In this conversation, Gary A. Bolles and Andra Keay explore the evolution of robotics, its impact on society, and the future of work. They discuss the early influences that shaped Andra's career, the growth of robotics in Silicon Valley, and the ethical considerations surrounding the development of robots. The conversation also touches on the potential futures of robotics, including its integration into daily life and agriculture, the dynamics of job displacement, and the importance of establishing guardrails for responsible robotics development.

Takeaways

• Robots can be seen as the closest things to aliens.
• The integration of robots into society requires ethical considerations.
• Investment in robotics has significantly increased since 2015.
• Robotics 2.0 represents a shift towards more autonomous and mobile robots.
• Humanoid robots may not be necessary for all applications.
• Automation can lead to new job creation rather than job loss.
• Guardrails are essential for the safe deployment of robots.
• Community engagement is crucial in the development of robotics.
• The future of work will be more human-centric with the aid of robots.
• Redefining work in an automated world presents new opportunities.