NEC has put out a prototype robot that functions as a family companion of sorts. It is suprisingly advanced: it recognizes individals based on stored images, it can understand rougly 650 words, it reacts to the way a person interacts with it, and it connects to the internet to gather information on the weather and driving conditions. See NEC's site at: http://www.incx.nec.co.jp/robot/english/robotcenter_e.html
A version was also made a a babysitter robot that plays with kids and has a camera by which parents can check in on their children while they are presumably away at work. http://www.incx.nec.co.jp/robot/english/childcare/index.html
I am curious as to peoples' feelings on the advancement of AI-like and eventually true AI capable robots that interact with humans. To me, the subject is interesting because it begs questions about the definitions of "living" and "soul." How will the introduction of thinking and/or emotional robots change humanity's thoughts on humanity. I, for one, am a proponent of the notion that it is not matter that is the basis of existance, but information. What are our physical bodies but an expression of our DNA? And what is a stone but a configuration of atoms and electrons as dictated by some mathmatical/geometrical equation?
Can a robot have a soul and, if so, when we create a robot and say that it has a soul, are we also claiming to have created life?
Thoughts?
TowerMart
I have heard ideas that consciousness emerges when a system becomes complicated enough much like an ecosystem emerges when enough different species of plants and animals come together. It is called the Emergant Pricipal i think. So if we create a computer that has enough circuits that it meets this critical mass it is possible that consciousness will emerge.
Pretty Crazy.
We will probably see this proved or disproved in the next ten years I would guess.
Colin,
Here's another interesting idea on this subject. I emailed NEC to ask whether they had considered producing a robot to help disabled people; specifically, I noted that a robot with the current capabilities of PaPeRo, enhanced only slightly, might truly be a Godsend to a blind person. Think, a seeing-eye-robot. Seemed cool to me at least.
Now there is a good use for technology. It seems that a robot would be much more reliable than a dog. Porbably able to do more also.
Thats no good. I do not know what a robot babysitter could do long term to a childs emotional well being. safety is another issue that needs to be addressed.
Tons and Trees
briefly,
Laurah