How Do Humans Want to Interact with Robots?

robots

When it comes to robots there are a lot of questions left to be dealt with, and not all of them are about how many sensors you can fit on a robot hand or how to make a robot smarter than a human. Some of the big questions will do more with how we want to interact with then. Do we want to look at robots as our friends and equals? Do we want them as a servant class?

As it turns out there is a team of research scientists that are looking to figure out just that. With the help of a social robot, created by Frances Aldebaran Robotics, human were put through the paces. In one situation they were asked to help the robot, and in the other the robot helped them.

Not shockingly the people felt better about the interaction when they were getting the help, rather than giving it. The robots were actually shown to have a higher amount of social presence as well. So do we want robots slaves? Maybe so, or maybe we all just like being done a favor.

Japan to Bring First Robot to Space

Space

Russia was the first people to put a man in space. America was the first to put a man on the moon. Now Japan will be joining the list of space fairing firsts. They are going to be the first nation to put a robot in orbit. Not a remote controlled robot arm, but a real functional robot.

The robot, which is named Kirobo, is like a very tiny human. The bot stands at about 13 inches tall, making it about the size of a Barbie Doll. Though he is in no way likely to be confused with that buxom figure. The Kirobo bot is black and white, with a snazzy pair of red boots and a red mouth. His eyes have a wide, anime style, oval look.

Kirobo will be making a trip to the International Space Station to spend some quality time with Koichi Wakata, a Japanese astronaut. The bot will be there as a companion, as he is capable of speech. Though all of this begs one question, what does an astronaut say to a robot in space?