Computer: January 2005 Archives

Robotic Nation

This is exactly what I have been trying to tell people for some time, although I think this guy paints a far too dystopic view of the future.

It will be interesting to see how the take-over of traditional retail positions by robots will affect the general economy. Will there be enough robot repair, refurbish and programming jobs to offset all the fast food and retail jobs that will be lost?

When these kinds of systems are in place, what will a person have to do to get really wonderful personal service? When you complain to a manager will you simple get a videoconference with someone in India, China or Pakistan?

His ideas remind me of a sci-fi book "Kiln People" by David Brin. In that book, which I never finished because it was too boring, almost no one has a job because everyone can make these golem like creatures at home. These creatures that have your memories and can do any menial task. Some are even capable of quite sophisticated work. These golems then expire and can download their memories back to you. It interesting to think about a future where almost no one works because there just aren't any jobs available. For a better review take a look at this.

While walking today with a Guy from work, I was reminded of his plan for fighting spam and punishing spammers. His suggestion is that any spammer should have the products they are hawking tattooed to their forehead in indelible ink.

It's an interesting idea.