Synopsis
Daniela Rus, a leading roboticist and computer scientist, explores how we can use a new generation of smart machines to help humankind.
Daniela Rus, a leading roboticist and computer scientist, explores how we can use a new generation of smart machines to help humankind. There is a robotics revolution underway. A record 3.1 million robots are working in factories right now, doing everything from assembling computers to packing goods and monitoring air quality and performance. A far greater number of smart machines impact our lives in countless other ways―improving the precision of surgeons, cleaning our homes, extending our reach to distant worlds―and we’re on the cusp of even more exciting opportunities.
In The Heart and the Chip, roboticist Daniela Rus and science writer Gregory Mone reframe the way we think about intelligent machines while weighing the moral and ethical consequences of their role in society. At once optimistic and realistic, they envision a world in which these technologies augment and enhance our skills and talents, both as individuals and as a species―a world in which the proliferation of robots allows us all to be more human.
The Good
A. Solutions! – the author envisions solutions to problems with robots and how robots can improve folks’ lives.
Passion and vision author has for robots- it makes you realize how much pessimism (reasonably/unreasonably) is around robots.
B. Authors perspective & knowledge of robots- author is very knowledgeable about robots so things feel well thought out.
C. 360 view of robots & their future- thought provoking, author strikes a balance seeing some of robots best & worst potential.
Moral conflicts are presented such as the want to push for robots to do no harm vs robots being used for war.
D. Deeper understanding of robots and the issues that we face with them. Robots becoming Terminators is the usual problem presented in media but most issues we are facing are them not thinking or evolving like humans/living creatures.
E. Importance of listening to those you seek to help when creating something meant for them.
The Bad
Repetitive.
Should there be pictures to go along with inventions?
The Meh
The number of inventions/advancements felt overwhelming at times but also amazing.
Thoughts
🤖What will be the effects be with robots doing errands in place of us?
🤖Why is progression of robots portrayed only as bad? What ways is the dystopian portrayal of robots shifting our perspective on robots?
🤖 Is our personification of robots harming our understanding of them?
🤖Much can be said about robots taking human jobs.
🤖Is most of the issues we are putting on robots something we need to take up with their creator?
🤖Made me think about the separation between media/ human thought on robots’ vs reality of where robots actually are.
(Received synopsis and cover image from goodreads)
I won this from W.W. Norton & Company via goodreads