For this week’s episode of Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast, the round-table — managing editor Nicole Raney, food and drink editor Sam Slaughter, and host Greg Nibler — are joined by our brother site Digital Trends’ executive features editor, Drew Prindle, to talk about robots.
Now, we’re not talking about the beep-boop type from 1950s sci-fi movies (OK, those may come up), but rather the robots and the artificial intelligence that are both already in our homes and what might be to come (like gladiatorial combat featuring Boston Dynamics robots). As Prindle points out, not only have we been living with robots for a while (do you have a Roomba scuttling about as you read this?), but what we have been privy to is just the tip of the iceberg.
After discussing whether or not home assistants like Alexa and Siri are actually good things to have in the house, the gang delves into a truly important topic: What kind of robot would you have if you could have one and what would it look like? Opinions are varied from polite, helpful servants to scout-like bodyguards. One thing is certain, though. The future of robotics and artificial intelligence (and the confluence of both) is going to be an exciting and possibly scary place.
If you want a change from the usual drool-inducing content we talk about — and especially if you are a fan of Digital Trends — then this episode is for you.
Afraid of the robot apocalypse? Always dreamed of having a robot helper? Think we’re missing the mark on a specific topic? If you have a question or comment for The Manual podcast crew, give us a shout at podcast@themanual.com — we’re always around! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you can join the discussion. You can find also check in with Drew Prindle on Twitter.
Further Reading
- Welcome to the uncanny valley: This Robot Head Shows Lifelike Expressions
- What is Google Duplex? The Smartest Chatbot Ever, Explained
- CleanseBot Is a Pocket-Sized, Bacteria-Killing Robot for Germaphobe Travelers
- Australia Hopes to Save the Great Barrier Reef with Starfish-Killing Assassin Robots
