Computer AI Here to Say Hi

                With the development of increasingly advanced computers and robots, many scientists are exploring possible applications of robots for private and public concerns. The article Close Engagements with Artificial Companions, by Sherry Tuckle, explores the possible purposes and benefits of robots tailored to replicate human interaction.

                Emotional investment in objects is hardly a new occurrence and while it would be weird to see someone talking to a tv screen, people already “talk” to various devices that have voice commands.  A robot that responded to human interaction would simply take this exchange one step further; providing personal feedback developed for the user instead of a rudimentary service. While some people debate robots’ ability to replicate human emotion, this is a moot point given that we can already successfully simulate human emotion in movies and tv shows.

                The article placed a lot of emphasis on the advantage of a controlled simulated relationship against possibly sour relationships with other people. While some people would genuinely prefer a well simulated relationship, for the control, safety, and novelty of it, the price of advanced AI’s makes this a very narrow market.

The article raises little argument regarding who would pay for these robots and without marketability, even if the technology existed it wouldn’t have much impact or use. All things considered the development of robots as privately owned “friends” seems like a low priority for technological development, at least until robots are as marketable as cars are at present.

                The development and research of robots ability to read human emotion and behavior and respond does however serve numerous interests in the current future of robots and artificial intelligences. When programing a robot’s decision making, it is important to consider how the robot will respond to people. While being to tell people apart from other things is important, being able to identify emotion would allow robots in public use to identify who needs help and judge how others view its actions.

                Overall, the article raises up an interesting topic, but provides little detail on how it would be implemented and who would be able to pay for it. While developments in robotics will have a significant impact on the future, private use of robots with an AI sufficient for these won’t be available to most consumers. With little application in public facilities and a miniscule market for private use, artificial robot companions seem like a topic for another time.