http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/maney/2003-09-16-maney_x.htm
Progress in robotics proceeding in parallel along multiple axes are bringing us tools which are capable of useful work in complex areas like individual homes. Some of us [those who can afford such products] may have the option to live completely different lives in the future, as robots take over common and time consuming basic tasks.
The developments in hardware, software, and concepts currently ongoing make this a very promising line of development. After many years of failure on deliver, some of these blue-sky promises will deliver [I am still waiting for software which will really allow me to dictate into the computer better than I can type].
Once again, the iceberg metaphor is appropriate -- science fiction has, perhaps, done [and will continue to do] more useful thinking about what all this means than any other discipline. We should be aware that none of these rewards will be a boon unalloyed.
Posted by jho at September 25, 2003 10:45 AM