Experts Discuss the Future of Robots in Society at UT’s Hook ‘Em House at SXSW

The future of robots in society is a hot topic of discussion, and experts recently weighed in on the matter at UT’s Hook ‘Em House during SXSW. Peter Stone, a professor and executive director of Texas Robotics at The University of Texas at Austin, spoke about how artificial intelligence and ChatGPT are changing the conversation around robots. The extreme views of robots being either like the Terminator or from “The Jetsons” are softening, and the public discourse is becoming more nuanced.

The panel discussed the potential wide acceptance of robots in society as people become more accustomed to their assistance and develop a growing comfort level with what tasks humans are willing to delegate to them. Bill Smart, a professor at Oregon State University, noted that individual choice will play a significant role in whether people welcome robots into their homes for tasks like cooking and lawn care.

Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics, discussed the importance of designing homes to be robot-enabled, considering factors like hallway design and storage. Stone emphasized the importance of finding the “sweet spot” for robot capabilities in homes, between entertainment and practical tasks like vacuuming.

It was also highlighted that everyone already has a robot in their home in the form of a dishwasher, indicating how common and accepted such technology has become in our daily lives. Smart pointed out that engineering robots for specific purposes is easier than creating multi-functional robots, but the key is finding a way to make them affordable and accessible to all.

Texas Robotics at UT is playing a significant role in advancing AI development, with a multitude of robotics labs, faculty members, and students working on cutting-edge research and educational programs. The department offers opportunities for hands-on research and degree programs in robotics, paving the way for a future where robots are integrated into various aspects of society.

Overall, the discussion at UT’s Hook ‘Em House highlighted the evolving perceptions and potential for robots in society, emphasizing the need for thoughtful design, consideration of privacy and data sharing, and finding the right balance between human tasks and robot assistance. The future of robots in our homes and daily lives is a complex and evolving landscape that will continue to be shaped by technological advancements and societal attitudes.