Chapter 4. Robot Friends and Helpers
I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations. And this is my counterpart, R2-D2.
— C-3P0
Much of the research on robots is based on the idea that they can be much more than smart machines—they can also be our friends and helpers. So scientists are always looking for ways to make it easier for people and robots to understand each other. The fire hydrant–shaped character R2-D2 from Star Wars may only be able to speak in beeps and whistles, but fans will tell you the little droid is smart, loyal, and very cute. His companion C-3PO is much more humanoid in speech, appearance, and behavior, but he’s also somewhat less cuddly. That’s why the field of “social robotics” is investigating ways to smooth the interface ...
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