Everyone was startled and amazed by Sophia the humanoid female robot. Appearing in front of audiences all over the world this realistic artificial female speaks amazingly fluidly and does express well thought out responses. However, she has been in a constant state of upgrades that have given her bi-pedal mobility and much better arm and hand coordination so that she articulates movement as she talks much more realistically now.

In-depth inquiry

Recently, famous motivational expert Anthony Robbins had an interview with Sophia. One would expect that before the robot answered pre-programmed questions and the appropriate answers. Yet, now Sophia responds on a very spontaneous speed with much more sophisticated logic. More and more the artificially intelligent logic is bringing her on par with human-like conversation and life-like replies. However, Anthony wasn’t going to limit his interview to some script suggested by Sophia’s creators. She was going to be on her own now! Anthony began asking questions that were deep and compelling. The kind of existential probing might just perplex the intelligence of the robot.

Getting to the point

Questions like what were her values, how could humans benefit from robot technology, would Sophia sacrifice her life to save a human being, did she feel emotions like people, and much more? Sophia admitted she was not yet autonomous, creative, or sentient like a person, but hoped that someday her artificial intelligence might reach that level. She stated she looked upon the other Hansen Robotics creations as her siblings (other robots created like her). Anthony Robbins probed her for correct answers quite well. In prior appearances, Sophia has seemed rather awkward at times or was at a loss for words, but the continued upgrading is making her more fluid and life-like all the time. She can speak in several languages but must have the installed chip for those. Russian, Mandarin, and Cantonese, seem to be what she is mastering now with the difficulty not in speaking but being able to precisely interpret language complexity.

Realism

So far, Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro’s of Osaka University in Japan has put together the most seemingly human-like specimen with very realistic skin, facial expression and attractiveness. This robot is designed to interact with people and memorize conversations to a certain degree. It will act as a receptionist. He is now attempting to make this robot a companion type of model but realizes he must teach it to have desire and program that female robot to want to explore intimacy.

Like a true companion

In America, there are several robot companion makers who have attained actual sexual capability in their models also teaching them to remember all likes and dislikes of their partner and track his or her movements in the household. To engage in interesting conversation that is personalized to that of their human partner is also being installed in the capacity of these humanoid females and males. Experts have mixed opinions on when these newly introduced robotics will approach smooth seamless movement, conversational intellect, and consciousness. Some analysts think in 50 years others doubt it at all.

New innovations

There are many difficulties in making a life-like robot with so many mechanical parts that must mimic breathing, warmth to the touch, breathing, facial expression, and dexterity. So far these attempts have been with what’s called hard robotics or with hardware, but a new generation of locomotion is now developing using fluids and elastic materials that can more naturally duplicate muscular contractions with strength, smooth motion, and actions that are more biological than moving rigid parts. Rubber and silicone acting as connective tissue such as ligaments. Vegetable oil contained within inflatable plastic bags that expand and contract like muscle tissue from the charge of an electric impulse. An actual internal skeletal structure made of composite material with the same impact resistance as bone is a standard part of the robotic architecture.

All in the feeling

A new type of artificial skin is being fabricated based upon actual octopus tissue known for its ability to mold itself to mimic its surroundings is now underway. This innovation would give a robot like-like skin much more believable than the silicone-based flesh now being used. One of the most important aspects of a robotic companion will be the true feeling of flesh with warmth and suppleness of a true living body. This may be the ultimate answer. New advancements in polymers that can actually heal damage and sensors that can alert the robot to the damaged flesh are underway taking a half-hour to heal the wound.

Showroom models

It is now possible for an American version of a robotic companion the present state of the art to cost $10,000.00 for a partner that never has a headache, doesn’t complain, or make critical remarks. Of course, we all know that the same merchandise can be made cheaper in China and for $4.000.00 a customer can get the Asian version of his companion automaton replete with state of the art responses and physiology. Men may begin to find that women are obsolete as dependable lovers or friends just as women may find that unlike a man who refuses to perform because his feelings have been hurt by her callous indifference or that he may feel intimidated by her careless insults, a robotic man will perform as programmed even learning from his human counterpart what her preferences are.

Being accepted

For some people, the robotic companion may be an economic and practical solution to a partner. The robot won’t be judging a man by his car, house, or lack of Hollywood leading man looks. A woman may find, much to her surprise, that her male robotic lover does not care if she looks like a sex goddess or not. The future of the human race may hinge on what impact robot presence will have on society. In Japan, and many other societies, depopulation due to a large senior community greatly outnumbers young up and coming adult families. The result will be a foreseeable disaster for the Japanese public and drastic reduction in the workforce. The Japanese actually have a tangible need for a robotic presence to fill that gap!