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Life with robots: ‘What people enjoy most is avoiding social interaction’ | The Guardian


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01 December 2015



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Why does humanity need robots? Sometimes, to spare us the need to talk to other humans, according to Andra Keay, managing director of Silicon Valley Robotics.

Speaking at the Web Summit conference in Dublin, she cited the example of Relay, a robot designed to work in hotels, taking items from staff to guests.

“People do enjoy the social interaction with the robot, but it turns out what they enjoy most is not having to have a social interaction with another person at a time when they’re not feeling sociable,” said Keay.




Hallie Siegel robotics editor-at-large
Hallie Siegel robotics editor-at-large

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