This podcast interview features roboticist Ken Goldberg, who discusses the current state of robotics and how far away we are from a future where robots are commonplace in society. He argues that while recent advancements in artificial intelligence have produced impressive results, particularly in language processing, these advancements do not translate easily to robotics. Goldberg argues that the challenges of manipulating objects in the real world are far greater than those faced by AI systems in generating language. The interview also explores the limitations of robotics, including the difficulty of perceiving and controlling objects in complex environments, and the inherent uncertainties of physics. Goldberg touches on the potential impact of robotics on the job market, suggesting that while some jobs may be displaced, the overall demand for human workers will likely remain high. The interview concludes with a discussion of Goldberg’s work as an artist, which seeks to use robots and art installations to explore the cultural and societal implications of technology.
