Over coffee and conversation at the retirement center, the woman I was sitting with was in the midst of a fascinating story when she stopped and looked blank.  She seemed stuck for a word so I offered it.  Grateful, she went  on with her story, but not before observing, “Around h

Yesterday, I wrote about the dark side of robotics, which stems largely from a wariness about ourselves. (Blog 8/31/15)   Writer, John Mooallem raises our level of consciousness about “them” and “us” further in, “Is it ok to kick a robot?” (Wired, July 2015 pg. 52.) Besi

Without a doubt, the digital world is taking us where no man or woman has gone before.  The universe of the mind is rapidly melding with the natural one, creating infinite possibilities. Having reached the edge of the new frontier, we’re about to face unanticipated challenges, the

Japan, a country at the forefront of robotics, has come up with a solution for loneliness.  No doubt robot companions are in our foreseeable future, but the Japanese, like the rest of us, know it’s no substitute for genuine contact. That’s why a company in that country has come u

At the retirement center the other day, I inadvertently offended a frail, elderly woman without meaning to. Looking into her eyes, I saw the distress I’d caused and offered her a smile as well as an apology. The smile seemed to have helped. Walking away, I wondered what a robot woul

What I know best about operating my computer is how to type. Still, I dare write about technology because I suspect others will want a heads-up about coming changes in their lives. What would you say, for example, if I announced homo sapiens are approaching a transhuman condition? I�

I recently read about an actor, Aziz Ansari, who has unplugged from the internet and rejoices in the freedom it’s given him, not only in time, but in his choice of activities.  “I’m reading like three books right now.” (“People,” The Week, Sept. 2017, pg. 10.)  Of course

By now we’ve all heard about various security breaches that occurred during the presidential election and others at large companies like Equifax.  As a result, security companies are busy milking our insecurities with offers to make our private information safe.  Regrettably, thes

Yesterday, I had lunch with my retirement center gaggle of men, all over 90. (Blog 7/15/15)  As the day was sunny, they were seated near a window.  One had ordered a bowl of soup; the other sat before a cup of coffee; a third had grabbed a boiled egg from the salad counter.  When m

I can think of nothing spookier and more like science fiction than turning to a robot for advice on my savings and retirement accounts but, believe or not, the time is neigh.  Two companies, Betterment and Wealthfront are betting their robots can provide quality advice and undercut e