Paper # 5- Robotics

Robotics

     Technology is advancing as fast as ever and this is especially true in the field of Robotics. Robots are able to replace humans for certain tasks, either making it easy or doing stuff that we just don't want to. iRobot is developing a robot that can replace you at the office through telepresence(iRobot). There's even a robot that mows the lawn for you, the Lawnbott! 

     Robots such as these have great benefits to society. Being able to essentially work from home all the time will save a good chunk of money, as well as cut down on gas emissions. There is also less chance of car accidents happening. Also having robots doing tasks like mowing your lawn will leave you with more free time, allowing for more time with family or work. 

     Naturally there will be problems with the robots. Robots break down and need to be fixed costing money and time that might have otherwise been saved. They also can't do everything humans can do. Unless programmed and designed for a certain task, there's a high possibility it can't do that certain task, like cleaning fragile or small items. The iRobot telepresence robot won't be able to do everything you could if you went into the office itself. 

     An issue that might arise when employers start buying robots instead of hiring humans, an increase in the unemployed. Sometimes it's better for a human to do the work. Another issue would be malfunctions that technology inevitably has. Having a robot malfunction during a meeting or when you're changing the mower blades can lead to adverse consequences that may result in legal ramifications. But having robots inevitably breaks means they also need someone to fix them, offering job possibilities.
     Robots are great helpers for humans, able to do most of things we can better or just a lot safer. They have become an important source of labor for society with many uses. Although they can never replace humans completely, robots will always be a major help for certain tasks that humans are at risk doing or just don't want to do.

Sources: 

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101025221