What is your reaction to his claims that they are machines and we are
machines and therefore, it makes sense for us to give them respect (and
possibly rights)?
What do you think of his arguments for why we don't need to worry about
robots taking over?
The speaker touches briefly on the metaphysical implications of this
transition, and how humans as a species will be further humbled by the ascent
of robots. Do you agree with these speculations? Is this a "comfortable"
idea for you, or not?
How did they design these robots so that they would appear
"human"/"emotional"?
How well did it work in your opinion?
What do you think it would take for you to believe that the robot you are
interacting with is "conscious" or "has emotions"?
How do you think robots will make the transition to mainstream? I noticed
that the speaker only discussed "home" robots and toy robots. He seems to
have neglected the role of robots in manufacturing. Why do you think this is
the case? (As a side note, almost all of the robots featured were smaller
than people and/or people-like. Do you think there is a reason why? What
other types of tasks would you use robots for?)
When does software quality become an issue? We all live with buggy
software on a daily basis.... would you want a robot for a doctor? (or a
dentist?) What might be the disadvantages/advantages of this?
If you could get any robot you can imagine for free, today, what would it
be like? What role would it play in your life? (i.e. as a companion, as a
vacuum, etc.)