Crossing the Uncanny Valley
From: Electronic Products - 01/22/2015
By: Jon Gabay

As we technologically weave our society into a more machine-centric fabric,
machines are going to take on more and more human attributes. This means that
robots will try to look and interact with us more like humans do. A funny
thing happens on the way to becoming human though. A repulsive emotion buried
deep inside all of us flares up at a crossover point between clearly
mechanical and clearly humanoid. This visually triggered effect has been
called the "Uncanny Valley," a term coined by professor Masahiro Mori in 1970
based on a concept from Sigmund Freud.

This is an important concept to understand for those creating companion
robots. An elderly and aging population or those afflicted with some form of
dementia may benefit from a companion robot that is responsive enough to
comfort and assist, yet also welcoming and non-intimidating. In many cases,
like a loyal dog, the vision of an Asimov-style protector companion machine
would draw even little Timmy away from Lassie. But in order to achieve this
level of trust, comfort, and ease, we must understand and overcome the
Uncanny Valley. Otherwise these machines will remain, at least to human
perception, cold, and soulless.

Read the entire article at:
http://www.electronicproducts.com/Robotics/AI/Crossing_the_Uncanny_Valley.aspx