"Paro," a robot designed like a baby seal, which provides comfort to residents of a retirement community in Washington, D.C. (New York Times)
When we speak of robots, we tend to discuss mechanical taskmasters sent to the bottom of the ocean to fix broken pipes or a machine sent to diffuse a bomb. To date, robots have been used to tackle jobs deemed too dangerous or impractical for humans. But, The New York Times has been exploring a new breed of robots designed to execute emotional functions by providing companionship and even conversation.
In this conversation with Amy Harmon, national correspondent for The New York Times, we hear how science is quickly catching up with science fiction in hospitals around the world.
Watch a video about "Paro," a robot designed like a baby seal, which provides comfort to residents of a retirement community.
Star Trek: Past, Present and Future
The IRS Scandal: Who Gets Tax-Exempt Status?, Depression's Lessons, 'Star Trek: Into Darkness'
Senator Gillibrand on Sexual Assault in the Military, Implementing the Affordable Care Act, Responses: Your Most Difficult Boss
From 'Spinal Tap' to 'Family Tree,' the Wild Worlds of Christopher Guest
The Affordable Care Act in a State that Has Embraced It, U.S. Seizes A.P.'s Phone Records, Inside the World of the ICU
The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International, in collaboration with New York Times Radio and WGBH Boston.
Major funding provided by:
Comments [1]
Kudos for the great segment title and nod to Philip K. Dick.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.