12 Comments
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Tom Gensemer's avatar

Imagine the demand for a robotic maid after the first time one of them steps on a baby. Pure fantasy. It's a sign of the sociopathy of these sick people that they would prefer to interact with a robot than a maid.

Keith Sherman's avatar

Re Amazon's HQ search. I saw, many years ago, I think in the HBR, a study done on where the Fortune XXX had their HQ's and why there. The overwhelming reason? It was close to where the Chairman lived! 😀

Sangram Gayal's avatar

Excellent analysis. I love the NYC analogy with obsession of building robots.

Duvall Morgan's avatar

love your article

Matt's avatar

Great article!

Share Your Story's avatar

Mia, fascinating essay.

In my writing, I strive to tell the story behind the story that people think they know. You've certainly accomplished that.

IMO, many people my age think of Robby the Robot in the late '50s film “Forbidden Planet” as the prototypical device. Of course, we cannot forget Robot, of “Danger Will Robinson” fame, from the television show “Lost in Space.”

However, Robby and Robot will not be in our future, at least not anytime soon. Your essay has made that abundantly clear, and that's alright with me.

michael schratter's avatar

I am surprised that the author doesn't mention humanoid robots as a form of sexual companionship for men.

Oh, wait, the author is not a male. Now it makes sense.

Matt Bjork's avatar

Well done Mia! Nailed it. I’ve worked in industrial robotics for 30 years - and all the hype around personal robots is (always) just hype. Thank you for being a technically savvy journalist and reporting the reality.

Adrian peterson's avatar

Facts collected from a variety of interesting and respectable sources broght together to reinforce each point. I like the bold print on key words here and there just to make sure I keep reading :) Very interesting subject and a well thought out perspective - very much appreciated.

Mia Silverio's avatar

Thank you Adrian!

Mark Danowsky's avatar

I keep hearing how one of the bottlenecks that will be very difficult to overcome is "the last mile".

Think: delivery drivers

Robots will have to navigate unexpected terrain and, you know, not accidentally step on (read: crush) the family dog in the process of a delivery.

7isheaven's avatar

Are they obsessed with the humanoid robot because they’re also obsessed with the transhuman ?