Webelow Wear

Studies show that with our increased exposure to robots, humans are becoming more empathetic toward this growing technology. Twelve adults, all about 23 years old, were asked to view computer-generated videos of either a humanoid robot or a person reaching out with their right hand to grasp an object. The hand movements in each case were either smooth (human-like) or jerky and mechanical (robot-like). The team found that the MNS – a collection of neurons in various parts of the brain that play a key role in creating empathy – was activated in the 12 adult when the robot performed actions; but only when the actions were robotic, not when the robot’s motion was smooth and human-like.

And here we go…humans start getting soft on robots and before you know it the human race is getting whipped by Ipods and we’re the ones on the gerbil wheel waiting for our next pellet.  Maybe not, but it is interesting. We’re not the Jetsons (yet)  but we are getting used to the idea on a realistic level.

Via [NewScientist.com]