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Can One Robot Do Many Tasks?
The late Scott Adams pointed out on several occasions that it seemed like technology shows and conferences featured robots each only performed one trick or task.
Will we always need a dedicated robot for each kind of task?
— Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) September 14, 2025
Why does every robot video -- for over thirty years -- always have the robot doing exactly one thing? https://t.co/jNGb5DSMfY
It turns out that science fiction writers were way ahead of him in wondering about this problem - and giving a solution! The master-operator from the tongue-in-cheek story Cost of Living by Robert Sheckley:
"And by the way, has your home got an A. E. Master-operator?"It hadn't. Pathis explained that a Master-operator was new this year, a stupendous advance in scientific engineering. It was designed to take over all the functions of housecleaning and cooking, without its owner having to lift a finger.
"Instead of running around all day, pushing half a dozen different buttons, with the Master-operator all you have to do is push one! A remarkable achievement!"
Update: 24-Jan-2026: I should also point out the amazing master machine from The Revolt of the Machines, by Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat), published by Astounding Stories in 1931:
(The Master Machine from 'The Revolt of the Machines' )Keston strode to the canvas screen and pulled a cord. The great canvas curtains rolled back. “Here is the machine, my Lords!” His face was lit with the glow of pride of achievement. His voice had lost its reverence. Rapidly he continued: “The head of this contrivance is a bank of photo and sono-electric cells, each facet focussed on one of the screens. Through a nerve-system of copper filaments any combination of lights and sounds will actuate the proper arm which will shoot out to the required bank of buttons and press the ones necessary to meet any particular demand.
(Read more about the master machine)
End update.
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