How Do Androids Work?

What Is An Android?

An android is a machine which is built to resemble a human being in both appearance and function. Androids have largely been a fantasy creation of science fiction and true androids in the sense that we understand them (closely resembling humans, self-sufficient, and with full artificial intelligence) are still years away. However, many recent developments throughout the world in android technology are bringing a Star Trek-like reality closer to us every day.

Generally, the androids being built today consist of internal computers, internal metal robotics, and cosmetic outer materials. The robotics imitate the shape and movement of the human body and skeletal structure while the computer is programmed to control the movements of the robotics, and also programmed with any artificial intelligence programs the android's makers wished to include. The outer materials of the android are designed to make it look as human as possible and will consist of natural and artificial elastic, rubber, or silicone for the construction of what appears to be muscle and skin. These materials need to look authentic, but also be flexible enough to move when the android does.

What the androids are capable of doing is dependent upon what the designers and builders have chosen as their focus in the development of android technology. Currently, some developers are focusing on making more human-like limb movements while others are focused on intelligence, while still others are developing more human facial expression. At Waseda University in Japan, developers recently built an android with the ability to change its facial features and imitate the faces of others.

Currently, there is no standard android technology, as all developers are experimenting with what can be done using the latest in computer and robotics advances. As such, each android being created is a unique combination of the sorts of technology you can already find operating in things we use daily. For example, the same kind of voice-recognition software that you use to make hands-free cell phone calls or navigate an automated phone customer service menu has been used in the artificial intelligence programs of some androids. Meanwhile, the movement robotics of other androids uses technology similar to that found in some industrial machinery.

Android technology is in its early stages, but the developments are promising and quite ingenious. While it may be uncertain what practical uses these creations will ever serve, they are nonetheless an inspiring testament to human creativity and ingenuity.

What will these machines be capable of over the next hundred years? Considering how far we've already come, it's safe to say that the sky's the limit!