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The Bravery - Scottish Sunday

At last ... a robot that really can think

By Eva Langlands

Revolutionary Thinking Robots

IT cooks, cleans, and washes your windows at the touch of a button -- and even matures with age. Thinking robots that evolve like humans could soon become a reality, thanks to a group of Scottish scientists currently working on developing the world's first real-life R2-D2. Until now, attempts to create thinking robots involved complex processing networks that failed to operate autonomously in advanced tasks. However, this new technique allows robots to evolve in a developing environment, enabling them to become more complex and sophisticated over time, just like humans.

Scientists at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen have been "growing" robots in their laboratory for eight years and claim to have invented a robot that will drastically change our everyday lives. Within the next 15 years, we could potentially be spared the time and effort involved in daily household chores as a result of a new robot handyman. Dr. Christopher MacLeod, leading the research, envisions a future where robots can carry out all the tasks we dislike, such as vacuuming the house or completing household errands.

Current robot models can already wash windows, mow lawns, and even function as artificial limbs. In the event of an earthquake or dangerous levels of radiation, these robots could replace humans and perform exploratory tasks underwater. Although the robots currently being developed can only see and touch, Dr. MacLeod believes that with time and investment, they will also be able to hear and speak. By using neural processors, similar to the 100 billion neural processors in our brain, the robots have the potential to become as intellectually capable as an entire nation or planet.

Dr. MacLeod acknowledges the potential dangers if the technology were to fall into the wrong hands. The system, working on an evolutionary principle, can be trained to carry out specific functions, even dangerous ones. While the possibilities of artificial intelligence are vast, how we use it ultimately depends on human nature and responsibility.

Robots and the Hotel Industry

The development of thinking robots has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including the hotel sector. Hotels are constantly seeking ways to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations. The introduction of intelligent robots can provide numerous benefits and improve efficiency.

1. Customer Service

Thinking robots can be utilized in hotels to provide exceptional customer service. They can greet guests, answer questions, and provide information about the hotel amenities, nearby attractions, and dining options. With their evolving capabilities, robots can adapt to guest preferences and personalize their interactions, enhancing the overall guest experience.

2. Housekeeping and Maintenance

Robots equipped with advanced sensing and cleaning capabilities can efficiently perform housekeeping tasks. They can autonomously clean and organize guest rooms, ensuring consistency in cleanliness and reducing the workload of human staff. Additionally, robots can be programmed to perform maintenance tasks, such as checking for faulty equipment or monitoring energy usage, contributing to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

3. Contactless Services

In an era of increased focus on hygiene and contactless services, thinking robots can play a crucial role in minimizing physical contact between guests and hotel staff. Guests can interact with robots for various services, such as ordering room service, requesting additional amenities, or arranging transportation. This not only enhances guest safety but also brings convenience and efficiency to the hotel's operations.

4. Entertainment and Hospitality

Hotels strive to provide unique and engaging experiences to guests. Thinking robots can be programmed to entertain guests through interactions, games, and information sharing. They can also act as multilingual concierges, providing recommendations and guiding guests through their stay. These robots create a memorable and technologically advanced atmosphere for hotel guests, setting establishments apart from the competition.

The future of robots in the hotel industry holds vast potential. However, ethical considerations and responsible implementation must always be prioritized to ensure machines serve humanity effectively and safely. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to find the balance between automation and the human touch in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

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