Robots

Description

Adam Walton and guests discuss the latest developments in robotics, and how robots are likely to be playing a greater role in our lives in the future.

In the studio with Adam discussing our relationship with robots, and the gradual introduction of "robot companions" into society, are Dr Patricia Shaw, a lecturer in computer science, and a member of the Intelligent Robotics Group at Aberystwyth University. Also, Vic Grout, Professor of Computing Futures at Wrexham Glyndwr University. And, Dr Mike Reddy, a senior lecturer in future technology at the University of South Wales in Newport.

We hear a report from BBC Technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones at the recent Innorobo exhibition in France, where he met Pepper, the humanoid robot from Aldebaran Robotics.

Professor Robin Hanson joins the programme from George Mason University in Virginia, to explain the idea behind his future gazing new book from Oxford University Press. "The Age Of Em: Work, Love And Life When Robots Rule The Earth", which predicts that in a century or so, the Earth will be run by "ems" - brain emulation robots.

We also hear about "biologically inspired" robot research from Dr Fumiya Iida, a lecturer in Mechatronics at Cambridge University's Machine Intelligence Laboratory, who recently gave a talk at the Hay Festival. He explains research into developing robots that have much better manual handling skills and softer skin, that could be used for tasks such as picking.