Anew surveyfinds that almost all types of robots still rank poorly by people in terms of comfort.
The study byAI software company Myplanetshowed that drones and human-shaped robots were among peoples pet peeves.
Manufacturers need to work harder to combat this robot prejudice.
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Human-Shaped Robots Need Not Apply
Robots need an image makeover, the survey found.
Automatons get a bad rap thats not backed up by facts, Cottrell said.
If youre using a robot, its okay, even good, for it to seem like a robot.
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“Drones have had limited exposure for most people, still.
But Koenig said that robots arent going to replace people anytime soon.
“A factory run by robots alone will remain an illusion for the foreseeable future,” he added.
“The human worker brings indispensable value to the shop floor.
What we need to do is promote human-machine collaboration, though.”
Tackling the Friendly Robot Challenge
Making robots that seem friendlier is a challenge for manufacturers.
Take, for example, theBoston Dynamicsrobot dog, whichelicits nervous chucklesfrom many people.
By contrast,robot dog Kodawas designed with human feelings in mind.
“It has eyes, it can emoteits personality is focused on care and compassion.”
The worst thing a robot can do is pretend to seem human, Cottrell said.
“Consumers are much more at ease with technology thats ‘honest’ about what it is.”
Skuler said his favorite robot design is theVector from Anki.
Robot manufacturers need to convince people that automatons can help rather than replace them, Cottrell said.
