Philotic Web

[Locke_]

This could reside more in philosophy, but it is in regards to science, real and imaginary. I'm not much of a sci-fi reader, so I figured I could get the input of those who know better. I've wondered lately if perhaps sci-fi isn't directing the path that technology might take in reality.

This robot is old news:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brD5D0ytD04

But I've wondered how many sci fi stories come to mind when one sees it, and I wonder if it's not the imagination of fictional technology that inspires real creations. I won't say prophetic, though there may be cases (like I said, I'm not much of a reader of the genre). Could Big Brother even subconsciously or unwittingly inspire such a creation in the now (or as some may argue, perhaps it has already.)

I don't really know where to go further than this. Could sci fi--in its depictions of dark technological creations--inspire people to strive for that? Could scientists be limited to the imaginations of storytellers? Why would these scientists feel the need to create a humanlike robot? Etc.
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It is not the sound of victory;
it is not the sound of defeat;
it is the sound of singing that I hear.
-Moses

[jotabe]

Well, for one, humans find it easier to interface with human-like beings. Say for example, a parking toll machine: you can get mad at them, even hit them. But you will show a lot more restraint with a humanoid machine... i hope

*remembers how people usually treats C3P0*
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[LiQingJao]