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The direction of robotics is something of a puzzle. On the one hand, the most successful robots are those designed for a single, repetitive function. On the other, there’s this insistence to create a human replicant: something “more human than human,” in the words of the Tyrell Corporation, despite the distinct limitations for success.
Take for example Engineered Arts’ RoboThespian. It has an impressive range of expression ability, all of which is controlled through a touch screen interface programmed in Adobe Flash AS3. It’s presently employed in science exhibits, as a teaching aid--where the repetitive strain can take a toll on a regular human. (And where it’s multi-lingual ability is a plus.) As a bonus, it has a better acting range than some from Hollywood that come to mind.
But will anthropomorphic robots every break away from their puppet-like qualities? They are cute, in their own way, but fundamentally limited in ability, and decidedly non-human in their comportment. If RoboThespian is the current state-of-the-art, then it may be a while before they acquire Asimovian characteristics--which is when they become really interesting.
Image Credit: Engineered Arts
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AudraMarcie
May 11, 2011 at 9:17am
I wouldn't be so surprised if Asimov's predictions will come true in the near future. I just imagine a RoboThespian who delivers beer of the month or serves food. Of course there is a long distance between this robot and those from Asimov's imagination, but who knows what's going to be in the future.
QuakindudeMod
March 01, 2010 at 5:31pm
Look at where robtics of the human emulating variety were just ten years ago.
This is yet another technology, like space flight and vehicles, that will continue to evolve as humanity continues to die and decompose. And like space flight, the dream will far outlive the pioneers to one day become rather common place and taken for granted.
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bingojubes
March 01, 2010 at 4:56pm
this idea is very cool to me. i think if they make a dozen or so, they can learn to interact with each other, and maybe eventually converse and do improv together. i think that would be very fun to see.
nekollx
March 01, 2010 at 4:54pm
But did he murder him?
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Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
