For when the metal ones come for you.
And they will.
Posted on 10/24/2006 12:48:26 PM PDT by Dark Skies
The public must prepare for a technological "revolution" which could soon see robots occupying every area of human life, from space explorers to gardeners and lovers, scientists said today.
Researchers said concern about the possibilities of robotic technology was "whipped up" by science fiction, and it was important for people to know what part robots might play in our future.
The scientists were speaking at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London, where they - along with their robotic companions - were launching a nationwide programme, Walking with Robots.
The scheme, involving eight UK universities, aims to get people of all ages to engage with cutting edge robotics research.
Roboticist Professor Noel Sharkey from the University of Sheffield said: "Robots are coming thick and fast with robot domestics, gardeners, cooks, companions, lovers, taxis, factory workers, space explorers, soldiers, maybe police and certainly pets.
"Public concern about these new metal 'friends' is whipped up by science fiction, but what are the facts? Will these robots think? Will they have emotions? Will they be mentally superior to us? Could my boss be a robot? Will they take over the planet and write interesting sitcoms?
"The public need to be prepared for the revolution."
Another of the researchers, Professor Owen Holland from the University of Essex, said: "Although robotics has not yet progressed as fast and as far as the special effects you see in science fiction films, it is already clear that robots may one day play a big part in our lives.
"We believe it is important for the general public to know what is possible now, and what might be possible in the future.
"The best way of achieving this is for them to meet roboticists and robots, to see and hear for themselves what we're working on, to ask questions - especially the ones we don't always ask ourselves - and then to let us know what they think."
Activities in the programme will include the Young People's Task Force, a select committee of students who will examine emergent issues in robotics, and Hunter and Hunted, a robot programming contest.
So Al Gore is Running in '08 ?????
I, for one, welcome our new robotic overlords...
"every area of human life, from space explorers to gardeners and lovers"
ok, I might could handle a robot gardener, but a robot lover? Get real! That's just plain silly.
I'm with you. I think I'll pass on that.
I thought this was an interesting discussion piece, but I suggest the author might be a wee bit alarmist. ;-)
Robots are easy!!!!
Yeah, baby!
I'm already married to one of those - I don't need another. :-)
Styx - Mr. Roboto Lyrics
(Dennis DeYoung)
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto,
Mata ah-oo hima de
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto,
Himitsu wo shiri tai
You're wondering who I am-machine or mannequin
With parts made in Japan, I am the modren man
I've got a secret I've been hiding under my skin
My heart is human, my blood is boiling, my brain I.B.M.
So if you see me acting strangely, don't be surprised
I'm just a man who needed someone, and somewhere to hide
To keep me alive-just keep me alive
Somewhere to hide to keep me alive
I'm not a robot without emotions-I'm not what you see
I've come to help you with your problems, so we can be free
I'm not a hero, I'm not a saviour, forget what you know
I'm just a man whose circumstances went beyond his control
Beyond my control-we all need control
I need control-we all need control
I am the modren man, who hides behind a mask
So no one else can see my true identity
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo...domo
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo...domo
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo...domo
Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For doing the jobs that nobody wants to
And thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For helping me escape just when I needed to
Thank you-thank you, thank you
I want to thank you, please, thank you
The problem's plain to see: too much technology
Machines to save our lives. Machines dehumanize.
The time has come at last
To throw away this mask
So everyone can see
My true identity...
I'm Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy!
I thought we were supposed to get MonkeyButlers...
Several FReepers will be disappointed when the Robots decide to "Build many houses" given the bursting bubble. :)
Shame on you! LOL
Are they crossing the border too?
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