Question

Define the terms ‘anthropomorphism’ and ‘autonomy’. What is their relevance to robotics? Suggest two features of a robot such as ASIMO that encourage people to treat it anthropomorphically.

Answer 1

When human nature or attributes like emotions or Intentions is imagined with a non human entity , then it is known as Anthropomorphism.When you talk about an animal or a thing if it were human , you're Anthromorphisizing it. The EASTER BUNNY is an Anthropomorphisized rabbit.

AUTONOMY means without external influence. So in robotics , Autonomous robotics is considered to be a subpart of Artificial Intelligence and information engineering. Autonomous robots are those who performs high degree tasks without any external influence.

Talking about relevance of these two in robotics , humans are always eager to push technology forward as much as they can. First machinery was made to reduce human effort and to do some extra work in short time. Then as time passed humans created artificial intelligence so that a machine can do certain work on its own. But now with help of these two things ANTHROPOMORPHISM AND AUTONOMY , human wants robots to nealry think like a human so that they can make a descion on their own. And without there two particular things , that kind of a robot is not possible.

Talking about ASIMO , It's a humanoid robot weighing 54kg and 130cm of height. Most advanced humanoid robot in the world. Till date what makes it an anthropomorphic according to me are -

It can answer to questions asked by a person . It can distinguish between the sounds of different falling materials and human voices.

It can identify human movements with help of its sensors. It is capable of understanding movements of human being . For example if a person points toward right direction to move , it responds quickly.

It can remember upto 10 faces and recorder members are called by their names.