Robot radio

I know I haven't written much lately, but this morning I came across something cool that inspired an entry. I was searching for some kind of audio entertainment that might make the time pass quicker while I was working, and came across NPR's Studio 360 website. Studio 360 is a weekly radio program "where art and real life collide." Browsing the archive, I found a recent program that focused on robots.



The show's guest was Rodney Brooks, director of MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab and head of iRobot, the company that makes robot vacuums. He and I go way back, so I thought it would be neat to listen to his thoughts. It was. He talks about preferring "flesh-based companions" over robot dogs, how H.A.L from 2001: A Space Odyssey inspired his work, and My Real Baby, the robot doll he helped create.



Also discussed:



--The Robot Hut, a toy robot museum in eastern Washington that I'd love to visit someday.



--Girl robots, like the ones in Austin Powers and The Stepford Wives.



--Music composed by computers



If you have some time, listen to the program online! Even the interstitial bits, with sound clips from robot songs and robot-themed movies are fun.