For years, scientists around the world have strived to build the first intelligent robot; a sophisticated fully autonomous humanoid. Each day artificial intelligence is being explored, perhaps even created, at robotics laboratories around the globe. In 2000, Peter Menzel, a freelance photographer, and Faith D’Aluisio, a former television producer, published the book Robo Sapiens: Evolution of a New Species, to explore the present and future of robotics worldwide. In their collaboration they fashioned a collection of interviews, illustrations, essays and many photographs of all aspects of current research and developments. Their book includes well over a hundred different scientists, developers and their robotic creations, letting them speak of their creations, ambitions, expectations, and fears. It gives a well illustrated view of some current work in robotics. The authors divide the machines they chronicle into six groups: Electric Dreams, Robo sapiens, Bio Logical, Remote Possibilities, Work Mates and Serious Fun.

     “Electric Dreams” explores the views of individuals in the scientific community of what the future may hold for robots. Some believe that machines will never approach human abilities at all; others say that they will inevitably take over the world (perhaps a result from seeing The Terminator one too many times). What some refer to as “Artilects” (Artificial Intellects) are inevitable and we might regret the day we created them; it will not take long for them to realize their superiority to us. The human race as we know it is very likely in its endgame…the machines will wipe us out. The intelligence of robots today is that of an insect but some believe that it will catch up to human intelligence and surpass it by 2050. Finally, many predict that robots will neither fall short of people or overwhelm them, rather people will become robots, electronically merging, “the extraordinary consciousness of Homo sapiens and the almost indefinitely durable bodies of robots: Robo sapiens.”

     “Robo sapiens” primary focus is on robots that are designed in the form of a human. Many Roboticists define a robot as any machine intelligent enough to direct its own motion and respond to its environment, no matter what its shape, however, this is not what the average person envisions a robot to be. It’s a machine in a humanoid shape, a moving metal replica of human. The most popular images have always involved two legs, arms and a head with eyes, ears and a mouth. This embodies the belief that robotic creations must adopt a human form to even be able to function in a world designed for humans; robots won’t interact successfully with people unless they look somewhat like them. For years the creation of such a machine has been a daunting and difficult task for many; it’s what scientists have futilely tried to reach for decades. Only in recent years researchers have made rapid progress. Numerous projects are underway to accomplish a life size human looking robot that can walk and become a fully autonomous being. In the future, these robots will help us in various facets of life ranging from caring for the elderly to cleaning our homes; the possibilities will be endless, though this we are years away. One of the largest problems that seem to exist in humanoids is the ability to walk. Walking in a straight line, which humans can do without thinking, requires coordinated movements of such fantastic complexity that researchers are happy if their creations can walk at all. As robots continue this evolution toward humanity, humans with our artificial limbs and corneal implants are assuming robotic characteristics. Some think that the two will eventually meet peacefully and a new hybrid species of human and robot will grow.

     In “Bio Logical”, we see how living creatures are used as an inspiration for machines, known as the field of biomimetics. Roboticists are designing machines that intend to mimic creatures in God’s creation including: Apes, snakes, cockroaches, various sea life and insects (just to name a few). Largely funded by the United States government, many bio logical machines are created for the sole purpose of defense and protection of our national soil. A mechanical crab that is used to scamper across the ocean floor in search for mines or a cockroach that scours land for potential threats are just a few of the practical functions of these machines. It’s fascinating to see the tremendous ingenuity in such creations that can be used for a critical purpose.

     To further explore the endless potential, Menzel and D’Aluisio investigate the “Remote Possibilities.” We are able to remotely control robots in order to help us exceed our boundaries and limitations. Recently we have been able to explore the surface of Mars, a territory that once seemed impossible to reach. Safer and more efficient navigation through dangerous environments is now a reality; whether being used for a quick repair on a space shuttle, a search and rescue mission, strategic military defense, or even a steady hand to aid a surgeon in an operation, the list is continual. Not only are we seeing this type of integration in the world around us but it’s making its way into our lives as well.

     Many are aware that in some industries robots have become our “Work Mates”. This is especially true in assembly lines where industrial robots flawlessly take on repetitive tasks of assembling pieces, drilling holes, making chips or just about any other recurring task that needs to be done quickly with precision. Some hospitals are currently testing helper robots that while on the floor help transport food, drugs and wastes while even performing simple patient-care functions, such as guiding patients though corridors. Motion controlled prosthetic human arms and hands that pick up faint electrical signal from the muscles and amplifies them to control a robotic arm, which will once again give people the ability to hold a cup or pen with the dexterity rivaling that of a real hand. Day in and day out researchers continue to improve and develop new ways to assist in the betterment of our daily lives.

     Along with improving the quality of our lives, roboticists are involving their creations in a more “Seriously Fun” aspect of our lives. From amusement park rides, robotic pets, to the utter chaotic destruction of Battlebots, we have found there is even wide entertainment value in what we have created.

     A theme builds through the series of interviews that living, breathing creatures are still, by far, superior in almost every way to existing machines. Even some of the superiorities that machines may have over animals such as durability, speed and strength, don’t hold in a natural environment. The type of computations that involve this type of reasoning with the chaos of the natural world are far beyond the computers we have now. With computational power increasing at an astonishing rate, it will be exciting to see what will unfold in the years to come. Our authors only paint us a current picture of our progress, the future is purely speculation.