Phil Smeeton's Tech Thinking Blog

Although the tech industry has produced a number of different humanoid robots powered by AI we do not see them intermingled with humans in society yet. I think that users would enjoy robotic servants and helpers/assistants and we are now nearing a time when this is really viable. One American idea that I like is using a barriered off controlled space in public to exhibit the humanoids allowing the public to come and observe the humanoids until they are ready to buy them for their own applications. 

I like the idea of exploiting the Qubit in Quantum Computing as a software developer, the increased number of potential states appeals to me, however I am aware that creating a stable Quantum hardware is non-trivial and a difficult thing currently.     What to do, what to do, I thought that embedding a very stable quantum simulator into a personal computer operating system would provide a good user experience for those wanting a quantum computer now.

  This offer ‘Goes away’ after a certain date I like the psychology of goes away, it seems to me that users have become very dependent on internet services so it might be time for stuff to go away, like time limited offers, deadlines on discounts etc.

A product or object has a newness associated with it; software is the same it has newness and oldness qualities. The mobile phone app has been around for a long time, whilst it still has some relevance it feels old and worn as an object in software. Thanks to the use of generative AI a new name is available, the smartphone Tapp. Tapps are like apps, except they probably launch quicker, do more stuff and might use AI. You open a Tapp or launch it.

  Is there any particular reason why humanoids are not commonplace within our society? Is it because they are a new technology and we have yet to place them and accept their place in society? Or is it because we feel that the humanoids currently lack intelligence and capability and therefore would not be of sufficient use to us? Is it because humans do not want rival-like objects in circulation potentially confusing or interfering with our human lives? What would a world with intermingled humanoids look and feel like? One positive implementation would comprise of humanoid helpers carrying stuff, helping people find things, providing prompt medical assistance, guarding people’s possessions, caring for vulnerable people, maintaining , cleaning and tidying in any environment.

Smartphones were not always as popular as they are today, in fact it took decades from initial launch to the ubiquitousness we see today, and this popularity is not fixed. Thinking about the latest versions of humanoid robots I see them being particularly useful as domestic helpers with unlimited energy and enthusiasm. As the human user sees how useful the humanoids are they will become more interested in owning and enjoying the benefits of them. I also think that extensibility is a key element of the popularity of humanoids as adding new skills will be a valuable feature. If the popularity curve for humanoids is similar to smartphones, it’s going to take 50+ years for them to become commonplace.