The word "robot" is derived from the Czeck word "robota" which means forced labor or drudgery. Early robot prototypes were created with this idea in mind. They mimicked, although poorly, human movements and capabilities without much cognitive function. Newer robots, termed "sociable robots", have rudimentary powers of learning, responsiveness and self-recognition, if not awareness.
Scientists who are at the forefront of their design are now realizing that these responsive and perceived emotive qualities of the new "sociable" robots are incredibly enticing to humans. These machines respond, learn and provide a sense of caring without any of the entanglements of human interaction. They are free of negotiation, sexual innuendo and need of any kind. If the ultimate robot can do things that humans cannot, then we are well on our way to success given the characteristics of these new emotive robots.. The sociable robot such as Kismet, at left, is free of the trauma of the inner and outer sexual incompleteness inherent in all of us. Kismet is the new child of Zeus. Complete unto itself, it is free of the sexual turmoil which defines the human condition.
