Flesh and Machines: How Robots Will Change UsFrom the director of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory—“a stimulating book written by one of the major players in the field—perhaps the major player.... Offers surprisingly deep glimpses into what it is to be human” (The New York Times Book Review). Are we really on the brink of having robots to mop our floors, do our dishes, mow our lawns, and clean our windows? And are researchers that close to creating robots that can think, feel, repair themselves, and even reproduce? Rodney A. Brooks believes we are. In this lucid and accessible book, Brooks vividly depicts the history of robots and explores the ever-changing relationships between humans and their technological brethren, speculating on the growing role that robots will play in our existence. Knowing the moral battle likely to ensue, he posits a clear philosophical argument as to why we should not fear that change. What results is a fascinating book that offers a deeper understanding of who we are and how we can control what we will become. |
Contents
Dances with Machines | 3 |
The Quest for an Artificial Creature | 12 |
Planetary Ambassadors | 32 |
Copyright | |
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able AFSMS AIBO algorithms animals artificial creatures artificial intelligence balance machine behavior beta balance body brain build built camera cells chimpanzees chines cleaning robots cochlea Colin Colin Angle color complex computer vision consciousness Cynthia Cynthia Breazeal developed direction electric emotions engineers evolution extropianism eyes Furby Genghis Genghis's going Hans Moravec happen human humanoid robots idea implants infrared input insects inside interact Internet Kismet Laboratory leg trigger living look mechanism MIT AI Lab monkeys motion motor move neurons operate output perhaps person physical problem pyroelectric remote-presence robot retina robot arm saccade sensors Shakey signals silicon simple simulated someone soon sort started steering switched Tamagotchi things tion tortoises Turing turn understand universe vacuum tubes vision system visual walk wires