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Living with robots

Steve Conaway Labs Manager / Senior Technical Project Manager
I am the Labs Manager for CNET's Home Division based in Louisville, KY. My interest in technology began in the early '90s, and soon after I began my double major in computer science and computer engineering. I've worked in many areas, including computer hardware, software, technology, networking, graphic design, instruction, construction, music and even ballroom dancing! 65% Ron Swanson, 25% Ben Wyatt, 10% Andy Dwyer.
Expertise I've been an outdoor enthusiast my entire life. I also renovate, flip and build houses in my 'spare' time. Paired with our test lab facilities, I write about lots of outdoor related things - portable power stations, tools, etc.
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Steve Conaway

In an article about robots by Associate Editor Leslie Katz, she talks about humanoid robots and how helpful they are. It's perfectly clear when looking at these little helpers that they are, in fact, little robots.

On the other extreme, Repilee from the Q1Expo looks eerily realistic. Creepy, in fact. Rebilee is a little too "iRobot " for comfort.

It's human nature to personify robots. My daughter absolutely loves her Hasbro iDog which she has named "Magic." "I love you, Magic," she says every night. The puppy barks back approvingly.

There is clearly a human need to create and a need to personify. I'm going to stick with "safe" kids toys when I feel the need to connect with my personal robot. For the Dr. Frankenstein in me, I'm going to feed my need to create autonomous creatures with the HexCrawler from Parallax.