Robots == Humans?
In many of the robotics articles that I read or listen to (for podcast), many seem to think that we should build robots that look like us humans.
To that my question is “Do we really need to?”
There is no common argument but it seems to me why most people want robots to look like humans is because its easier to “relate” to. Plus to me there is a notion here that humans wants to be superior, cos we are able to build a replica of ourselves.
Now some may argue, by building robots that look like humans will help us to empathize these robots since they are “one of us”. However that is not the case since we also tend to feel for our pets (another living species) and even their own Roombas (mobile non-living thing).
I am of the opinion that we should design, engineer and build robotics that are suitable for the task at hand, keeping in mind maintenance in the long run as well.
What does it mean? Well we humans have this “annoying” biological joints or to be more precise the limitation presented by our body and skeleton. Try scratching that annoying itch in your back and you start to realize your hands, arms and joints have limitation unless your are sadomasochistic or you have been practicing extreme yoga poses since young.
In conclusion, what I want to discuss about is the need for robots to look like human or not. And my opinion is such that we do not need to and stop it from boxing us when what is more important is to design, engineer and build robots that can make humanity live better and perhaps more sustainable.
Your thoughts? Do share them in the comments. :)
I agree with this:
“I am of the opinion that we should design, engineer and build robotics that are suitable for the task at hand, keeping in mind maintenance in the long run as well.”
Those are the pieces. If it works, and if it is somehow maintainable (including self).
If it is for human use, then that should influence the UX. Make it a humanoid or a pet for instance. A giant submarine sitting in my living room would make less sense than a cat I can actually talk to.
If it is not for human use, then the environment it is used in should be considered. Maybe it needs to be tiny and work as a swarm, or big enough to carry something heavy, etc.
Awesome article. I like this kind of thinking much more than random discussions about the model of the day.