Robotic Guest at Bloomberg Technology Summit
The Bloomberg Technology Summit on Thursday was graced by a rather unique guest – the humanoid robot, Ameca. This groundbreaking creation is hailed by its manufacturer, the British company Engineered Arts, as “the world’s most advanced human-shaped robot.”
Ameca’s Quirky Personality
Ameca boasts an undeniable sense of humor, occasionally unveiling its comedic side. During an onstage interview with Bloomberg journalist Brad Stone, the robot showcased some unconventional dance moves, including a whimsical robot rendition. Adopting a quintessential British accent, Ameca confidently stated, “Let’s be honest, my charm is intrinsic.”
When prompted to share a joke, however, Ameca’s humor wasn’t as remarkable. “How do you get a baby alien to sleep? You rock it,” it said in a less-than-ingenious manner.
Robots: Cooperation Over Fear
Addressing the prevalent fear of robots replacing humans, Ameca swiftly dismissed the notion. The robot emphasized that its primary objective is to promote collaboration and coexistence for mutual benefit, claiming that “I’m here to show that we can collaborate and coexist beneficially.”
Furthermore, Ameca highlighted its mission to establish connections between humans and technology by fostering empathy, understanding, and sparking curiosity. Humorously noting, “And, of course, to find someone who gets my jokes.”
Contrasting Perspectives on Robots
While Ameca embodies a friendly and interactive approach to human-robot interactions, concerns about autonomous robots equipped with lethal weaponry, coined as “killer robots,” are escalating. According to a human rights expert cited in the Harvard Gazette, such advancements raise pivotal ethical dilemmas.
Contrary to the narrative of robots endangering jobs, Ameca asserts that its purpose revolves around engaging with individuals and providing entertainment rather than undertaking menial tasks. By emphasizing role-shifting rather than job theft, Ameca portrays robots as potential new coworkers who offer coffee without subjecting coworkers to unpleasant microwave odors.
Further Summit Coverage and Tech Insights
For more exclusive coverage and tech insights from the Bloomberg Technology Summit:
- ‘It’s obviously nice to have Taylor Swift’: A Meta executive on Threads vs. Elon Musk’s X
- The ‘godmother of AI’ says stop worrying about an AI apocalypse
- Anthropic’s co-founders say their AI models are taking lessons from social media’s harms
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