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Children Beating Up Robot Inspires New Escape Maneuver System (2015)

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Re: Children Beating Up Robot Inspires New Escape Maneuver System (2015)

#4
I wonder how the kid's behavior would change if they changed the size of the robot, either to adult size of much smaller.

Having it child-sized might make children consider them a sort of peer, with all the social dynamics that entails. I think a kid behaving like the robot does would get treated quite similarly.

Re: Children Beating Up Robot Inspires New Escape Maneuver System (2015)

#5
It seems to me that there were several different factors in the Radio Lab experiment. I think a few of the important distinctions include:

1) the furby was intentionally designed to look like a cute thing. Oversized eyes, fluffy, etc

2) it verbally protested. Which is the big thing they were stressing in the episode.

3) the children were alone and not being pressured by someone else in the group. They were also aware they were being watched.

Re: Children Beating Up Robot Inspires New Escape Maneuver System (2015)

#7
post #5

It seems to me that there were several different factors in the Radio Lab experiment. I think a few of the important distinctions include: 1) the furby was intentionally designed to look like a cute thing. Oversized eyes, fluffy, etc 2) it verbally protested. Which is the big thing they were stressing in the episode. 3) the children were alone and not being pressured by someone else in the group. They were also aware…

It also makes me wonder about the interview questions they talk about in the article.

If they asked the kids, “Do you think you were hurting the robot?” I think most kids would interpret this as a leading question (especially after getting caught and taken aside).

I’d guess they’d answer yes because they think it’s the answer they’re supposed to say and they think they’re in trouble.

Re: Children Beating Up Robot Inspires New Escape Maneuver System (2015)

#8
Speaking of robot abuse:

We did a hidden camera experiment about how people empathize with a broken down robot begging for assistance on a sidewalk in Oakland:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXrbqXPnHvE

>Stupid Fun Club's "Empathy" One Minute Movie about Robot Empathy, written by Will Wright. Robot brain and personality simulation programmed by Don Hopkins.

We also did another experiment about servitude with an inept obsequious robot waiter at a diner:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXsUetUzXlg

>Stupid Fun Club's "Servitude" One Minute Movie about Robot Servitude, written by Will Wright. Robot brain and personality simulation programmed by Don Hopkins.

Re: Children Beating Up Robot Inspires New Escape Maneuver System (2015)

#9
post #5

It seems to me that there were several different factors in the Radio Lab experiment. I think a few of the important distinctions include: 1) the furby was intentionally designed to look like a cute thing. Oversized eyes, fluffy, etc 2) it verbally protested. Which is the big thing they were stressing in the episode. 3) the children were alone and not being pressured by someone else in the group. They were also aware…

> 2) it verbally protested. Which is the big thing they were stressing in the episode.

I think this is key, kids tend to test where the limits go. They will push farther and farther until they are told they have passed the limit of acceptable behavior. I have kids and I know that just telling them 'no' may not always be enough, but it's a start.

Re: Children Beating Up Robot Inspires New Escape Maneuver System (2015)

#10
post #6
post #3

The robots are a threat and are not friendly (as the article posits as an axiom) for children. (They serve adults) so, they are bullied.

How are these robots a threat to the children?

They will take all their jobs!
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