Robotic research at MSU

A new breed of humanoid-like robotic research and technology development are on the cusp of ushering in a revolution. Robots can collaborate with humans at home, work or in space. Some have human traits. But one approach involves sensors to foster “social bonding.” In experiments carried out at Yale University, children were as willing to share secrets with a biped humanoid as with adults. Yale researcher Cindy Bethel, who not conducts robotic-children interaction research at Mississippi State University, has found that kids who’ve seen crimes are more likely not to be misled in a robot-led forensic testimony interview than they might be by trained humans. Starkville Police Department’s Mark Ballard, who is working with Dr. Bethel, says child-friendly, robotic-led forensic interviews may be possible by 2020. Source: The Economist, Sept. 7, 2013.