TEDTalks: Robotic Machinations Season 1 Episode 13 Rodney Brooks: Why We Will Rely on Robots

In the thirteenth episode of the first season of TEDTalks: Robotic Machinations, Rodney Brooks, co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics, takes the stage to discuss the role of robots in our future. He argues that we will increasingly rely on robots in both our personal and professional lives, and that they will become an essential part of our society.

Brooks opens by explaining that robots have been around for decades, but they have typically been used in manufacturing and other industrial settings. However, he believes that we are now on the cusp of a new era in robotics, and that robots will soon become a ubiquitous part of our lives.

One reason for this, Brooks explains, is that robots are getting better and cheaper all the time. Thanks to advances in technology, robots are becoming more capable, more reliable, and more affordable. This means that they are now being used in a wide range of applications, from healthcare to agriculture to construction.

Another reason why we will rely on robots, according to Brooks, is that they can do things that humans simply cannot. For example, robots can work in extreme environments, such as deep sea or outer space, where humans cannot survive. They can also perform tasks that are too dangerous or too repetitive for humans, such as inspecting nuclear reactors or assembling electronics.

In addition to their practical applications, Brooks also sees robots as having profound social implications. For example, he believes that robots could help to alleviate the healthcare crisis by assisting with tasks such as monitoring patient vital signs or delivering medication. They could also help to bridge the digital divide by providing access to education and technology in underprivileged communities.

Of course, there are also potential downsides to the increased use of robots. Some worry that robots will take over human jobs, and indeed there are some industries, such as transportation and retail, where robots are already becoming more common. However, Brooks argues that robots are more likely to augment human labor rather than replace it entirely, and that they will create new job opportunities in fields such as robot design and maintenance.

Another concern is that robots could become too intelligent and pose a threat to humanity. This is a popular trope in science fiction, but Brooks dismisses it as unlikely. He explains that even the most advanced robots are still far behind humans in terms of cognitive abilities, and that there are many technical and ethical challenges that would need to be overcome before robots could pose a real threat.

Ultimately, Brooks envisions a future where robots are an integral part of our society. He believes that robots will become as common as smartphones, and that we will rely on them for a wide range of tasks and services. However, he also recognizes that there are still many challenges that need to be overcome in order to make this future a reality.

Overall, Rodney Brooks' TEDTalk offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of robotics and the ways in which robots are already starting to change our lives. Whether you are a technophile or a skeptic, his talk is sure to make you think about the role that robots will play in our future.