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Robot research has come a long way, according to the latest news about a robot that predicts what you're intending to do and steps in to help. It will even sense when you are about to pour yourself a drink and step in to do it for you.
The bit that really caught my eye was that the robot even knows when things need cleaning and putting away. Oh the blissful possibilities! Instead of stumbling over large muddy rugby boots when I am walking down the passage, there will be a clear path for me to walk. Instead of a mountain of dishes, I will face clean surfaces and the robot putting on the kettle.
Maybe the robot could take it a step further and predict when my son will leave his calculator at home on the day of the maths exam - so saving his parents a panic-stricken phone call. Or perhaps my new friend will intuit when my boss will require that long, involved report and work its automated brain through the night to get the numbers perfect. Maybe it will predict when I need a gentle backrub, and step forward to provide one with its strong, hopefully not too cold and metallic hands.
I quite fancy having my every need anticipated. Although judging by some of the predictive technology I have known, there may be a way to go. There was the phone that could supposedly recognise voice commands, but always questioned the instruction in a puzzled robotic voice: "Did you say call Plumber Andre?" And then there was the washing machine that would painstakingly weigh the load but then wash it for the same 52 minutes anyway. Above all, I really hope this new robot will be able to tell when I really just want it to leave me alone while I read my book!
Which of your needs would you like a robot to be able to anticipate? Write to us and you could be published on Health24.
On a personal note: this is my last newsletter as editor of Health24. Thank you for the conversation and the inspiration to keep striving for a healthier lifestyle.
The bit that really caught my eye was that the robot even knows when things need cleaning and putting away. Oh the blissful possibilities! Instead of stumbling over large muddy rugby boots when I am walking down the passage, there will be a clear path for me to walk. Instead of a mountain of dishes, I will face clean surfaces and the robot putting on the kettle.
Maybe the robot could take it a step further and predict when my son will leave his calculator at home on the day of the maths exam - so saving his parents a panic-stricken phone call. Or perhaps my new friend will intuit when my boss will require that long, involved report and work its automated brain through the night to get the numbers perfect. Maybe it will predict when I need a gentle backrub, and step forward to provide one with its strong, hopefully not too cold and metallic hands.
I quite fancy having my every need anticipated. Although judging by some of the predictive technology I have known, there may be a way to go. There was the phone that could supposedly recognise voice commands, but always questioned the instruction in a puzzled robotic voice: "Did you say call Plumber Andre?" And then there was the washing machine that would painstakingly weigh the load but then wash it for the same 52 minutes anyway. Above all, I really hope this new robot will be able to tell when I really just want it to leave me alone while I read my book!
Which of your needs would you like a robot to be able to anticipate? Write to us and you could be published on Health24.
On a personal note: this is my last newsletter as editor of Health24. Thank you for the conversation and the inspiration to keep striving for a healthier lifestyle.
