PUBLIC OPINION > Humanoid Robot Is Nothing to Worry About
SodaHead News
2011/11/04 19:00:00
The geniuses at Boston Dynamics recently unveiled their groundbreaking humanoid robot, PetMan, which can walk at a brisk 4.4 miles per hour and keep its balance when pushed. For now, developers are using it to test the durability of chemical warfare protection suits. In the future, they hope to equip PetMan to handle hazardous materials and fight fires, eliminating the need to risk human life.
But there's a flip side to the PetMan coin: His life-like movements are eerily similar to the humanoid machines in dystopian films like "Terminator" and "I, Robot." With technology improving at an exponential rate, some of us can't help but wonder if this is indictive of a dark turn in the future.
So, naturally, we asked SodaHeads for their thoughts.
But there's a flip side to the PetMan coin: His life-like movements are eerily similar to the humanoid machines in dystopian films like "Terminator" and "I, Robot." With technology improving at an exponential rate, some of us can't help but wonder if this is indictive of a dark turn in the future.
So, naturally, we asked SodaHeads for their thoughts.
Robot That Walks Like a Human: Wonderful or Worrisome?
68% Think PetMan Is Wonderful
About two-thirds of respondents are happy to welcome PetMan into the world, conspiracy theories be damned. One commenter pointed out that it's artificial intelligence, not physical capability, that we should be most worried about. She wrote, "I don't see any danger until they start to think like a human." And that's still a long ways off. Although, the Internet as a whole is said to work something like the human brain, so it might not be as far off as you'd think.
Women Are More Worried
Women Are More Worried
Men seem to embrace the technology more easily. Though women overall still think PetMan is a wonderful invention, 41% of them said they're worried, compared to just 23% of men. But don't confuse worry for fear. One female voter summed it up nicely: "Just because we can, doesn't mean we should."
IT at Odds With Health Care
82% of IT workers think the PetMan is wonderful, but only 29% of health care workers support it. Maybe IT is looking forward to a new career market, and health care is worried about the potential carnage of a cyborg takeover. (Either way, more jobs for someone.)
Liberals Look Forward
We know where conservatives and liberals stand on social and economic issues, but what about technology? Liberal voters were most likely to vote "wonderful" at 83%. Progressives were right behind them at 79%, and conservatives were most skeptical with just 64% in favor.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our original poll about PetMan, the humanoid robot. We'd love to hear from you!
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our original poll about PetMan, the humanoid robot. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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♒ßεllεchεvεllε®♒ 2011/11/05 00:08:52
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I think it's awesome.
I also think people who worry about cyborgs taking over have been watching too many Terminator movies and I,Robot movies. Irrational at best. Worst scenario would be if a robot went squirrely because of some programming error or technical failure and that could be easily remedied by a taser or a electro-magnetic impulse generator. Electrical parts can't take spikes of energy very well. Parts start frying fast.
This is what you can do with lots of money.
It’s about the same thing when the Automobile hit the streets and people wanted auto drivers to pull to the side and disassemble their cars because the horses were frightened.
It’s called small finite minds.
You’re going to get replaced with a machine sooner or later.
If there is energy enough humans won’t have to do labor nor will anyone want them to..
You can move on and have more time understanding and solving the world and our universe's secrets and laws.
People who can’t work at a higher mental level will be liquefied into protein meal for the people who can.
Don’t worry; their stupid asses are not going to even know it when it happens.
As a volunteer fire fighter....I'm rather opposed to a robot doing what I do for free, for fun, and to give back to my community.
They don't call in sick on Friday or Monday.
They don't ask for more money than they are worth.
All they need is some electricity, lubrication and a part now and again.
They don’t vote stupid ass-holes into office like humans do. Example: Nov. 2008.
and bend stuff ?
"bite my glorious golden ass" and giant bender that said
"bite my colossal metal ass"