Humanoid Robots Evolution
Humanoid Robots Evolution Nguyen Le IT 104-007 09/26/2019 George Mason University "By placing this statement on my webpage, I certify that I have read and understand the GMU Honor Code on https://oai.gmu.edu/mason-honor-code/ and as stated, I as student member of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work. In addition, I have received permission from the copyright holder for any copyrighted material that is displayed on my site. This includes quoting extensive amounts of text, any material copied directly from a web page and graphics/pictures that are copyrighted. This project or subject material has not been used in another class by me or any other student. Finally, I certify that this site is not for commercial purposes, which is a violation of the George Mason Responsible Use of Computing (RUC) Policy posted on http://copyright.gmu.edu/?page_id=301 web site.
Introduction Information technology is one of the most established leading industries in this day and age. The 21st century is a thriving age of technology when many technological advancements have been introduced, making our lives better and easier. However, making lives easy requires the technologies to be more sophisticated. One of the most complex and unbelievable milestones is the invention of humanoid robots, which had the world taken aback. Many people doubt the implementation of robots, speculating that those robots must take years and decades before they exist global wide. Nevertheless, life is about uncertainty and people don’t know what tomorrow has to offer. Sci-fi films and post-apocalyptic fictions have shown the possibility of humanoid androids in the near future. With the advancement of technology, robots are perfecting themselves and are guaranteed to make a big impact on our lives.
Background When it comes to discussing the advancement of technology, many people will probably think of humanoid robots as the first thing that comes to their minds. Thanks to the movie industry, the concept and notion of humanoid robots have been brought to the masses since the last century. Robots exist in various forms, it can be an industrial robotic arm that assembles mechanical parts or a mini household robot, one that is simply constructed to navigate corners and do house chores. But humanoid robots have a different destiny. They are made to have human-like bodies and are assigned to do activities as a human does. It’s the universal goal of scientists, creating humanoid robots to help people reduce workloads. These types of robots are the stellar product of combining essences of technology artificial intelligence, self-learning, the study of mechanics, etc. Roboticists have predicted the androids as the most integral robotic type. Although humanoid robots are not extensively used in everyday life, at least for now, many manufacturers have already had patents for their robots, speculating to mass-produce and distribute them to the public when the time arrives. So how the humanoids are made and how they function? Constructing a humanoid robot is not as straightforward as making a car or a laptop, because it is unconventional. In order to make a properly functioned humanoids robots, scientists as well as investors join hands and put a lot of effort as well as resources. There are many failed attempts before reaching a certain result. In the article “Artificial Intelligence In Humanoid Robots”, Ph.D. Sanjit Singh Dang depicts the brief process of making a humanoid. According to Dang (2019), besides preliminary steps like coding and studying the human body, the three key points making humanoids complete are sensors, actuators, and AI system. Although the idea of constructing an android dated back from a long time ago, now is the “alignment” moment when these robots have accessibility to the technologies they need. Top-notch technologies in the same era serve as a foundation for the robotic breakthrough. Since the human body is capable of executing a variety of positions, motions, and movements, roboticists focus heavily on the actuator, making the component parts strong and efficient so that humanoids can replicate human actions in seconds (Dang 2019). Think of actuators as tendons or joints, and how a person can run, kick, or stretch without these vital parts? It’s virtually impossible. Old robots tend to have awkward, limping motions due to the insufficiency of actuators. On the other hand, for a humanoid not to get its head bumping against the wall or accidentally hit by a car, sensors and cameras play a major role in controlling the robot’s senses. So as to cope with the matter, in the “Humanoid Robots: A New Kind of Tool”, Adams et al. (2000) implement several techniques regarding the use of sensors to help humanoids improve their interaction (Adams et al., 2000, p.25). According to the research team, algorithms help robots recognize “social cues” and identify attention (Adams et al., 2000, p.27). Pointing, stressing or eye communicating are cues established by a human, which are then perceived and responded by robots based on the social context (Adams et al., 2000, p.26). In circumstances like fast pace conversations or unknown languages, robots are coded to express confusion, sending interaction for the environment to adjust. The human-like robots of the team are also implemented with “auditory system” and “attention process system” to help them detect faces, colors, popular voices, and motions (Adams et al., 2000, p.29). Lastly, a multifunctional android must adopt an enhanced intelligence system, and it has to do with Artificial Intelligence. According to Robert Bogue (2014) in the “ The role of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics”, AI and robotics are different and independent fields, they somehow got interconnected with each other because of the convergence, the always evolving pace of technology (Bogue, 2014, p.123). It is also mentioned that the popular humanoid robot- Honda’s Asimo robot as an embodiment of combining AI concepts and the robotic field (Bogue, 2014, p.120). Thanks to this collaboration, Asimo incorporates abilities like machine vision, manipulation, intricate recognition, and autonomous navigation (Bogue, 2014, p.120). As a result, the three above-mentioned key points are viewed as standards in the humanoid robots’ implementation.
Potential benefits The purpose of creating humanoid robots is to simplify workloads and reduce hassle, therefore, they are of many uses. When the manufacturing companies settle the idea of producing robots, they must have already classified the specific purposes which their robots aim towards. Robots have multiple occupations from delivering, assembling to entertaining. Nowadays, humanoid robots are mainly dedicated to research because of high costs and imperfections. Roboticists have projected that robots will gradually replace workers because they are assigned to complete numerous tasks in a long amount of time, which a normal human can barely do. Corporation and manufacturers have integrated the use of robots in their production chains, as the output delivered by robots is far more constant and refined. One example worth mentioning is the interaction of doll-sized robots and children with autism. In the journal article “ Robotic assistant in therapy and education of children with autism: can a small humanoid robot help encourage social interaction skills?”, Robins et al. (2005) have conducted an experiment to investigate the interaction between robots and autistic children. The idea of choosing human-robots interaction over human-human interaction is explained that the human-human process includes multitudes of cues and body languages, as opposed to robotic interaction, which is more approachable and more comprehensible for autistic children (Robins et al., 2005, p.116). The authors notice autistic children have a strong correlation with robots, that is an imitation. They can imitate some of the robots’ actions and commands, which is a hopeful solution to gauge significant exposure between autistic children and robots (Robins et al., 2005, p.117). As a result, a programmable robot can be useful in assisting the staffs to get the attention and awareness form autistic children. Another example of a robot’s capability is the use of strength. Every human has a strength limit and cannot execute strenuous activities as robots can. Boston Dynamics is a company specializing in constructing robots, and this time they amaze the Internet with Spot Mini- a “four-legged robot”. In a YouTube video named “Mush, Spot, Mush!”, Boston Dynamics showcases the absurd strength that these autonomous dogs can exert. Each Spot Mini can only carry about 30 pounds of weight, but an included clip has shown a 10,000 pounds truck can be towed away when ten Spot Minis join together (Boston Dynamics, 2019). This example has shown many potentials of autonomous robots, they are just getting better at certain tasks, and they have the strength to substitute human labor. Construction workers, transporters, dock workers are targets of these robots. The reason is simple, these mentioned jobs require utmost safety, and there are no better candidates that can take over human-like humanoid robots. This opens an opportunity for many other risky occupations to be replaced by robots. Robots can either be programmed to be police, the personal guard or even be firefighters. Occupational casualties will likely to be declined, thanks to the popularity of machine-operated workers.
Security It can be said that one of the biggest barriers for any newly invented product is the security matter. People often question what they are not familiar with, and there will be doubts and negativity. Therefore, the same situation can be applied to manufacturers who wish to globalize humanoid robots. Needless to say, every product should have flaws so that it can be spotted and fixed. Imagining a household fully equipped with state-of-the-art technologies virtual assistant and automation. The systems are also connected to a functional housekeeper humanoid robot. The robot is given the authority to access the operation of the house. Manufacturers have run testing trials before sending out the robots, but what if the integrated security layer is not strong enough, making them susceptible to cyberattacks? Hackers can take advantage of this perk and attack on these systems, overriding and stealing personal, valuable information. Not to mention that they can access the doors and windows remotely and then steal tangible assets. Another debatable aspect is allowing humanoid robots to control cars or other vehicles. Unlike a human, a robot’s fabricated cognitive awareness may have not reached a threshold that can fully supplant human intelligence. Many testing phases, simulations have to be conducted in order for robots to tackle certain problems. Self-learning mechanisms of robots are not futureproofed and are still on the progress of improvement, Consequently, people cannot fully entrust a robot to maneuver a car. What if the algorithms go wrong in critical moments and there will be unexpected accidents? Security and safety matters are particularly emphasized when it comes to such highly advanced robots.
Legal and ethical issues Many people object the idea of globalizing robots as it affects many human rights as well as the traditions. If people were asked to work and live and robots, would they consent to such a thing? They will mostly be inclined to say no. Unlike how people often welcome new technologies, they dread the global existence of robots, as robots make them unprepared for the unparalleled life they are about to witness. Although it is yet to be a reality, films, news, sci-fi fictions have formed many negative thoughts about robots, asserting them to be a menace of humanity. The job replacement that gradually happens between people and robots is the main ethical issue. Robots are created with the primitive purposes of demonstrating technology or assisting people in simple tasks, now have capabilities of doing much more complex activities? It does sound like manufacturers are competing with salaries of other workers. Substituting a person for a robot that generates better output and the lesser cost is an unethical solution. Not everyone is a white-collar worker, many depend on laboring jobs to make ends meet. Poverty and unemployment across the world would be the outcomes of choosing machines over humans. Robots are advancing at a very fast pace, they may learn faster than human, physically superior, but at the current situation, the human is still a priority. If the robots are made popular in everyday life, they will establish themselves as a different race and have certain rights, which may cause a lot of insurmountable problems. In the “Humans and humanoid social robots in communication contexts”, Kim et al. (2009) pinpoint the key element of why people take a stand against the machinery entities. It is acknowledged that the lack of cognitive awareness, emotional feelings, and incompetency in critical thinking are reasons that hinder robots from being accepted in the community (Kim et al., 2009, p.320). As a result, humans are likely to look down on robots as the inferior type, their algorithms have yet to be developed in such a way that can interpret and process human feelings, nonverbal communication, and empathy(Kim et al., 2009, p.320). The effort of fabricating human-robot interaction is faulty and incomplete at the time being.
Social problems Although humanity precedes machines int the evolution chain, that notion can be inverted at some point in the future. Humanoid robots are inferior because they are still dependent on their creators. The robots are like toddlers, they are in the age of exposing and familiarizing themselves to a complex universe. As they get more and more intelligent, the need for serving themselves will surge and they will possibly take over the world. A term for this event is called the Singularity. The concept Singularity is made popular by Vernor Vinge in his conference paper “ Technological singularity”. He believes at a certain time in the future, humanoid robots have become more advanced than humans and they can supplant human in many aspects (Vinge, 1993). The human becomes obsolete and finds themselves near extinction. The industry is all about capitalism, where the output of the product is the utmost priority. For that reason, people fear that industries will replace workers with robots, because robots have grown to be a superior species, and there’s just no need to keep human around. Another take on the matter of robot domination is from the article “Humanoid robots as the cultural others: are we able to love our creation?” (Kim and Kim, 2013). The authors have investigated the possibility for human and robot’s relationship in the future (Kim and Kim, 2013, p.309). It is believed that the ultimate solution to the crisis between humans and robots is for them to coexist (Kim and Kim, 2013, p. 316). Humans must accept mechanical entities as an integral part of life. Coexistence will then usher the physical and emotional connection between human and android (Kim and Kim, 2013, p.316). Ironically, humanoid robots were brought to existence by humans, and humans are willing not to be outsmarted and overtaken by robots. This represents a dilemma where one’s pride is also one’s remorse.
Conclusion Life has changed drastically compared to the last ten years. Everyone can afford themselves pocketable computers, listening or streaming through entertainment services without having to go to RadioShack. Storages, cloud computing have been more accessible than ever. The household appliances have been revamped, getting smarter and working interconnectedly with other devices. Younger generations have familiarized themselves with virtual reality product. The Internet of Things has been at its most powerful peak. But it is yet to be a transitioning era when robots can walk among people, at least right now. Although humanoid robots have excelled better than ever, they still suffer from many underlying imperfections. There are doubt and hesitation regarding the mishaps and tendencies that robots can cause. Nonetheless, at some time around the middle of the century, people should be prepared as their ordinary life can be influenced dramatically by the “new species”. There could be war, chaos, or domination of one over the other. After all, humanity can choose to coexist with robots and thrive, rather than having a never-ending fight. Remembering the World Wars, as much as people wanted to maintain the stances, changes would happen, and humanity must learn to accept the novelty eventually
References[edit]
Adams, B., Breazeal, C., Brooks, R. A., & Scassellati, B. (2000). Humanoid robots: A new kind of tool. IEEE Intelligent Systems and Their Applications, 15(4), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.1109/5254.867909 Date of retrieval: 09/19/2019 Annotation: in this journal article, authors explore their projects and develop ways in which robots can have behaviors and reflexes like human. Bogue, R. (2014). The role of artificial intelligence in robotics. The Industrial Robot; Bedford, 41(2), 119–123. http://dx.doi.org.mutex.gmu.edu/10.1108/IR-01-2014-0300 Date of retrieval: 09/25/2019 Annotation: this journal article emphasizes the reason for humanoid robots to advance so quickly is thanks to AI learning. Although AI and humanoid robotics research are different fields, the power of technological convergence brought them together and supplement each other. Boston Dynamics. (Producer). (2019) Mush, Spot, Mush! - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnWolLQSZic Date of retrieval: 09/26/2019 Annotation: this YouTube video published by Boston Dynamics demonstrates the collective strength of Spot Mini dog robots. this showcase draws an opportunity for future robots which can aid people in doing strenuous activities. Dang, S. S. (2019, February 25). Artificial Intelligence In Humanoid Robots. Retrieved September 25, 2019, from Forbes website: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/02/25/artificial-intelligence-in-humanoid-robots/ Date of retrieval: 09/25/2019 Annotation: in this newspaper article published by the Forbes, Ph.D. Dang has evaluated three vital areas of technology for humanoid robots to achieve the physical and intellectual resemblance of human. Kim, M., & Kim, E. (2013). Humanoid robots as “The Cultural Other”: Are we able to love our creations? AI & Society; London, 28(3), 309–318. http://dx.doi.org.mutex.gmu.edu/10.1007/s00146-012-0397-z Date of retrieval: 09/11/2019 Annotation: this journal article concentrates on discussing social aspects, cultures, and religions regarding the relationship between human and robot. The author further exemplifies the “co-evolution” of the two races. Kim, M., Sur, J., & Gong, L. (2009). Humans and humanoid social robots in communication contexts. AI & Society; London, 24(4), 317–325. http://dx.doi.org.mutex.gmu.edu/10.1007/s00146-009-0224-3 Date of retrieval: 09/25/2019 Annotation: this journal article sums up the dehumanization factor which leads people to oppose the idea of human-robot connection since robots lack many states of emotion. Robins, B., Dautenhahn, K., Boekhorst, R. T., & Billard, A. (2005). Robotic assistants in therapy and education of children with autism: Can a small humanoid robot help encourage social interaction skills? Universal Access in the Information Society; Heidelberg, 4(2), 105–120. http://dx.doi.org.mutex.gmu.edu/10.1007/s10209-005-0116-3 Date of retrieval: 09/25/2019 Annotation: this journal article investigates if there is a possibility of robot- autistic children connection and uses it as a basis for interacting, sharing attention among children with autism. Vinge, V. (1993). Technological singularity. VISION-21 Symposium Sponsored by NASA Lewis Research Center and the Ohio Aerospace Institute, 30–31. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C47&q=singularity+vinge&btnG=&oq=singu Date of retrieval: 09/26/2019 Annotation: this pdf web page explains the Singularity phenomenon, popularized by Vernor Vinge. This is an event which humanoid robot’s advancement outpaces humanity, making humanity obsolete and be on the verge of extinction.
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