The 'uncanny valley' and why robots like the Terminator are so terrifying
If watching the Terminator left you cowering behind the sofa, you are not alone. When it comes to cyborgs, robots, an AI powered digital helpers the creepiest ones are those which look most like us Scientists led by the University of Cambridge showed 21 people robots ranging from ‘mechanoids’ like R2D2 in Star Wars to ‘artificial humans’ very similar to us HOW DID THE STUDY WORK? The study used pictures of real people, ‘mechanoid’ robots with only a primitive head shape, ‘humanoids’ like CP30 and androids like Data from Star Trek, as well as more modern artificial humans. Scientists led by the University of Cambridge showed 21 people robots ranging from ‘mechanoids’ ranging from ‘mechanoids’ like R2D2 and 'humanoids' like C3P0 in Star Wars to ‘artificial humans’ very similar to us like Terminator. Robots are already being tested as companions in care homes in some countries, so it is important to understand how we respond to them as social partners.’ The study used pictures of real people, ‘mechanoid’ robots with only a primitive head shape, ‘humanoids’ like CP30 and androids like Data from Star Trek, as well as more modern artificial humans.
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