Why Are We Afraid of Robots?
Robots are in our homes, factories, battlefields and hospitals. Some are here to help us, others not. Mike Williams asks if we have reason to fear the machines we are creating.
Robots are in our homes, our factories, on battlefields and in hospitals. Some are smarter than us, some are faster. Some are here to help us, others not. Science fiction is filled with malign machines which rise against humanity. In the Why Factor this week, Mike Williams asks if we have reason to fear the machines we are creating.
Insert: “I, Robot” 2004 Twentieth Century Fox. Director Alex Proyas, based on story by Isaac Asimov
Insert: "Astro Boy"- Ep.1: The Birth Of Astro Boy (in English) © Nippon Television 1982
(Photo: Robots in Suits © Shutterstock)
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Clips
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The Japanese robot receptionist
Duration: 01:16
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Paro the Robotic Seal
Duration: 02:01
Broadcasts
Fri 20 May 201621:32GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & News Internet- Mon 23 May 201601:32GMTBBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
- Mon 23 May 201602:32GMTBBC World Service Online, Europe and the Middle East & UK DAB/Freeview only
- Mon 23 May 201603:32GMTBBC World Service East Asia & South Asia only
- Mon 23 May 201604:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Mon 23 May 201606:32GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & Europe and the Middle East only
- Mon 23 May 201614:32GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
- Wed 13 Jul 201611:04GMTBBC Radio 4
- Sat 9 Jan 202121:45GMTBBC Radio 4
- Mon 25 Jan 202114:45GMTBBC Radio 4
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The Why Factor
The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions
