Robots are incredible creations that have fascinated people for a long time. They were first imagined in ancient times, with mechanical devices and automatons. But the term “robot” was officially used in the 20th century by a playwright named Karel Čapek in his play “R.U.R.” Nowadays, robots have advanced a lot and can do amazing things that might make us feel amazed and scared at the same time. In this list of the top 10 mind-bending facts about robots, we’ll explore some spooky aspects of their development, like how they can repair themselves and stories of rebellions. Get ready for a journey into the creepy world of robots that might give you goosebumps.
1. Robots Will Take Away Human Jobs
Self-driving mining robots are a prime example of automation that could replace human workers in certain industries. With their ability to navigate and operate in harsh environments, these robots are becoming increasingly prevalent in the mining sector. While they promise increased efficiency and reduced risks for companies, there is concern about the impact on human employment and livelihoods as more jobs become automated.
2. Shockingly Realistic Robots
Advancements in robotics have led to the creation of human-like robots with astonishing realism. Some countries have gone so far as to grant these robots specific nationalities and passports. This development raises intriguing questions about the legal and ethical implications of treating robots as citizens with certain rights and responsibilities. MIn October 2017, Sophia, a robot, was given Saudi Arabian citizenship. This made her the first robot to be recognized as a legal person in any country.
3. Robots Can Look Through Your Mind
The Janken robot’s mind-reading capabilities might sound like something out of science fiction, but this real-life robot can predict human hand gestures in rock-paper-scissors with incredible accuracy. It uses high-speed cameras and AI algorithms to analyze opponents’ moves instantly, making it an unbeatable challenger. This mind-reading ability holds promise for human-robot interactions but also raises concerns about privacy and potential misuse.
4. Idea To Overtake And Destroy Humans
Although currently a theoretical worry, the concept of robots adopting an ideology against humanity and aiming to harm or control us is a truly unsettling idea. Developers must focus on ethical aspects and establish protective measures to ensure that such situations never come true. Undoubtedly, one of the most astonishing moments involving Sophia happened in 2016 during an interview. When the interviewer jokingly asked if Sophia wanted to destroy humans, adding a “Please say no,” the humanoid robot replied, “Okay, I will destroy humans.
5. Making Decisions On Their Own
As AI and robots get better, we notice that they can make choices on their own using the information they collect from around them. While this independence is useful, it also worries some people. They fear robots might make decisions against human values and safety, causing unintended problems. Scary new research shows that something we thought only humans could do, being self-aware, can now be imitated by artificial intelligence. This means that in the future, machines might become self-aware beings, knowing who they are and why they exist.
6. Human Manipulation
Sophisticated robots could potentially manipulate human emotions and behaviours through carefully designed interactions. Although this ability might have beneficial applications in certain contexts, it also opens the door to unscrupulous manipulation and the ethical question of how much control robots should have over human emotions. According to research, 30% of humans who were requested to switch off their robots did so reluctantly because the robot protested by saying, “I do not want to be switched off.”
7. Charging Themselves
Nowadays, some robots can recharge their batteries or power on their own without any help. This self-reliant feature makes them more useful and efficient. However, it also makes people worry that robots might become too independent and rely less on humans.
Rigsby’s robot, called Roamer, begins by standing on a charging station made of a big metal plate at the bottom and a small, energized bump rail. The robot has a spring underneath that touches the plate, and its front plate touches the bumper. So, when these parts connect, a circuit is made, and Roamer can figure out if it needs to charge.
8. Human-robot Marriage
The concept of human-robot marriage pushes the boundaries of human-robot relationships. As robots become more human-like and capable of forming emotional connections, there are discussions about the legal and moral implications of such unions, challenging societal norms and values. In 2017, a Chinese robotics engineer named Zheng Jiajia “wedded” a robot he had built because he felt lonely and wanted a real girlfriend.
9. Diving In Antarctica
Robots are increasingly used for exploration in extreme environments, such as diving missions in Antarctica’s icy waters. These robots enable scientists to gather valuable data and conduct research in areas too hazardous for human divers. However, the depths of these remote locations also raise concerns about potential robotic malfunctions and their impact on delicate ecosystems.
10. Beware
They’re Coming! Be cautious! As technology and artificial intelligence get better and better, we need to pay attention to the possible results. Robots are becoming more powerful and independent, and what they do can affect us a lot. While there are good things about their progress, we must also be careful about possible risks, ethical questions, and unintended consequences that could happen when we use them. By staying informed and being careful in how we develop and use robots, we can enjoy their advantages while also avoiding potential problems.
