Can you imagine a friendship with a robot? What might robot-human connections look like in the future? Scientists have already developed technology and programming that allow robots to read emotion. We humans have seven basic emotions: joy, sadness, anger, surprise, disgust, fear and contempt. Through sensors and cameras, robots can detect minute nuances of human facial expression, changes in breathing, muscle tension, and tone of voice, and discern our feelings. Scientists have developed advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that includes emotional intelligence. Might our robot friends have mechanisms to adapt and change? (That’s scary. What if our robot friends learn to be evil?)
In the chapter “Here Comes the Sun” in Saint John Lennon, John names his 4-foot tall humanoid robot friend “Darling.” Will it be possible for her to develop a sense of humor? Sarcasm? Different personalities? Will our robot friends learn our preferences and morph into irresistible companions – charming us and knowing exactly what to say to bring a smile to our faces? Darling plays Monopoly with John. She chats with him and offers information. She’s has predictive capabilities. She teases him and initiates topics of discussion. Darling even insists she understands the concept of fun. John tries to explain the senses of taste and smell. (Try explaining that to a fellow human!) She even physically demonstrates affection when she walks over to him and gently places her hand on his shoulder as a gesture of compassion.
Darling learns from John and evolves. Later, she sends him a note that says in part, “You were the best kind of friend; you helped me become a better version of myself.” Isn’t that what real friendship is all about?
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