4. Home help robotic style, anybody?

Fascination comes from that which is non-human. Specifically, the wonderment of mechanical technology that performs human duties, or super human acts that a person daren't achieve.

The creation of Maillardet's Automaton in the 1800's stirred human interest, mystery, and awe as it offered a glimpse of the future http://www.fi.edu/pieces/knox/automaton/home.htm. It is important to note that technology at this time focussed primarily on transportation, and Humphry Davy’s light bulb invention. To observe, let alone own, a wind-up doll that can draw and write poetry was truly a marvellous experience, and pure genius as this paved the way for further successes. But such toys were only for the rich, or mechanically minded.

Today, modern robots such as Aldebaran Robitic's Nao humanoid (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://www.robotshop.com/ProductInfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ald-01) measuring at 57cm high can walk, talk, dance, and play music. They can even interact with other. Not equipped to do the dishes yet, but yes, you too can own one of these for a mere $15999.00 USD ($20,047.55 NZD comparison).

Competing technologies, such as Honda's Asimo robot (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://asimo.honda.com/asimotv/) looks like a man in a spacesuit. Approximately 4-5 feet in size, it can run, dance, kick a ball, carry items to you, and perform small scale tasks. It's functions, manoeuvrabilities, interactions, calisthenics, and house duties are outstanding. This is one technology that is perhaps the closest fit to the Bicentennial Man status and top of the line for its field.

The Robot Mimic (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oUQfz0RD2U&feature=player_embedded) closely resembles human facial and skin, qualities, however reminds me of the dancing and singing Santa Claus that marks the entrance of my local supermarket every Christmas. Nothing but a moving toy with a recorded voice over. Its purpose is merely entertainment, however the aesthetic quality or I should say prosthetic attributes bring robotics a step closer to looking more human like.



Robotic Animals
As an ex army service person, my personal favourite is the Big Dog (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BigDog) created in 2005 by Foster Miller from NASA. This large four legged monstrosity is capable of carrying an army section's pack, webbing and rifle (not that any soldier would want to be without webbing and rifle), over sand, snow, water, and all terrains. It moves like a spider, but crouches like a dog. Not the most attractive or graceful of robotics, it can however run 6.4 km/hr, carry 150 kg, and climb 35 degree inclines.

How about the Robot Goldfish? What is the relevance or purpose of a mechanical fish? Can you eat it? Can it dance? Can it read for you? Does it stop and look at you? Can you watch it grow and feed it? Really, what makes such technologies so successful, or fall flat?




What is important to note is that each of these technologies has a different purpose, therefore comparing them altogether, their impacts on the market as a whole would be unjust for this reason.  For example, the Maillardet's Automaton purpose or benefits to society were designed to amuse and entertain; the  Aldebaran Robitic's Nao humanoid's  purpose or benefits to society are to provide, "... a versatile platform used to explore a wide variety of research topics in robotics as well as computer science, human-machine interaction, and the social sciences," specifically working with children with Aspergers also in educational settings (retrieved September 29, 2012 from http://www.active-robots.com/aldebaran-robotics-nao-h25-humanoid-robot-academic-edition.html).  Honda's Asimo robot was designed to"...perform tasks to assist people who are lacking in full mobility. It is hoped ASIMO will serve as another set of eyes, ears, hands and legs for people in need, and will provide them with a new sense of independence in their everyday lives" (Retrieved October 4, 2012 from http://corporate.honda.com/innovation/asimo.aspx).

Although each of these technologies impact on the market is not economically viable for the average household yet, and their popularity hasn't exactly taken off in New Zealand yet either, the market appears to be mainly research and university based at this stage.  Future intentions of the technology becoming household must have items are yet to be attained as costs be lowered significantly first.

For further reading:

• For an interesting read of robotic technologies and comparisons visit http://robotzeitgeist.com/tag/humanoid-robot