COVER STORY
Robots
Kurt Andersen talks with Rodney Brooks, Director of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab, about the culture of robots.

Robot Hut
The toy collector John Rigg began wiring circuits in kindergarten. He was still little when he gave his mom a cardboard robot he built with motors, electric lights, and a little candy-filled drawer. Today, John Rigg displays thousands of “metal men” in a big barn near Spokane, Washington. Produced by Harriet Baskas.
Go to the Robot Hut Museum

Fembot Factor
Most of the robots you know from the movies are male. There’s Robbie the Robot, C-3PO, Data the sensitive android on Star Trek, and the violent cyborgs of Terminator and Robocop. But what about the female robots? Writer Susie Bright has some thoughts on the ways they’ve been imagined on the big screen. Produced by Jocelyn Gonzales.
Visit Susie Bright at audible.com
Go to Susie Bright's official site
Go to The Stepford Wives
Go to Austin Powers
Go to Star Trek

Voyager
The Voyager computer program is a powerful robot. It composes music--improvised, unpredictable music--using a virtual 64-piece orchestra. The Voyager’s inventor, George Lewis, improvises with his robotic partner, and creates music that we’d like to think only humans could make. Produced by Ted Panken.
Go to an interview with George Lewis
Read an essay on Voyager written by George Lewis
Go to George Lewis at Tzadik

SPECIAL GUEST
Rodney Brooks
Rodney Brooks is a scientist, professor, and director of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab. He is the inventor of many robots, including the Roomba, the intelligent vacuum cleaner. His latest book is Flesh and Machines.
Go to Rodney Brooks’ Official Site

Audio Help
To listen to audio from this site, you will need RealPlayer.
Go to instructions for downloading

Commentary
The Grotesque
Read the full text

Design for the Real World
Architectural writer Sara Moss celebrates the simple and fabulous ribbon bookmark.

Download this show from