Our Robots, Ourselves: Robotics and the Myths of Autonomy

by David A. Mindell

“[An] essential book… it is required reading as we seriously engage one of the most important debates of our time.”—Sherry Turkle, author of Reclaiming The Power of Talk in a Digital AgeFrom drones to Mars rovers—an exploration of the most innovative use of robots today and a provocative argument for the crucial role of humans in our increasingly technological future. In Our Robots, Ourselves, David Mindell offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of robotics today, debunking commonly held myths and exploring the rapidly changing relationships between humans and machines. Drawing on firsthand experience, extensive interviews, and the latest research from MIT and elsewhere, Mindell takes us to extreme environments—high atmosphere, deep ocean, and outer space—to reveal where the most advanced robotics already exist. In these environments, scientists use robots to discover new information about ancient civilizations, to map some of the world’s largest geological features, and even to “commute” to Mars to conduct daily experiments. But these tools of air, sea, and space also forecast the dangers, ethical quandaries, and unintended consequences of a future in which robotics and automation suffuse our everyday lives. Mindell argues that the stark lines we’ve drawn between human and not human, manual and automated, aren’t helpful for understanding our relationship with robotics. Brilliantly researched and accessibly written, Our Robots, Ourselves clarifies misconceptions about the autonomous robot, offering instead a hopeful message about what he calls “rich human presence” at the center of the technological landscape we are now creating.  

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Technology, Business, Philosophy, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Electrical engineer, historian, and entrepreneur. Co-Founder and partner at Unless, an investment firm focused on supporting companies at the forefront of industrial transformation.

A Professor of Aerospace Engineering at MIT, David is an expert on robotic navigation and human interactions with autonomous systems in air, sea, and space. As Dibner Professor of the History of Engineering and Manufacturing, David is a leading authority on generations of inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and workers within the great arcs of technological change. He has led or participated in more than 25 oceanographic expeditions, written seven books, and is an inventor on 34 patents in RF navigation, autonomous systems, and AI-assisted piloting. He also spent five years as a Department Head at MIT. David co- Chaired MIT’s Task Force on the Work of the Future. Founder and Executive Chairman at Humatics with a mission to revolutionize how people and machines locate, navigate and collaborate. David has undergraduate degrees from Yale and a Ph.D. from MIT.

Reviews

[arterialturns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling, fascinating read on the changing concept of autonomous technology in our lives, it's current and potential future applications, and how our continuous interaction with technology shapes and redefines our relationship with robots and other automated tech. This book clears up myths about poorly named technology, addresses conflicting feelings about using remote and automated technology in various fields, and offers real world examples about how the evolution of so-called autonomous technology will potentially expand the human experience in exciting, unprecedented ways. The author presents it all in easily understandable language for the layman (read: me!), showing the various theaters where autonomous technology is evolving in sea, air, war, and space. I found it extremely engaging, and certainly thought provoking. One can readily see how the conversation started by this book can also apply in so many other arenas. A reading of this book could also serve to inspire those involved at various levels in many disciplines, if not to simply serve to make one reconsider the role of robots and other technology we interact with now and in the near future. I recommend it.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding companion to John Markoff's book "Machines of Loving Grace". Markoff suggests that the appropriate focus of AI development will/should be on IA, or Intelligence Augmentation -- using computers to improve human performance -- and not on Strong AI, or fully autonomous robots. Mindell not only agrees with such an emphasis, but through decades of experience as a MIT professor of Aero/Astronautics, he has designed and built numerous semi-autonomous flying and submersible teleoperated robot vehicles. He offers a wealth of examples and insight into the host of challenges that fully-autonomous AI demand, and generally, do not warrant. (I.e., Full AI is not as valuable as is generally assumed.) Instead, he emphasizes the need for AI to help build *better* tools to support human needs, and not *replacement* machines (or replacement humans). This is a book every aspiring AI fan or professional should read.

[Jeff Wilsbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, well written book about semi-autonomous systems and their history, but the sub-title (and description) for the book seems really misleading. It should have been titled "The history, development and state of semi-autonomous systems" then it would be 5 stars... but it wasn't. I didn't find anything substantial in this book suggesting that autonomy wasn't on the horizon. The book starts with talk of the AirFrance flight 447 (and continues with analogous stories) ... but what is doesn't do is put this in a context of flights prior to automation. There are 2.8 accidents per 1,000,000 flights. Since 1972 there is a clear downward trend in airline accidents. It seems to suggest the measuring stick for self-piloting vehicles is "is it perfect" not "is it an improvement over existing systems/human error" which I did not like.

[Nick Quenga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concise history and evolution of robotics/unmanned/augmented systems. Does not look much into the future, although some of the current controversies are discussed. Big point is that the more machines are used, they are "devolving" into human aids or human-machine hybrids instead of full autonomy, where the combination is more powerful than either could be alone. The big questions to ask when determining where on the spectrum of autonomy a system is: where are the people, who are they, what are they doing, and when?

[Paul Klarname · Rating 2 out of 5]

Die spannenden Grundgedanken werden von einem Schwall an Anekdoten erschlagen.

[Eliot · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author intended this book as an in depth look at why fully autonomous robots and systems don't exist and may never exist in the sense that few if any "autonomous" systems can operate for very long without human intervention. He contends that robots have always had a symbiotic relationship with humans and the singularity may never actually happen.

Thought provoking and an interesting contrast to the theory that robots will soon take over the planet, but the book falls down a bit for me by not acknowledging (enough) that we are increasingly moving towards autonomy even if they are not there yet.

[Eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

See my full review at http://rustbeltphilosophy.blogspot.co...

[Ed Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How many of you have killed a group of people, watched as their bodies are picked up, watched the funeral, then killed them too?" Brandon Bryant, suffering PTSD after being a Predator operator for 5 years.

"Video-game" warfare it's not. The sense of being involved in what is happening on the ground is more real than that of fighter bombers. Both philosophical and conceptual, “Our Robots, Ourselves” bucks against the going trend that autonomous robots will take away our jobs and our respectability. In fact, autonomy is not a foregone conclusion. Mindell, rather sees it as a continuum from machines that help us do our jobs better, faster and with more accuracy to fully autonomous robots. He stresses that full autonomy is not necessarily the end game but that multiple nodes exist involving human-machine combinations that are almost guaranteed to perform better.

Drawing on his experience at sea, we are given the example of Jason, a small semi-autonomous robot tethered to Alvin, a submersible with humans on board. This interesting combination explored the Titanic in 1986 and spent many years researching deep sea trenches.

In the air, we have pilots with heads up displays (HUDS), and more automated systems like their onboard autopilots capable of Cat IIIc landings. And while we might think of drones as “autonomous”, it is incorrect. They are flown by pilots who receive considerable training and most who have flight experience. It's all in the interface. We should note that while autopilots have made their way to space, all six Apollo missions were landed manually, as was every space shuttle returning to earth on the 135 missions. Its hard to give up control sometimes. "Remember, you've only got one chance to land a shuttle."

[Said · Rating 3 out of 5]

Misleading title since most of the book focuses on naval and aerial technologies for semi-autonomous devices. But it's a great book for the history and development of these devices and how these systems will be incorporated into our lives through submarines, planes, cars, etc. I also think the book could spend a bit less time with history and a bit more time on the implications of these new technologies. I really found the part that discussed new military applications of these technologies (with remotely controlled drones being used in Afghanistan, etc.) and how it wasn't even accepted within the military hierarchy very insightful.

It's worth a quick read but I would recommend not to spend too much time on it.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine, but pretty limited in scope. I would say 50% (maybe more?) was about automation in aviation. Another 30-40% was about undersea robotics, with a smidgen of space and other automation.

I certainly learned about the myths of autonomy and the realities of what autonomous robots/vehicles can and can't do (spoiler alert: even with our tiny brains, we're a lot better at navigating through human-based spaces than self-driving cars, etc.).

[Anatoly Maslennikov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Неплохая книга, но русское (впрочем, оригинальное вообще понять трудно) название «Восстание машин отменяется! Мифы о роботизации» не соответствует содержанию.
Правильнее было назвать
«Как последние 30 лет занимались исследованием морского дна с помощью пилотируемых и удаленно управляемых аппаратом (я тоже!), а вот ещё расскажу про Предаторов/Риперов ВС США, и про частичную автоматизацию в самолетах, и про пилотируемый космос, а ещё есть такая штука гугло-мобиль».

[Larry Kilham]

A very good book for perspective on AI, robots and humans. It is based on the author's experience with semiautomatic guidance systems for aircraft, drones, and oceanographic deep diving research vessels. It gets quite technical but always uses lay language. It would be nice to see mega cloud-based AI added to the categories reviewed. The author is a professor at MIT.

[Pete Zilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book on human-machine teaming and the future of autonomy. Also am interesting philosophical discussion (with practical implications) about what it means to be present in research, exploration, combat, etc when using unmanned vehicles.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at robots and human interaction. The author addresses how we got to where we are at with autonomous equipment and where we are heading. Interestingly he supports the idea that the human will not be removed from the loop completely. Interesting read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, very insightful

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times a little dry because of the subject matter, but overall fascinating exploration of the relationship between humans and robots. It altered my opinions on driverless cars for sure.

[Florin Pitea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. Highly recommended.

[Scott Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really changed my view on automation, AI, and the interface between the two. I thought I had it figured out, but this book changed that and I am thankful

[Artur Coelho · Rating 4 out of 5]

O ponto mais interessante dos argumentos sobre robótica autónoma deste livro é o equilíbrio que mantém entre visões de deslumbramento e apocalípticas do impacto social e histórico destas tecnologias. Coisa rara. O mas habitual é ler-se um deslumbramento total, com a robótica como mito salvífico que irá libertar a humanidade do jugo do trabalho sem sentido (pensem Hans Moravec, e todos os que postulam vidas de ócio possibilitadas por servos mecânicos). Ou, corrente mais contemporânea e influenciada pela crise global que atravessamos, visões tenebrosas onde software de automação e robots pulverizam empregos e carreiras, beneficiando elites dominantes enquanto condenam uma grande parte da humanidade à indigência. Já Mindell tem os pés mais assentes na terra, especialmente porque se torna notório ao longo do livro que não é teórico ou economista, mas sim engenheiro com uma larga experiência nalguns dos mais icónicos projectos de robótica autónoma. Quando se participa nas equipas de trabalho multidisciplinares que constroem e operam robots autónomos, a visão do omnipotente robot overlord desvanece-se face às fiabilidades, avarias, inconsistências, bugs de sistemas que obedecem primariamente às leis de Murphy.

Mindell conduz-nos através de algumas das vertentes de investigação neste campo, passando pela automação de sistemas aeronáuticos, robots submersíveis, drones militares, veículos autónomos e exploração espacial. São retratos que tece com detalhe por vezes excessivo (há parágrafos que são melhor legíveis na diagonal, o argumento está feito, os exemplos dados, o resto é acessório, interessante mas não fundamental). A imagem que transparece é uma de simbiose entre máquinas e humanos, em vários níveis. Sublinha o quanto a dependência de sistemas automatizados pode prejudicar o sentido crítico de quem os utiliza, com consequências potencialmente fatais. Mostra que as possibilidades da telepresença criam um sentimento de imersividade nos utilizadores. E, fundamentalmente, aponta para a omnipresença do factor humano mesmo na robótica mais avançada. Somos nós que a concebemos e programamos, e as nossos pressupostos influenciam directamente a sua concepção. Este é o argumento mais pertinente de um livro intrigante, que segue um caminho sóbrio e intermédio, ancorado na experiência prática, na reflexão sobre práticas e consequências da robótica e automação.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Mindell’s “Our Robots, Ourselves: Robotics and the Myths of Autonomy” is an interesting and very readable review of the history and state of the art of robotics autonomy‎. His main point is that robots allow us to expand and extend our own human consciousness, but that they cannot replace the human element or even exist without it. He persistently refers to the “myth” of autonomy, yet it seems that his real hang-up is with the concept of fully-realized AI rather than the progress that relieves human operators from mundane or overwhelming tasks. Much is made of the physical location and identity of the human operator, as well as how large a latency (time delay) separates the operator from the robot.
Many pages are spent describing how computers have enhanced pilots' abilities with features like Head-Up displays‎, or enabled military strikes and reconnaissance with Predator/Reaper technology. Of space robots, he focuses on the final HST repair mission and on the Mars rovers. The shuttle's Canadarm is only mentioned in passing, and ISS robotics are ignored completely despite the examples that could have been drawn as "ground control" relocated the operators for most ISS robotic operations from astronauts in space to flight controllers in Houston or Montreal.
His sharpest attack is on the concept of self-driving cars and he heaps criticism on Google's work to take human drivers completely out of the loop. Ironically, this book's release happened to roughly coincide with Tesla's pushing the first public beta of their "auto-pilot" functionality - the first step down what is certainly a long path. Although Tesla is never mentioned, Mindell argues that urban driving is so much a series of personal interactions that computers would not be able to succeed there. We'll see...

[Kirk Fatool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing <\b>
When you start a book about robot and autonomy that was written by an engineer, you don't expect great prose. This, however, is a very pleasant surprise. There are a few times where, for a history major like me, gets a little technical.

Writing Quality: 9/10

Subject Matter <\b>

Malevolent AI has long been a topic of popular culture. Google has been blitzing the headlines with every small advance in their self-driving car. This book takes a more thoughtful approach asking, "How can humans and robots work together?"

Over the course of the book, Mr. Mindell explores the ways that robots have evolved, not towards autonomy, but toward cooperation with humans. The examples he highlights are "extreme environments" (space, deep ocean, and air). In all of his examples, he shows that human work with robots to push the bounds of science.

His arguments are very convincing. For example, pilots who rely on auto pilot, tend to be apprehensive when they don't know what the machine is "doing." Think of a programmable oven, you can set time it turns on and off and leave home. But as soon as you leave, what do you feel? Relief or apprehension? This is the phenomena Mr. Mindell applies to robotic/human systems. Furthermore, more and more gadgets are connected to WiFi and, after reading this book, I think it is to further our relationships with robots.

These issues are only going to be more relevant as time goes on.

Subject Matter: 10/10

[Lori Tatar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great news, everyone: Robots are not going to take over the world! Seriously, our robots (or machines) often change how we do what we do and redefine parameters of usefulness, but it is just a mechanized form of evolution, not an invasion of robotics that will force humans into extinction. David A. Mindell does a fabulous job of showing the symbiotic relationship people have with machines but it is kind of one-directional since humans cannot exist without machines but without people, the machines can't do anything. Mindell takes us from the deep sea to outer space, and everything in between. Think about your gamebox, but on a much grander scale. Whether fighting an imaginary war or landing on Mars, there are engineers, programmers, software designers and ultimately you making the decisions and controlling the moves. In real life, these same things are involved, along with may others, from ground control to astronauts reading data to engineers, creating or identifying algorithms and designing the physical machines. There is always a human element, often unseen and more massive than what you might imagine. I thank Goodreads for the copy of "Our Robots, Ourselves: Robotics and the Myths of Autonomy".

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindell argues that the current debate and perceptions of autonomous robots does not reflect the human/robot interactions and that many fields including deep sea exploration and flight have chosen to give more control/direction to the robots than less even when the technology is available.

Why I started this book: Another audio professional reading list title under my belt.

Why I finished it: I thought that this was amazing. The comparison between and difference of autonomous intelligence and augmented intelligence was not something that I had encountered before. The idea that we will use our robots to help humans make better decisions instead of just letting them do it themselves was empowering and encouraging. Fascinated by the idea that technology circles back around to allowing the human more control. Example: the V1 and V2 rockets versus the Predator drone.

Caution: My rating might be higher than others, because I just read the dull and ridiculous The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology and the fact that I am a complete layman to current robotics, AI and computing fields.

[Jeff Standard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great attempt at a balanced perspective on robotics and automation as it integrates into commerce, science, and the military.

Mindell's recurring mantra is to focus on "human machine interactions" as they change through varying levels of autonomy, rather than fear-mongering around "humans being removed from the process". I particularly enjoyed his case studies on deep-sea exploration and commercial flight. I felt as I was in the debate rooms as scientist fought scientist, seeing the ever-changing arguments flung back and forth as technology progressed.

I was also influenced to understand much more deeply the arguments and feelings by skilled professionals as new technology rolls out which, at face, makes them far less useful. (Eg. Predator pilots seen as "video game jockeys" by their fellow airforce brothers)

Overall, an excellent insider look at the human side of automation and great companion book to Rise of the Robots.

[Stephen Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prof Mindell has written a solid, entertaining, and informative book to spur thought about what it means to work with vehicles of varying levels of autonomy, and how that work cross-pollinates our own consciousness as well as arenas of our lives where we do not conceptualize ourselves as interacting w/ semi-autonomous systems (hello, driving!). I especially enjoyed the section about remotely piloted aircraft and the cultural struggles employing these vehicles has caused both within and outside of the Air Force. I rec'd an advanced reading copy, for which i'm grateful, and i'd highly recommend people who drive, think about the sea, or fly to read this book. Plus city-dwellers. That about covers it.

[Siddhartha Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contrary to how some of us idealists would like the world to be, we cannot immediately transition to a world where EVERYTHING is automated, or where humans are never involved in some decision making role. Mindell's book is a great reminder of that fact, and his stories and anecdotes explain clearly why the concept of "Shared Autonomy" is much more realistic than the traditional and simplistic concept of "Full Autonomy".

Anyone interested in more rational arguments against the "Robots are going to take all the jobs", or "Robots are taking over the world" viewpoints should definitely read this book. In fact, anyone for those viewpoints should also read this book because it provides a much clearer picture of how capable robots really are.

[Stephen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Describes the authors vision of technology developing in a way where autonomy is used to improve a pilot or navigators experience. The stories focus primarily on sea, air, and space travel and illustrate how technology is a mix of automation and human direction. The warning presented is that when the technology keeps the humans from gaining experience in their tasks, they are ill prepared to take over in complex circumstances and disaster can follow.

[Siying · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good review of robotics through its applications in extreme environments. Makes a great argument on the interaction between machine and human, which is profound. However, most cases are quite old and the robotics in discussion seem to be pre-scripted; would love to see more discussion about recent advances, especially in artificial intelligence powered by machine learning. The chapter on driverless car is my favorite.

[Gary Itano · Rating 5 out of 5]

15c10 #%@# ExpandingMind_Historian & engineer David Mindell on drones, social robots, agency, 'Our Robots, Ourselves- Robotics & the Myths of Autonomy' esd.mit.edu Ballard 'Alvin' tech .25 Pgmr's 'touch'

http://prn.fm/expanding-mind-our-robo...

[Ronald J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking book from a skeptics point of view on automation, driverless cars, AI. He uses example from deep-sea exploration, aviation and space to make his point. It's compelling and will cause you to second-guess the impact of this technology.