“[...] what the M.I.T. robots may lack in looks or finesse,
they make up for in originality: they are programmed to learn the way
humans learn, through their bodies, their senses and the feedback generated
by their own behavior.”
—
“ Sociable robots come equipped with the very abilities that humans
have evolved to ease our interactions with one another: eye contact,
gaze direction, turn-taking, shared attention. They are programmed to
learn the way humans learn, by starting with a core of basic drives
and abilities and adding to them as their physical and social experiences
accrue. People respond to the robots' social cues almost without thinking,
and as a result the robots give the impression of being somehow, improbably,
alive.”
“Now, the SWORDS [special weapons observation remote reconnaissance direct action system!] won't act on a command, unless it's received
right away. A three-part arming process -- with both physical and electronic
safeties -- is required before firing. Most importantly, the machines
now come with kill switches, in case there's any odd behavior.”
