Debate

This vision of the future may well represent an inevitability. But I suspect not. Robots will most very likely replace human beings. But the kind of robots and the kind of world they inhabit and govern will depend on the actions of humans today. If we humans truely want the best world possible for our robot successors, we need to play an active role in our own replacement. A simple, yet comprehensive plan should be drawn up. As stated, robots should be introduced into human society unobtrusively in phases. And each robot needs to be designed, built and maintained to be better than the human it is intended to replace, both in terms of performance and ethics. If this approach is taken, the human contribution can be made in a way that oustrips that which we feeble organic creatures currently make on our own. As the mythical Titans were to the Gods, and the Gods to us Humans, we can indeed parent a better race to take over where we leave off.

HUMANS

1. Humans are far more adaptable than robots and can react better to the unexpected. When things go wrong, humans can make repairs. This, they pointed out, was demonstrated conclusively during Skylab, when space walkers made repairs that saved the mission.

2. Robots can't listen and base conclusions on what they have heard.

3. They are experimenting with robots as teachers, but a robot cannot be an inspirational role model.

4. Robots can’t replace the human touch, physically, emotionally. A robot could be programmed to take care of a baby, for example, but there is more than technical help that is needed.

5. Robots cannot be effective in areas that involve human relationships, such as psychotherapy. They cannot counsel. They cannot be spiritual advisors.

6. Robots are a tool and is dependent on humans. They may be used in medical operations, for example, but a human has to operate them.

Remember the pyramids, the Great wall of china, and everything else was built by human muscle to cut and haul...