Keep reading. Robotics might give you something to think about.
Many people believe robots will become part of mankind's future. Here are some of the reasons why.
The news about an earthquake in California on Monday took three minutes to appear online in The Los Angeles Times. A robot writer generated the story from a program which allows available data to be quickly gathered and disseminated. When an earthquake occurs, an algorithm automatically produces a short article.
Using the speed of a machine, robo-journalism is increasing in newsrooms worldwide to generate stories about crime or sport in the city. Human editors decide which articles need greater attention. Robotics allows available data to be quickly gathered and disseminated.
Will a generated story eventually replace the journalist?
Since writing my daily views on news since Jan 2013, I've combed the internet for news stories every morning. The effort and concentration needed requires a huge commitment. But my searches are centered on a story which appeals to me--something I have experience with or can relate to.
Although an algorithm can gather information and generate a story within minutes, a robot can never share human experience.
The same thing applies to writing a book. How could a robot understand different emotions and reactions a fictional character might have to a certain situation? I think the human novelist will be safe for some time to come.
There's a competition for robotics coming next month. WAGO Corporation is sponsoring this year's FIRST Robotics Championship at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo., on April 24-26, 2014. A series of workshops for FRC teams, coaches, mentors, students and prospective leaders will focus on inspiration and recognition of science and technology.
And now we get to the crux of the problem. Were does this money to fund robotics come from?
I find myself among many people who are struggling to make ends meet. I'm a pensioner. My husband and I have worked all our lives and paid taxes on the understanding that we'd live well at the end of our employment. Now, we worry about finding enough money to meet our expenses. My computer is the old Windows XP, due to retire next month. It will no longer be supported, and will be unsafe to use on the internet. Each time I think I might have enough money to purchase a second-hand Windows 7, the money is diverted to other emergencies.
Those who have--play with toys, and those who lack--survive as best they can. Can robots help the poor? Improve humanity's existence? Or replace humans?