Talking, Walking Objects

     http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/opinion/sunday/our-talking-walking-objects.html?ref=global-home      
Simon is going to be one of the best inventions of all time! He is a humanoid Robot being designed by the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is being used to help show how people and machine could work side by side and even as coworkers in the near future. Simon understands speech and uses hand signals and social skills as well as speech to respond appropriately. Although Simon is only being used as a research tool as of right now there are promising signs that there can be tools similar to him available on the open market in the future. This article also states how some technology in Simon is already found in everyday tools that we can't live without such as coffee makers. some interesting items they say may be possible in  the near future include lamps that would follow items that you move around on your desk, and even washing machines that will send you a text when the laundry is finished. These changes wont happen overnight, but when the time finally comes to have a fork that vibrates when your eating too fast, I'll be the first to buy one.
     Now this article may seem a bit pointless, but there are some interesting points that it brings up. First off, how cool would it be to someday share a cubicle with a robot? I'd love to have one! Also these inventions will help people with simple everyday tasks. But on a more serious note these creations could be a huge contribution to our society. Imagine the ease of mind adults might find knowing that their parents don't have to worry about remembering to take their medication or refilling their prescription when the pill bottles remind them and even send a message to the pharmacy. These robot helping hands will help in countless ways without interfering or harming anyone like is commonly portrayed in movies. Sure this may be the rise of the machines, but it definitely puts it in a better light.