Robotics

Can a hunk of metal and plastic learn to make art? The Robot Talent Show that took place in New York City two weekends ago featured several robots whose builders claim they actually…create. Produced by Trent Wolbe.

The toy collector John Rigg began wiring circuits in kindergarten. He was still little when he gave his mom a cardboard robot he built with motors, electric lights, and a little candy-filled drawer. Today, John Rigg displays thousands of “metal men” in a big barn near Spokane, Washington. Produced by Harriet Baskas.

The Voyager computer program is a powerful robot. It composes music — improvised, unpredictable music — using a virtual 64-piece orchestra. The Voyager’s inventor, George Lewis, improvises with his robotic partner, and creates music that we’d like to think only humans could make. Produced by Ted Panken.

Rodney Brooks is a scientist, professor, and director of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab. He is the inventor of many robots, including the Roomba, the intelligent vacuum cleaner. His latest book is Flesh and Machines.

Most of the robots you know from the movies are male. There’s Robbie the Robot, C-3PO, Data the sensitive android on Star Trek, and the violent cyborgs of Terminator and Robocop. But what about the female robots? Writer Susie Bright has some thoughts on the ways they’ve been imagined on the big screen. Produced by […]