"Humanized" Robots the Answer to our Fears?

Hanson Robotics goal is to make their humanoid robots as "humanized" as possible

Robots that connect with people may not want to harm us

Hanson Robotics Sophia on the Jimmy Kimmel show

Hanson Robotics seems to have the answer to fears about what kinds of things robots will do once they are smarter than us. And that is? Make them super nice and like us. 

The fact that emphasis is being put on programming and building neural networks into robots that infuse them with altruism as a preventative measure is worrying just on its face. But rest assured, David Hanson believes in what he is doing.

David Hanson, CEO, and founder of Hong Kong based Hanson Robotics:

“If we can make machines understand and have a relationship with us, then if they do become intelligent, they will ... work with us to create a better future,” said Hanson during a panel discussion on Wednesday.

Feeling better? I am not so sure either. Making robots that are compassionate and want to be our friends sounds nice, but is it a path that is free from peril? 

Abstract capabilities like emotions with the composite facial expressions like Hanson Robotics is producing in its robots is cool and exciting. And maybe it will all work out like he says with robots that make our lives better. But is being charmed and experiencing warm and fuzzies with inanimate objects a future that we really want? I'm sure the robots will try to convince us otherwise. Article