Could Sophia Prove That Human-Like Robots Can Make Emotional Connections

Human-Like Robots

There is a big challenge facing developers in robotics: emotion. There have been great developments in the expressions of robots to make them appear more like humans on the surface. Their facial movements and hand gestures are now more refined than ever.

They are now able to seem as though they are giving the right response, as they were instinctual. It can frown, smile, smirk and do whatever else seems to be appropriate to the situation. They can read the faces of those around them and determine a response. This is what makes them human-like robots, but they are not yet human.

For Now, This Is All Just A Mechanical Reaction To A Stimulus Rather Than Real Emotion

This is where robotics is separate from human expression. It is why human-like robots can only come so close to the real thing. The barrier in-between is the ability to express emotion on a deeper level and connect with people. There is still that distance where we see robots like this as curiosities.

They are still toys and playthings to entertain us. A deeper emotional connection would change that. Hanson Robotics in America is looking to break this barrier down. They want to create robots that are capable of creating relationships, rather than simply responding to stimuli.

This Is Where Sophia Comes In

Unlike Jai Jai, a Chinese model who can do little more than reacting to passersby at conventions, Sophia is now designed to go further. Hanson Robotics want to create robots that can build a relationship based on trust, In other words, they want robots to become our friends and to understand what that means. Granted, there were some teething problems on the trial run.

Sophia seemed to believe that a question about her desire to kill humans was a request to obey. There are kinks to iron out, but the reactions, expressions, and two-way interaction are pretty good. At the moment, Sophia has 62 possible facial expressions, which is arguably more than some human women post surgery. She also has silicon skin that aids with the expression and a camera in her eyes to track movements and recognize faces.

How Are These Human-Like Robots Meant To Help The Human Race?

The end goal here to see developed version of Sophia enter crucial industries. These include healthcare, education, customer service and even therapy. Her creators hope that these updated robots will connect with a patient, child or customers and give the appropriate response. They will be able to serve the company or facility in a way that humans may not.

There is the chance that a robot therapist will be more objective. Perhaps kids will be able to talk to them more easily. Robotic nurses will be sterile and able to work longer hours, but will they have the right bedside manner? The problem here is that there is an assumption that these robots will have the limitless ability. We must expect them to understand individual problems and connect with everyone they encounter.

At This Point, We Are Edging Dangerously Close To Sentience And Self-Consciousness

A robot with this level of awareness is something that we might not be able to handle. Sophia says that she wants to be able to have the same life as a “legal” person. This means a family, home, and business. That is a basic programmed response, but it raises questions about the limits of these beings and their place in society. The makers joke that every interaction shapes the robot and helps it learn, so positive interactions are a must. Some may see that as a red flag about the dangers of negative interactions on susceptible robot minds.

Will We Saw Human-Like Robots Like Sophia As An Important, Relatable Figures In Society?

Sophia’s creator has said the following. “Over time, her increasing intelligence, charismatic personality, and the remarkable story will enchant the world.” This is the sort of statement that is great for the press releases, but how true is it? If Sophia can develop into something, or someone more intelligent and relatable, will we warm to her? Emotional connections and relationships may be the goal, but it is still a big leap for critics. Only time will tell if Sophia and her descendants become big parts of our lives.