Robotics in Society

A robot is a mechanical devise that is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance. Experts are led to believe that robotics are in a similar predicament as computer technology was; humongous computers were only known of in business, but never in homes. Nowadays, it's uncommon to find a home without at least one computer. This is predicted to repeat itself in history with robotics.

Many home-use robots have already made their way into the market and made great success. The Roomba vacuum developed by iRobot was the most commercially successful robot in history, selling on retail for $200. We are, however, a few miracles short of the full goal of robotics: to recreate a human being in all its glory- or to make an android that is indistinguishable from a real human. Honda, the car manufacturing company we've all come to know, has distinguished itself as one of few companies serious about making such miracles come to life. Honda's creation, ASIMO, is an advanced humanoid robot that can already perform a wide variety of functions like carry trays, push carts, run at a top speed of 6 km/hr, and even identify human faces. Honda anticipates building a model advanced enough to make fully dynamic office deliveries ("ASIMO, get me a cup of coffee please.") or outsource office receptionists.