Mobile Robots bringing back peace in families

Yes, even if it had web-2.0 features and even if it had a webcam so that you can log in remote and have a chat with your grandparents lying down in bed. There is so much research about robots and every now and then I get to read something like this:

In particular, robots that could serve as personal assistants for people -- especially those who are elderly or physically challenged -- are moving from fantasy to the realm of the possible. The rapid progress in computing and the growing body of knowledge in robotics are leading us toward a goal which could have many benefits for society. (link)

As much as I admire the success in this area, like this ball bot, that balances on a ball to move in all directions, I must say: Did anybody ever ask any grandmom or granddad if he would appreciate having one at home? I guess this has not happened because the answer would be deflating.

So why are researchers saying so all the time that mobile robots will have ``may benefits for society''? I seriously doubt that. Have you ever read any science fiction story where those kind of robots did not end up being a nightmare. Hello this is earth calling. Please fix Internet Explorer first and admit that 3D desktops and all this other stuff really does not work out. And I am talking about today, not about any horror fantasy escaping from imagination to reality.

Research is not client-driven but driven by interests ... well and project funding. At any time there is a certain round dance in project lyrics where you have to trigger a set of buzz words meeting the hype. But this ``elderly people being served by mobile robots'' stanza is disgusting. Repeating it does not improve it.

While industrial robots have their place in automation to avoid human interactions, this is no valid criterion for geriatrics or parenting. That's where more human interaction is needed, even if it is difficult to stand balky grannies.