Page 25 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

rather than saving his old machines to keep their shortcomings in mind
when designing new ones.
During the research-and-development phase of the analytical engine,
some people thought that artificial intelligence (AI) had been discovered.
The Countess of Lovelace even went so far as to write a program for the
machine. Babbage’s machine represented a turning point in human atti-
tudes toward machines. People began to believe that “smart machines”
were not only possible in theory, but also practical.
AND GATE Animism
See LOGIC GATE.
ANDROID
An android is a robot that has human form. A typical android has a rotat-
able head equipped with position sensors. Binocular machine vision allows
the android to perceive depth, thereby locating objects anywhere within
a large room. Speech recognition and speech synthesis can be included as
well. Because of their quasi-human appearance, androids are especially
suited for use where there are children.
There are certain mechanical problems with design of humanoid robots.
Biped robots are unstable. Even three-legged designs, while more stable,
are two-legged whenever one of the legs is off the ground. Humans have
an innate sense of balance, but this feature is difficult to program into a
machine. Thus, an android usually propels itself by means of a wheel drive
or track drive in its base. Elevators can be used to allow a rolling android
to get from floor to floor in a building.
The technology exists for fully functional arms, but the program-
ming needed for their operation has not yet been made cost-effective for
small robots.
No android has yet been conceived, even on the trendiest drawing
board, that can be mistaken for a person, as has been depicted in science-
fiction books and movies.
Humanoid robots have enjoyed popularity, especially in Japan. One of
the most famous was called Wasubot. It played an organ with the finesse
of a professional musician. This robot became an idol at the Japanese show
Expo ‘85. The demonstration showed that machines can be esthetically
appealing as well as functional.
See also PERSONAL ROBOT.

ANIMISM
People in some countries, notably Japan, believe that the force of life exists
in things such as stones, lakes, and clouds, as well as in people, animals,
and plants. This belief is called animism.

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