A positive message on robots Dear David This article in today's FT sets out the arguments in favour of robots.

David Fuller's view

Many thanks for the link on this very interesting topic. 

I am definitely in favour of robots and regard them as mankind’s finest invention.  I also hope that David Willetts is correct in saying: “Robots will enrich not replace us.”  However, in terms of employment we are already seeing the problem.

Consider the corporate perspective.  Will management favour human employees or robots if the latter can do the same job equally well?  I suggest that any company which aims to increase its profitability will replace humans with robots at every opportunity.  After all, today’s robots do not have personal problems.  They can work around the clock if necessary, at the same standard without complaining, and they do not need to be paid.  Human standards of artificial intelligence and mobility will enable robots to do almost any job. 

Take the advancement of robotics to its logical conclusion and consider what will happen when they are more intelligent than humans and can replicate themselves.