Androids

Aim

Audience - Alex Peters Androids are starting to play a huge role in our society. As one of the more challenging and complicated technologies, it is taking a long period of time to perfect. However, brilliant scientists have found a way how they can benefit people greatly. One research scientist studying human-robot interaction states "…my objective…is making robots more friendly in their form, behavior, and function" (Takayama). This type of research shows how androids are meant to benefit humans. They are being programmed to act as humans so they can ultimately help them. There are even competitions out there that are trying to find the most helpful androids. In Pensacola, Florida "the world's top specialists are competing to design a robot that can carry out emergency response duties in disaster situations that are often too dangerous for humans, such as last year's nuclear accident at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant" (Hodson). These competitions help find the best androids for human use. Anything that endangers our health would be performed by the androids. That is why androids are seen as "service dogs" (Takayama) because they assist people when help is necessary.

Works Cited Hudson, Hal. "Robots to the Rescue." New Scientist 219. 2934 (2013): 19-20. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. Takayama, Leila. "Friendly Machines." Technology Review 116. 3 (2013): 10-12. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

Historical- Noah Gabrielsen People have been making human-like machines utilizing whatever technology available for thousands of years. The Idaho National Library offers examples ranging from ancient Greece, to early Judaism, to the 18th century. It also notes the perceived common cause in each example. “ From the very beginning, our fascination extended beyond machine automation to the possibility of creating an entity with our own form and function” (Historical Perspectives). The utility of such inventions varies, but one thing remains the same: the desire to create something in the human image. The purpose and complexity of such machines changes constantly, despite the common goal of emulating human appearance and life. More recently, people have been able to use computing and electricity in the production of androids. These modern androids are able to look, talk, and to some extent, think realistically. “In 2005 a team of scientists and engineers developed a fully functional, talking android that had Philip K Dick's features, and had a mind (powered by artificial intelligence algorithms) that simulated Philip K Dick's knowledge base and speech patterns” (Robotics and AI). Dick wrote extensively on androids, and his work is the most prominent example of androids in popular culture. As an homage to Dick’s work, the android was made in his likeness. This demonstrates how far robotics have come, and suggests that advancements will continue into the future.

Works Cited “Historical Perspectives.” Humanoid Robotics. Idaho National Library. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. “Robotics and AI.” PK Dick: His Legacy and Influence. Web. 6 Nov. 2013.

Cultural