Ask a question and Ameca will set his blue and shiny eyes on you, and will say, “Yes, I am a robot”, answering your question. On the other hand, another Ameca standing among three to four people will try to get involved in the ongoing conversation. Ameca’s creator, Will Jackson says that Ameca is the worst guest in a party, as he tries to jump in every conversation. He added that they are trying to find a solution to this problem, and this is another step in the complicated process of making these human-like machines understand how to work.
A long way has been paved in this direction and many companies are teaching robots to work safely like humans. Jackson states that the prices of robots will fall down with a large-scale production. Till now, he has sold 11 Amecas. All across the world, activities like transportation of parts, welding, and painting are being carried out by robots in car factories. But these robots do not look like humans because they are not required to.
Jackson says that humanoid machines are being manufactured, keeping in mind their interactions with humans, and after some improvements, Ameca will be able to become a companion for a senior citizen, and will keep an eye on them. Ameca will also keep on reminding them about their favourite TV shows and other things. To achieve this goal, Engineering Arts, Jackson’s company, will teach the robots to play board games like chess. As per Jackson, robots need a face to interact with people, and that is why, Ameca’s face, made with electronic animation skin, seems quite lively.
Companies are working differently in order to produce human-like robots. Robots like Ameca work like guides. Boston University’s humanoid, Atlas, jumps and runs. Digit of Agility Robotics walks on uneven surfaces, and after some time, Digit will deliver items to people’s homes in a van. Some other robots who will be able to deliver goods are also being created.
