Loving Robots

R2-D2 and C3PO were featured robots in the Star Wars movies and depicted as cute and funny, one with a squeaky, animated sounds and the other with what sounded like a computer-generated voice. They provided information and guidance to the galactic explorers as they joined with forces light force battling against domination by the dark forces and their storm troopers.

Both were created to be more like droids, an abbreviated term for androids, robotic type creatures that possessed artificial intelligence (AI) and human like characteristics, which were meant to make them appear more friendly. R2-D2 was a round aluminum ball that scooted along difficult landscapes in other galaxies, and was quite adorable.

More recent developments of androids, using robotic technology and applying A.I. seem kind of creepy, even though they are designed to act and appear like humans.

Then there are the industrial robots that perform work like tasks like those developed by Boston Dynamics, an American engineering and robotics design company founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the highly prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Boston Dynamics is owned by the Hyundai Motor Group since December, 2020.

Their machine-like creations are meant to perform all type of industrial tasks, and look like intricate machines devoid of human qualities. Kind of like an erector set. But it’s possible that with imagination, music and creativity, an emotional connection can happen, which is exactly what Boston Dynamics accomplished with a video they produced which has been viewed over 25 million times on YouTube.

Set to the music of the Contours, a musical group from the Motown era in the 60’s, “Do You Love Me (Now that I can dance)” their robots show off some amazing dance moves considering they are robots

There is no doubt these robots can perform industrial tasks, but now that they can dance, there is an emotional connection, which all successful brands have, as did Boston Dynamics and their robots. Don’t you just love ’em?