Showing posts with label R2D2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label R2D2. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Pythagoras and R2D2


Pythagoras believes he can fly but is cautioned by a sobersides cyberian.

Pythagoras: Whee! I can FLY! Like a BIRD!
R2D2: Take care Pythagoras!
This could be dangerous!
Remember Icarus!
A landing less than decorous!
____________
Voice-over
The human mathematician is only uttering a declaration with a weak simile accompanied by a smattering of emotion.
The cyberian, however, has efficiently encapsulated a complex response using politeness, judgement, caution, a metaphor, a story, a moral, humor, and rhyme.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Robots as companions

Irving and Edna discuss keeping pets. E-pets.

...

Irving: Would you rather have a human-type robot as a companion, or a robot-type robot?


Edna: Machines are machines. A robot.


Irving: Most people answer they'd like a robot that looks like a human as a companion. Like C3PO.


Edna: So I’m abnormal?


Irving: I didn’t say that. But you'd prefer R2D2?


Edna: In a tight spot, yes. R2D2 was stable. He ran on wheels. He was dependable. He could clean up. If he squeaked, a bit of oil did the trick. Unlike C3PO, he didn’t talk in a quavering voice and wobble when he walked.


 

__________________

Voice-over

Aibo was a popular robot dog. Ran about and arfed. Edna evidently prefers something more practical. Something that will vacuum the carpet. And as a modern female human, she still really doesn’t need an out-of-work robot who majored in philosophy and then trained as a butler to dress her. That she can still do herself.


Nevertheless, her response is not in line with that of most people who look for human characteristics in a robot. Two eyes. Two arms. A voice. Legs or wheels, below the belt doesn't seem to matter. WALL-E?


...