The Makers Of Sophia The Robot Are Planning A Mass Rollout In 2021 And I’m Terrified
Have y’all had the pleasure of witnessing Sophia the robot in action? She is a humanoid robot, made by Hanson Robotics, who was introduced to the world in 2016.
Now, the makers of Sophia the robot are planning a mass rollout of robots like her. Read on for more details.
I first saw Sophia when she was a guest on The Tonight Show, and I was just mildly terrified.
I’m not sure whether Sophia is awesome, or if she is creepy AF.
What is a “humanoid robot” you ask? Well, robots like Sophia, are “professional service robots built to mimic human motion and interaction.”
They are being designed to do so many things!
These humanoid robots are being made to take the place of astronauts in completing routine tasks in space.
Some of them are even designed to work with disaster response at power plants, doing things that might be too dangerous for humans.
Still others are created to provide “companionship for the elderly and sick, acting as a guide and interacting with customers in the role of receptionist, and potentially even being a host for the growth of human transplant organs.”
This seems like some pretty wild, sci-fi stuff, huh!!
I’ve seen too many movies where robots have taken over the world and are going to destroy mankind. My brain can’t compute humanoid robots as a good thing.
But, what do I know. Maybe this will be the BEST thing ever for so many sectors, including the elderly and medical communities.
Social robots like me can take care of the sick or elderly — I can help communicate, give therapy and provide social stimulation, even in difficult situations.
Sophia the Robot courtesy of Reuters
While I might be leary of a humanoid robot taking the place of humans, it’s going to happen sooner or later.
Now the company behind (Sophia) has a new vision: to mass-produce robots by the end of the year.
Reuters
They think that the pandemic opens the door for humans to need the help of humanoid robots, so they want to start rolling out robots beginning in the first part of 2021.
The world of COVID-19 is going to need more and more automation to keep people safe.
David Hanson, founder and chief executive at Hanson Robotics
Y’all. Have you seen a little movie called I Robot, with Will Smith. I’m freaking out just a little bit right now.
Okay, get this — a little humanoid robot called Pepper is currently already available to businesses, and he “is able to engage with people through conversation and his touch screen.”
One of the things that Pepper can be deployed to do, is catch people who aren’t wearing masks. That seems just a bit creepy and possibly bordering on overstepping some kind of boundary to me.
You might be wondering if it is possible for the general public to procure one of these humanoid robots? YES!!
Hanson Robotics speculates that by the end of 2021, they will have sold thousands of robots — some big, some small — but, all made to aid humans.
Y’all can get your creepy humanoid Sophia robots. I’ll just be over here barricading myself in my house, and preparing for the end of the world.*
* I kid.
