Robotic systems will dramatically change our lives

By Dick Pelletier

      

    An alien dashes across a border, but doesn't get far. An armed robot immediately spots the illegal immigrant and a loud human voice warns, "Stop or you'll be shot." If the target tries to run, the robot fires a non-lethal bullet incapacitating the intruder until human officials arrive.

    Welcome to the future of border control. Amidst growing concerns of terrorism, smuggling, and illegal immigration; robot guards could one day be protecting all the world's borders.

    Most countries need border protection. India would like to secure its Bangladesh border; the European Union hopes Libya can reduce immigrant flow to Italy; South Korea would like to stop the influx of North Koreans; and the U.S. wants to identify terrorists, slow drug trafficking, and prevent job losses caused by illegal immigrants.

    Enjoying predator drone successes in Afghanistan, Defense Department officials will soon be strengthening their arsenal with robot helicopters built by Kamen Aerospace that can take off, fly to destinations, and land without human assistance. The new robocopters will deliver weapons and supplies to soldiers over routes too dangerous for ground vehicles.

    The next generation of explorers to walk on Moon and Mars could be called robonauts. They will perform similar scientific tasks to astronauts, but won't require life support equipment or shelter. By 2013, these futuristic ‘bots are expected to replace humans performing dangerous activities on space walks at the International Space Station.

    NASA and General Motors are developing the first of these humanoids, called Robonaut2. Unlike the Mars rovers, Robonaut2 is designed to closely mimic the shape, movement, and behavior of humans. GM believes it may also be possible to use this robot in its manufacturing plants, and even incorporate some of its safety abilities into tomorrow's cars.

    In a recent report, The World in 2030, futurologist Ray Hammond predicts that "As machines surpass the intellectual capacity of humans, they will one day become our companions." Today, we are increasingly reliant on computers, phones, and TV programming systems such as TiVo. These machines are considered "dumb" inanimate objects, but experts believe this is all about to change.

    Some systems are already beginning to appear as talking avatars on TV, computer, and phone displays. But as technologies advance, these systems will evolve, and by 2015 or so; avatars that speak perfect human; some that even read minds, will be embedded in our clothing and jewelry; and eventually implanted inside our bodies.

    As the future unfolds, technologies will add more intelligence to our electronics, enabling them to develop human-like personalities. By 2020, our personal electronics could be considered our friends as they shower with compliments when appropriate, and warn us of dangers. Their genuine concerns will enrich our lives.

    Robot companions will be incredibly smart. By mid-2020s, these super-intelligent creatures will even control our household robots. Projects like IBM's effort to build artificial brains and Janelia Farm's goal to capture and store human thought could, some believe, enable robots to gain consciousness. Our robo-friends may one day feel joy, fear, compassion, and emotions like we do.

    Clearly the road to robotic systems winds around unknown turns, but strong commerce and public support promise to turn this "magical future" into reality.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.