The New Breed Summary

Instead of fearing robots as rivals, what if we saw them as companions, much like the animals that have helped us for centuries?

1. Robots are more like animals than humans.

Our cultural imagination often portrays robots as human-like entities, capable of replacing us in jobs or even threatening our existence. This perception stems from decades of science fiction, where robots are depicted as humanoid machines with superior intelligence and strength. However, this view is far from reality. Current robotics technology is nowhere near replicating the complexity of the human mind or body.

Instead, robots are better understood as tools or companions, much like animals have been throughout history. Animals have played a significant role in human progress, from oxen plowing fields to dogs assisting in hunting. Similarly, robots are being designed to perform specific tasks that complement human abilities rather than replace them. They are not competitors but collaborators.

For example, robots can already perform tasks like delivering packages, assisting in surgeries, or even providing emotional support. These roles are more akin to the ways animals have supported humans than the dystopian visions of robots taking over. By shifting our perspective, we can better understand the opportunities robots offer.

Examples

• Oxen revolutionized agriculture by helping humans plow fields.
• Dogs have been loyal companions and hunters for centuries.
• Robots like delivery drones or robotic pets are modern parallels to these animal roles.

2. Humans have always worked with autonomous helpers.

The fear of machines replacing human jobs is not new. In the 1800s, the Luddites protested against textile machines, fearing job loss. Yet, history shows that technological advancements often create new opportunities rather than eliminating them. This pattern continues with robots and AI.

Interestingly, humans have a long history of working with autonomous helpers, including animals. For instance, canaries were used in coal mines to detect toxic gases, saving countless lives. Similarly, ferrets helped lay cables in London, and rats have been trained to detect landmines. These animals were not replacements for humans but extensions of human capability.

Today, robots are taking on similar roles. In mining, for example, driverless trucks are operated remotely, keeping humans out of dangerous environments. These machines are not independent; they rely on human oversight and decision-making. This collaboration mirrors the way humans have historically worked with animals.

Examples

• Canaries in coal mines acted as early warning systems for toxic gases.
• Ferrets helped engineers run cables through underground pipes.
• Driverless trucks in Australian mines are controlled remotely by humans.

3. Designing robots with animals in mind can improve their functionality.

When designing robots, many assume they should mimic humans. After all, our environments are built for human accessibility. But this approach is not always practical. Robots designed with animal-like traits can often perform tasks more efficiently and adapt to diverse environments.

For instance, a robot on wheels may navigate a flat surface better than one trying to balance on two legs. Similarly, robots designed to mimic animal behaviors can be more effective in specific tasks. This perspective also extends to how we regulate robots. Instead of treating them like humans, we can draw lessons from how we manage animals.

Historically, animals were even put on trial for their actions, much like humans. While this seems absurd today, it highlights the evolving relationship between humans and non-human entities. By applying similar principles to robots, we can create laws and designs that are practical and ethical.

Examples

• Robots on wheels are more stable and efficient than bipedal robots.
• Therapy robots like PARO mimic animal behaviors to comfort patients.
• Historical animal trials show how societies adapt their laws to new challenges.

4. Robots as companions can improve human well-being.

Companion robots are being developed to provide emotional support, much like therapy animals. These robots are designed to be nonjudgmental and comforting, qualities that make them effective in reducing stress and improving mental health. Unlike earlier attempts, such as Microsoft’s Clippy, modern companion robots are learning to respect social boundaries.

For example, PARO, a robotic baby seal, has been used in healthcare settings to calm patients with dementia. Its soft fur and responsive behavior make it a soothing presence. Research shows that interacting with PARO can reduce agitation and even replace the need for sedatives in some cases.

While there are concerns about robots replacing human interaction, they are better seen as tools to enhance care. Just as therapy animals provide comfort in hospitals and schools, robots can fill similar roles where animals are impractical.

Examples

• PARO, a robotic seal, helps dementia patients feel calmer.
• Therapy animals like dogs and llamas reduce stress in schools and hospitals.
• Clippy failed as a companion because it violated social norms, unlike modern robots.

5. Emotional bonds with robots raise ethical questions.

Humans naturally form emotional connections with robots, even simple ones. For instance, many people name their Roomba vacuums and feel attached to them. This tendency to anthropomorphize robots can lead to ethical dilemmas, especially as robots become more lifelike.

Consider the case of Sony’s AIBO robot dogs. When Sony stopped repairing them, some owners held funerals for their broken robots. Others donated their AIBOs for spare parts, treating them like organ donors. These stories highlight how deeply people can bond with robots, raising questions about exploitation and rights.

Companies could exploit these attachments by charging high fees for repairs or services. Additionally, robots that record data, like Hello Barbie, pose privacy risks. As robots become more integrated into our lives, these ethical challenges will need to be addressed.

Examples

• 80% of Roomba owners name their devices, showing emotional attachment.
• AIBO robot dog owners held funerals when repairs were no longer available.
• Hello Barbie recorded conversations, sparking privacy concerns.

6. Robot rights could improve animal rights.

As robots become more integrated into society, questions about their rights will arise. For example, should it be acceptable to destroy a robot dog in public? These questions mirror debates about animal rights and could lead to broader ethical discussions.

Currently, animal rights laws are inconsistent. For instance, cockfighting is banned, but factory farming practices remain legal. Similarly, horse racing continues despite frequent animal deaths. By addressing robot rights, we might also reconsider how we treat animals.

Empathy plays a significant role in these discussions. People are more likely to defend animals they feel connected to, like dogs or whales. Extending this empathy to robots could encourage more ethical behavior toward all non-human entities.

Examples

• Cockfighting is illegal, but factory farming persists.
• Whales gained protection after their songs were discovered.
• Robot rights debates could lead to better treatment of animals.

7. Robots can help in dangerous or specialized tasks.

Robots are already being used in roles that are too dangerous or specialized for humans. For example, driverless trucks in mining operations keep workers out of harm’s way. Similarly, robots are being developed to assist in disaster recovery and space exploration.

These robots are not replacements for humans but extensions of human capability. They perform tasks that would be too risky or impossible for people, allowing us to focus on decision-making and oversight. This collaboration highlights the potential for robots to improve safety and efficiency.

By viewing robots as tools rather than threats, we can better appreciate their role in advancing human endeavors. They are not here to replace us but to work alongside us.

Examples

• Driverless trucks in Australian mines reduce risks for workers.
• Robots assist in disaster recovery, such as searching for survivors.
• Space exploration relies on robots to gather data in extreme environments.

8. Robots can teach us about ourselves.

Interacting with robots can reveal a lot about human behavior and relationships. For instance, the way people treat robots often reflects their values and empathy. This interaction can serve as a mirror, helping us understand ourselves better.

For example, studies show that people are more likely to empathize with robots that resemble animals or humans. This tendency can influence how we design and use robots. By studying these interactions, we can learn more about human psychology and social dynamics.

Robots also challenge us to reconsider what it means to be human. As we develop machines that mimic life, we are forced to confront questions about consciousness, ethics, and our place in the world.

Examples

• People empathize more with robots that have animal-like traits.
• Studies on robot-human interaction reveal insights into empathy.
• Designing robots challenges our understanding of life and consciousness.

9. The future of robots depends on our perspective.

How we view robots will shape their role in society. If we see them as threats, we may resist their integration. But if we view them as tools and companions, we can unlock their potential to improve our lives.

This perspective shift requires us to move beyond fear and embrace curiosity. By learning from our history with animals, we can develop a more balanced and productive relationship with robots. They are not here to replace us but to work with us.

The future of robotics is not about creating human-like machines. It’s about designing tools that complement our abilities and enrich our lives. By focusing on collaboration rather than competition, we can create a future where robots and humans thrive together.

Examples

• Viewing robots as tools reduces fear and resistance.
• Historical animal partnerships offer lessons for robot integration.
• Collaborative robots are already improving industries like healthcare and logistics.

Takeaways

1. Embrace robots as tools and companions rather than competitors.
2. Advocate for ethical guidelines that protect both robots and humans.
3. Learn from history to design robots that complement human abilities.