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| 'Big Dog' (DARPA photo) |
What's right up (down?) there with worshipping a golden calf? Answer: Attributing a soul to a robotic dog.
The 21st-century version of idolatry is well on its way to being widely adopted. The term “adopted” fits well here, as these robot dogs are often considered to be bona fide family members.
AFP reports that
AIBOs, SONY-developed robot dogs, possess an artificial intelligence that enables them to display “personality” traits. They are
equipped with “an array of
sensors, a camera and a microphone.” Some can even “talk.”
They seem to have all of the lovable traits that flesh is heir to, yet none of the more troublesome aspects.
For example, these
dogs don’t, er, relieve themselves on the carpet. They raise their legs and make cute little tinkling sounds, but there’s nothing to clean up afterwards.
If owners wish to take dog-less vacations, that’s not a problem either.
They simply disable robotic “Fido” for the time being, then reactivate the hound upon return.
How idyllic! However,
there is a bit of sorrow within this simulated Heaven. If SONY
closes AIBO shop, as it recently did, then even the cutest AIBO in the world is subject to “death” by disintegration.
The all-too-human response has been to call in some Buddhist priests to pray for these dear, departed, robotic “souls.”
Resources
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/offbeat/in-japan-robot-dogs-are-for-life-and-death/ar-BBhWsaB
Copyright February 27, 2015 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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