Robots and the Future
by Is it possible to create a humanoid robot that has a soul and emotions?
Science and technology is starting to delve into the possibility of creating a humanoid robot that can feel, think and act in the same way as any human. They are experimenting on the human brain, linking robotic hands to our brain synapses, creating full models of humanoid robots that are now in the beginning stages in their design, now taken on as a technological challenge. What is to become of this technology in the future and to what limits will we take our exploration into the arena of creating humanoid robots?
Technology and science certainly offers us innumerable comforts within our world, not to mention lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to people who have extreme medical conditions and need the help of science and technology to live comfortable within their everyday lives. The creation of robot limbs, helps to allow a person to walk again, the introduction of synthetic body parts, such as a heart pump can help a person to live longer. The technological changes certainly have their great benefits and the skies the limit when it comes to possibility of what we can create in the future.
With every passing year we see new inventions coming into use, new electrical appliances, new scientific discoveries that change not only how we live life, but also how we view our life as a whole. Most see technology as a change for the better, something that can enhance our lives and bring to us a better way of living life with more comfort and time for recreation. Although we are at the beginning stages of the technology era, to how far do we go with our need to manipulate matter in order to make our environment better?
When it comes to the idea of humanoid robots this topic comes into the forefront, bringing forth the concept of ethics and reasons behind producing certain types of technology. Is it not enough to create electronic limbs in order to help a human live life, to enhance the lives of paraplegic people who can use electrical devices in order to do certain tasks? Why would we need to create a humanoid robot, if it is not only just to say that we have achieved this endeavor, to say that we are now able to create life, just as if we are god like and in control of all that we experience. Perhaps this is just an egotistical endeavor that might end up our own misfortune in the end.
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Post CommentGabe C
On March 11, 2009 at 9:53 am
So to your point that machines can never have souls, I agree and am glad for it. I think machines with a sense of self are a very scary prospect, as it would not take them long to figure out they are better than us (ever see I, Robot?).
Anyway, the sad reality is that no matter who comes up with a technology, the military always ends up with their hands on it, so you can count on it being used for evil.
I think the purpose of a humanoid robot is not at all practical; some say giving robots faces makes them more personable, but I think it’s just to prove it can be done.
Let’s hope robots don’t take over any more important jobs (did you read about the robot teacher in Japan?), or we’re really heading for trouble!
Stacey T Pollock
On March 12, 2009 at 6:13 am
Yes, I agree, they will start to take over certain jobs, that can be just as easily done by any human. Then people get used to them being around, as if they are normal, then they become first our teachers, than our nannies, our cleaners, they will cook for us, serve us and be seen as something we cannot live without…when in all truth we can live without these things. We are just as capable as any robot to perform in life, and do the tasks that are needed to survive, otherwise we would not be where we are now today.
FOREVER POETRY
On March 14, 2009 at 6:04 pm
INTERESTING THOUGHTS.BUT THE SCARIEST TECHNOLOGY TO ME IS CLONING TECHNOLOGY. THIS IS ACTUAL LIFE BEING CREATED AND HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE SOMEONE TRIES TO IMPROVE THE HUMAN RACE WITH SUPER STRENGTH OR HIGHER BRAIN CAPACITY. MACHINES AT LEAST CAN BE CONTROLLED, BUT CLONES ARE A WHOLE NOTHER STORY.
CHAN LEE PENG
On March 15, 2009 at 9:17 am
Of course, robot has taken of almost human’s tasks. But I think, they cannot completely replace the ROLE of human. They shall never have soul and feeling as humans.
Great piece!
Lauren Axelrod
On March 21, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I agree with Chan here. Although the thought of a robot being able to take on ordinary tasks would be interesting, there would be a downside of the lack of emotion
Stacey T Pollock
On March 21, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Yes, exactly! They would be a walking souless machine, and nothing more. Emotion and personality goes far deeper than just systematic computer programming.
Ruby Hawk
On March 22, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Your article reminds me of a science fiction story I read many years ago. I don’t remember the title or the author but it was about an astronaut who was sent to another planet. A female robot was made to go with him who looked and behaved exactly like a real woman. He fell in love with the robot. Anyway it was an interesting story that really made me think. I have read many books since then and only remember a handful, but this story stuck in my mind.
I think it was the fact that we can know something is not real and still can feel it is.
Simon J R Holmes
On April 16, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Nice article. You might find my novel, Animals Are Automata, interesting: it discusses what might happen in a future where artificial humans are created, particularly related to their role in fulfilling sexual desire.
http://www.lulu.com/content/439724