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Public must prepare for 'robot revolution'
24dash.com ^ | 10/24/2006 | Ian Morgan

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.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: westworld
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To: Dark Skies

61 posted on 10/24/2006 1:40:02 PM PDT by PBRSTREETGANG
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To: Will_Zurmacht

That figures.


62 posted on 10/24/2006 1:41:08 PM PDT by redlocks322
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To: reagan_fanatic

I have the album. I like the song, but there is nothing else on the album that is worth listening too. Tommy it aint.


63 posted on 10/24/2006 1:41:30 PM PDT by RobRoy (Islam is a greater threat to the world today than Naziism was in 1937.)
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To: joebuck

Ouch...I take it the Mrs. isn't a poster here?


64 posted on 10/24/2006 1:43:28 PM PDT by Hildy
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To: Dark Skies

65 posted on 10/24/2006 1:44:48 PM PDT by PBRSTREETGANG
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To: Dark Skies

I'm going to give them cute names like Juan, Pedro or Lupe.


66 posted on 10/24/2006 1:49:52 PM PDT by wolfcreek (A personal attack is the reaction of an exhausted and/or disturbed mind.)
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To: Dark Skies
They come in piece.

Buncha wusses.

67 posted on 10/24/2006 1:50:34 PM PDT by Miss Behave (You can't negotiate with people who want to kill you more than they want to live. ~Caller to Hannity)
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To: MediaMole
Or you could use Instant Messenger!
68 posted on 10/24/2006 1:51:57 PM PDT by Alas Babylon!
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To: PBRSTREETGANG

My stepmother is an alien.


69 posted on 10/24/2006 1:52:25 PM PDT by Miss Behave (You can't negotiate with people who want to kill you more than they want to live. ~Caller to Hannity)
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To: PBRSTREETGANG
Lover robots sound great but...

Will it be acceptable for a married couple that would never consider "swinging" to have and use a lover robot?

Will your wife/husband always have a headache because your sexual needs are resolved easier by the robot appliance?

Will these devices marginalize sex in real relationships?

70 posted on 10/24/2006 1:52:49 PM PDT by Teflonic
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To: Dark Skies

Where can I get a Melanie Griffith chip for my Cherry 2000?


71 posted on 10/24/2006 1:55:56 PM PDT by NonValueAdded (Prayers for our patriot brother, 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub. Brian, we're all pulling for you!)
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Comment #72 Removed by Moderator

To: Dark Skies

73 posted on 10/24/2006 2:00:53 PM PDT by DCPatriot ("It aint what you don't know that kills you. It's what you know that aint so" Theodore Sturgeon)
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To: Dark Skies

Robot lovers - oh great, just what we need .... robosexuals!


74 posted on 10/24/2006 2:01:46 PM PDT by doc30 (Democrats are to morals what and Etch-A-Sketch is to Art.)
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To: MineralMan
Don't like women? Hmm....

Well, no I love women. Women are great.

I just wish that after sex they'd turn into a six-pack and a pizza.

75 posted on 10/24/2006 2:04:32 PM PDT by Fido969 ("The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax." - Albert Einstein)
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To: DCPatriot

Wow..."booty call."


76 posted on 10/24/2006 2:06:34 PM PDT by Dark Skies ("He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that" ... John Stuart Mill)
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To: Fido969

"Well, no I love women. Women are great.

I just wish that after sex they'd turn into a six-pack and a pizza."




I see. I guess my definition of "love" must differ from yours. Sounds like a robot would be perfect for you. You could just shut it off unless you wanted to "hit" it.

Never mind...


77 posted on 10/24/2006 2:07:02 PM PDT by MineralMan (Non-evangelical Atheist)
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To: Will_Zurmacht
In the next few decades Japanese Sim-sex manequins and network access will sell better than crack.....

Having been unfortunate enough to work with many Japanese at a local Honda supplier for three years I have no doubt that if anyone pioneers sex robots and sim-sex it will be Japan.

and that is all I got to say about that. LOL

78 posted on 10/24/2006 2:10:25 PM PDT by Condor 63
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To: MineralMan; Fido969

Dang, lighten up. Humor is good for the earthling health.


79 posted on 10/24/2006 2:18:42 PM PDT by Miss Behave (You can't negotiate with people who want to kill you more than they want to live. ~Caller to Hannity)
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To: Miss Behave

Sorry. My humor module has been recalled for a defect. It will be replaced shortly. My sexual module, however, is working quite well...if that is interesting to you.

I also have a recent update of my chef module. I could prepare a nice casserole for you, if that is your wish.


80 posted on 10/24/2006 2:24:01 PM PDT by MineralMan (Non-evangelical Atheist)
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