Google's Schmidt Sees Benevolent 'omnipresent' Robots in Our Future

[dgstorm]

Google's Chairman Eric Schmidt had some intriguing things to share regarding Google's future plans. He foresees that robots will become a beneficial "omnipresent" source of improvement in our lives. It's no secret that Google has been buying up robotics companies lately to help make that dream a reality. It sounds like the folks at Google must have grown up watching the Jetsons and want to make that cartoon happen.

Schmidt also shared that Google is working to improve AI (Artificial Intelligence) and build robots which will take away the repetitive tasks from us. He had several interesting things to share during the Oasis: The Montgomery Summit conference in Santa Monica, California yesterday. Here are some quotes with some of his thoughts,

[Google is experimenting with automation designed to] “replace a lot of the repetitive behavior in our lives.”

“We’re experimenting with what automation will lead to. Robots will become omnipresent in our lives in a good way.”

“The biggest thing will be artificial intelligence. Technology is evolving from asking a question to making a relevant recommendation. It will figure out things you care about and make recommendations. That’s possible with today’s technology.”

He also shared his thoughts when asked about other companies and industries. For example, when questioned about Apple's supposed reduced rate of innovation, he responded very diplomatically with, "[Apple is a] well-run company and I’m sure whatever issues they’re facing, they’ll solve.”

Schmidt also called on regulators to spur more competition in broadband Internet service. He indicated,

“In plenty of U.S. cities, there’s not a competitive market for broadband Internet. Regulators need to look at what’s preventing a second competitor from entering that space.”

What do you think? Will Google's "omnipresent" robots usher in a new age of progress like in the movie "Bicentennial Man", or turn into demonic overlords as seen in "The Terminator" franchise?

Source: Bloomberg

 

[akhenax]

Please stop the following:
1. Advances in Artificial Intelligence
2. Advances in Robotics

I have seen too many movies throughout my life where this is a BAD idea.

 

[jspradling7]

Omnipresent as in everywhere and autonomous as in self controlled. There have already been some awesome strides made in that direction (especially in Japan) that it's almost inevitable. I have no doubt that eventually there will be robots around as plentiful as cars are today. They will be everywhere and doing everything. From surgery, to babysitting, housecleaning, flying planes, and driving our cars. The only question is how many more years will it take before our society becomes completely saturated with them. And I'll wager that the "common" type robots that we see in science fiction is going to be pretty similar to what we get. That's the mental image the current designers grew up seeing so that's what they replicate in reality. Bicentennial Man, Roby, probably even an R2D2. : )

Personally, I'm more interested in smart suits and other wearables that improve me than I am about the robots doing stuff for me. Improve me... make me a Borg.

 

[Narsil]

So Google is actively seeking to put all unskilled laborers (and many skilled laborers) permanently out of work...

 

[Dusty]

I'd pay SERIOUS, SERIOUS money for a robot that could do household chores, cook, and perform minor repairs around the house. That seems like something that could be packaged with a home sale in the future.

Garage, new roof, finished basement, and home robot included if buyer purchases for asking price.

 

[tgyberg]

And what does a robot need a urinal for?!

 

[kodiak799]

I'd pay SERIOUS, SERIOUS money for a robot that could do household chores...

ROOMBA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the really practical and beneficial applications I foresee is a "robot" that analyzes your, errrr, "waste" in the toilet to identify deficiencies and potential illness/disease.

Anyway, if I were a parent I would be placing a VERY strong emphasis on my children being extremely tech savvy and probably push them to learn programming languages. Because the more jobs that robots/AI perform (and that WILL include a surprising number of professional jobs in fields such as finance and accounting)...