Japan has the highest number of robots with 40% of all the robots in the world. Recently, Toshiba Corp. introduced a robot named Aiko Chihira as a receptionist at a department store. Although many generations of Japanese have seen robots before, crowds still gathered to see this very lifelike android. It was not just the silicon covering that made her appear alive. 43 motors, each controlled using a data transfer rate at 30 times per second, made her movements fluid and subtle. The use of Aiko Chihira was so successful; the company intends to make more sisters like her in the near future.

We have come a long way since the first humanoid robot debuted in 1939. This robot, named “Elektro,” was seven feet tall and could speak 700 words. Then in 1961, the first working robot was introduced to make cars as part of the production line at Ford. Ever since then, people have dreamed about having a tireless assistant perform the difficult and tedious tasks in their daily lives.

This dream is countered however, by some real concerns and fears, about the impact of robots on society. Many blame robots for rising unemployment as robots are increasingly replacing jobs for workers. Some raise question about the ethics of implementing robots in military combat. Even though robots can be helpful and useful, some find robots are frightening, especially to children.

These concerns are valid and need to be addressed. Public opinion is still mixed about robots. World-renowned theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawkings, stated, “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” He does acknowledge that humans are still far from reaching that point. Don’t worry about that Roomba sweeper in your living room or the hands-free car wash at the gas station attacking you.

While scientists continue to explore the possibilities of robot autonomy and the potential repercussions of real concerns, technology marches on as it presents exciting possibilities of where robotics will lead us in the next decade.