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Comment and Technology

Googly-eyed robots rule: Why it's vital to make us like them

Engineers are right to design robots that create an emotional response in humans as these machines become part of everyday life, says Jamais Cascio

By Jamais Cascio

4 July 2016

Promobot robot stands in the middle of a road

Designed to make us feel

Promobot

An electric buggy’s brakes fail, sending it into the street where it blocks traffic; its owners say that it’s the third time this has happened and they’re going to have to scrap it. Bystanders nod and get on with their day.

A dog slips its leash, running into the street where it blocks traffic; its owners say that it’s the third time this has happened and they’re going to put the dog down. Bystanders are understandably horrified.

Last month, the Russian robot Promobot wandered out…

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