times contributing writer Robin Marantz Henig and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Rodney Brooks describe new machines that can make eye contact, read social cues, and even help out around the house. Are they too good to be true?

Read Henig's article, "The Real Transformers."

Weigh in: What would you like a robot to do?

Click here to see robot photos by Stephen Lewis for The New York Times.


Comments

  • [1] Donna from Tashkent, Uzbekistan July 30, 2007 - 04:11AM

    I am a native New Yorker who has been living and working in Asia (Viet Nam, Philippines, Uzbekistan)for the last nine years. I have four cats -- they go where I go. If I had a robot I would love it to spot when each of my little ones heads to the bathroom to use one of the three litter boxes in my house, and then to clean it out immediately after use.

    cheers


  • [2] bk from tribeca July 30, 2007 - 10:21AM

    love me


  • [3] Brad from Whippany, NJ July 30, 2007 - 12:18PM

    When Robots become autonomous to perform certain tasks, who will bare the responsibility for liability for damage or injury that they may cause? Will we have robot insurance, like car insurance?


  • [4] RD July 30, 2007 - 12:22PM

    Curious if the guests could share the thoughts within the researchers' community re: what is the end result with respect to developing robots. Is there uniform agreement as to how far development should go into the future? Is there debate within the community re: going to far/"playing god" to an extent?


  • [5] kale from NYC July 30, 2007 - 12:24PM

    i would like a robot to kill humans off and then live in peace.


  • [6] Paul July 30, 2007 - 12:25PM

    There was a marvelous episode on Star Trek TNG where it was proposed that Data be taken apart so his brain could be used as a prototype for further studies. The issue was what rights a sentient robot had. Any thoughts?


  • [7] chestine from NY July 30, 2007 - 12:32PM

    I'd like a robot to clean my apt. and maybe run errands if that would be safe. Do laundry, keep order in the house, clean, maybe help with kitchen prep - I'd like a full time housekeeper!!


  • [8] RD July 30, 2007 - 12:34PM

    Haven't any of these people seen the movie "Terminator"? All R&D into robots should be halted immediately before it's too late!


  • [9] Seyna from NYC July 30, 2007 - 12:34PM

    This reminds me of the Harry Harlow experiments in the 50's and 60's, where he had two fake "mothers" for baby monkeys: one stick-like, one soft. The babies were always more attracted to the soft one, but even a stick with a mother-like body structure was better than no mommy at all!


  • [10] Donna from New York City July 30, 2007 - 12:47PM

    Is anyone familiar with Dr. Masahiro Mori's "The Buddha in the Robot," published in 1974. It was in my library at the time. As I recall, he was a robot engineer, had a practical and engaging style, as I recall, and without abstract philosophical views (he is a Buddhist), pitched his views of how Buddhist principles are at work in modern society. Is he still alive?

    Donna


  • [11] lb from ft.greene July 30, 2007 - 02:58PM

    I would like a robot to do my filing at work....and carry me home when I am tired. The dishes would be nice too.


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