Ken Goldberg (roboticist)
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Deep Dive
Where was Ken Goldberg born and why?
Ken Goldberg was born in Nigeria because his parents were idealists during the 1960s who wanted to contribute to civil rights. They wrote to various people in Africa and were invited to work at a school in Nigeria for two years, where they lived without running water or electricity.
What inspired Ken Goldberg's interest in robotics?
Ken Goldberg's interest in robotics was inspired by his father's influence, his childhood fascination with machines like go-karts and model rockets, and his exposure to shows like 'Lost in Space.' He also took a course in AI in 1981, which included robotics, natural language, and computer vision, sparking his passion for the field.
What is the origin of the word 'robot'?
The word 'robot' was coined in 1920 by a Czechoslovakian playwright named Karel Čapek in his play 'R.U.R.' (Rossum's Universal Robots). The term 'robot' comes from the Czech word 'robota,' which means 'forced labor' or 'worker.'
What is the significance of the Pygmalion myth in robotics?
The Pygmalion myth, where a sculptor falls in love with his creation, symbolizes the hubris of creating life or intelligence artificially. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming too attached to one's creations, which is a recurring theme in robotics and AI, as seen in stories like 'Frankenstein' and 'Her.'
Why is it difficult for robots to perform tasks like picking up objects?
Robots struggle with tasks like picking up objects due to the complexity of motor control, uncertainty in the environment, and the limitations of sensors and hardware. Human dexterity evolved over millions of years, making seemingly simple tasks like grasping incredibly challenging for robots, which lack the nuanced touch and adaptability of human hands.
What is Ken Goldberg's view on the fear of robots taking over jobs?
Ken Goldberg believes that the fear of robots taking over jobs is largely unfounded because many jobs, especially those involving manual labor, are extremely difficult to automate. He notes that 39% of U.S. jobs are manual labor, and robots are far from being able to replicate the physical and cognitive skills required for such tasks.
What is the Roomba's significance in the history of robotics?
The Roomba is one of the most successful robots of all time, with over 10 million units sold. It represents a significant milestone in robotics because it demonstrates the ability to perform a simple, repetitive task—cleaning floors—reliably. However, it also highlights the limitations of current robotics, as it cannot handle complex environments or tasks like stairs.
What is Ken Goldberg's art exhibit about?
Ken Goldberg's art exhibit, 'Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time, and Technology,' explores the history of knowledge and science through tree rings. The exhibit features salvaged wood sculptures, including a massive eucalyptus stump inscribed with questions about the evolution of human knowledge, from ancient times to modern scientific breakthroughs.
- Dax's initial judgment of Ken based on his lack of a name tag.
- Dax's quick change of opinion after Googling Ken.
- The 'elephant panties' incident and its humorous impact on their interaction.
Shownotes Transcript