Newton's Laws When robots rule the world?

Author: Thomas Newton

Honda has had the dream of creating a humanoid robot since 1986 when its engineers set out to create a machine that could simulate human motion. Twenty one years of research and experimentation later they have created the Asimo, a robot that resembles a miniature space man that can "run, walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, turn smoothly, climb stairs and reach and grasp for objects," according to Honda's official Asimo website (www.asimo.honda.com). It can also comprehend and respond to simple commands and can recognize the faces of its owners.

Honda has big plans for its technological marvel. Currently, its goal is to have the Asimo serve as an assistant to the elderly and physically handicapped. Ultimately, Honda's goal is to see the Asimo serve as an assistant to all people in a variety of situations.

The intersection of robots and humans has been an idea present in science fiction for more than half a century, but Honda, with its vast resources and technical know-how has made this science fiction fantasy a very plausible reality. A quick search on Youtube.com will show clips of the machine climbing stairs, serving people drinks, running around cones on an obstacle course and walking hand in hand with a woman. But how will the Asimo fit into society? Will it gain the same kind of popularity as the rest of the major technological innovations of the past century? Will robots take over the world?

The Asimo could very well be the next must-have household appliance. It will conceivably be able to clean, cook and do laundry. It will be able to take over jobs that were once only achievable by humans. It could be used in war, as a bomb deactivator or a scout. A simple wireless connection to the Internet will give it nearly limitless amounts of information. In short, the Asimo could turn out to be the smartest hunk of metal and plastic ever assembled by humans.

This smart hunk of metal and plastic, however, with its charming, modern looks and its unassuming pre-teen voice is not as innocent as it may seem. If it does gain popularity and become widely used, not only will it eat up resources to produce, charge and maintain, but it will also add to our already overwhelming amount of electronic waste. It could force more workers out of jobs than did the automation of production lines, as it will be capable of assuming more advanced occupations.

For now, the Asimo is more of a threat in theory than reality. Honda's plan to produce and sell it as an assistant to those in need is commendable, and the technology in the machine itself is impressive, but it is still years away from being the type of machine Hollywood portrays as the robot of the future.