Automatonic ponderings...

Ah, robots. Perhaps the most-loved computer product ever (if you don't count video games!). Many a moviegoer/reader has pondered the idea of robots developing intelligence and taking over the world , or being a friend and companion. However, robots will never reach this stage.

A realistic robot "friend" would be an animal kept as a pet; a being that you love that seems to love and recognize you. Examples of these "friends": Sony's AIBO, WowWee's numerous toy "robots" (not robots per se, since they have remote controls, but they can be programmed and they do have a "roam" mode), the amazing Pleo, and countless others.

Robots' practical purpose is to do menial tasks, tasks humans could be killed in, or tasks too precise for human limbs. These robots already manufacture economy cars (your Rolls will never be machine-made!), defuse bombs, vacuum your house, get you an ice-cold drink, etc.

Something that I have read in many places and agree with:

• Japanese engineers, as a whole, are interested in practical robots (Honda ASIMO) and friend robots (Sony AIBO).
• American engineers, as a whole, are interested only in practical robots (iRobot Roomba).

I would like to see a future where Fido/Tiger/insert pet name here could be a robot, instead to be a furry friend! Until then, I'll be fine with Pleo.

What are you're thoughts about automatons? Sound off in the comments to this post!

Picture of Sonny (I, Robot) from:
http://hoopla.nu/films/ir/ir_3.jpg