To the Point
The World of Robots -- in Love and War
On this archived edition of To the Point, we talk about robotics and the increased interaction of robots with human beings.
Robots are here to stay: in factories and homes — from real-world battlefields to popular culture. On this archived edition of To the Point, we talk about robotics and the increased interaction of robots with human beings. Also, the Waldorf method from Europe makes an appearance in the schools of China.
Banner image: Baxter with (L) Rodney Brooks, founder of Rethink Robotics, and his partners, Andreas and Josh. Photo: Steve Jurvetson
In this episode
3 storiesEPA Struggles to Craft Obama's Environmental Legacy
"Failure is not an option." So says the association of clean-air agencies about President Obama's promise to use his executive authority when it comes to climate change. The staff of the Environmental Protection Agency is struggling to regulate America's 1500 power plants to impact the environment — and avoid lawsuits.
Read the story8 minThe World of Robots -- in Love and War
Remember Hal? The first conversation between a human being and a robot might well have happened in 1968 in Stanley Kubrick's iconic film 2001: A Space Odyssey . Now, robots are finding their way into work places, homes and popular culture. Google is buying up robotics firms. Amazon is predicting home deliveries by drone.
Read the story34 minAlternative Education Catches On in China
For a century, European and American parents looking for an alternative, arts-based education for their children have embraced the principles of Waldorf Schools , developed in 1919 by an obscure Austrian mystic. Now the movement is catching on in a place famous for routine, highly structured learning.
Read the story9 min