0:00:02 > 0:00:06Robots. We're on the verge of science fiction becoming reality.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- Thank you.- They look like us...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12..we trust them with our lives...
0:00:13 > 0:00:16..and they are starting to walk amongst us,
0:00:16 > 0:00:21carrying their robot brains out of the lab and into the big bad world.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26But just how useful are they?
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Not in some distant future, but right now.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Where can they make our lives easier?
0:00:39 > 0:00:41And where do they still need work?
0:00:41 > 0:00:42Oh, my God!
0:00:42 > 0:00:44What the hell?
0:00:45 > 0:00:46It could strangle me.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49In a unique experiment...
0:00:49 > 0:00:50Robot delivery.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52..six ordinary British families...
0:00:52 > 0:00:53SQUEALS
0:00:53 > 0:00:55..all with specific needs...
0:00:57 > 0:01:00..will welcome six very different robots into their homes.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Hello, family.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Take me to your leader, please.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10From trying to get them fit...
0:01:12 > 0:01:14..to helping care for the sick...
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Wow!
0:01:18 > 0:01:20..enabling them to make sense of the world...
0:01:23 > 0:01:25..and becoming indispensable in the workplace.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- Thank you. - But in the end,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32will their families want to keep them?
0:01:32 > 0:01:34It's just a really exciting moment.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35Or switch them off?
0:01:35 > 0:01:37You're in my way.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Sorry, robot.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Around Great Britain,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51six unique robots are being delivered to their new families.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55What's that film I used to really like with Will Smith in it?
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- I, Robot?- I, Robot.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Do you remember that film? See, I love that film.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Ethan, Casper is here.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Do you remember the film 2001: A Space Odyssey? HAL?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06That was scary.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Oh, my word.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11I don't want to wake up in the night and it's looking over me.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Each robot is programmed by a leading British university.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21And throughout the trial,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24they will be watched by psychologist Dr Caroline Jay
0:02:24 > 0:02:26and robotics professor Jonathan Rossiter.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31I think we're asking a lot of these families
0:02:31 > 0:02:33to take the robots into their homes, to interact with them
0:02:33 > 0:02:36and to do that over quite a long period of time.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40People's expectations of robots are incredibly high,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42so it will be really interesting
0:02:42 > 0:02:45to see how their expectations and reality are slightly different.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49They want to see if the robots can rise to the challenge
0:02:49 > 0:02:52and if humans form lasting bonds with them.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55What can you do?
0:02:55 > 0:02:58It's one thing to test robots in the lab.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01The minute we take them outside of the lab,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05all of a sudden the outside world has all of these obstacles,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07these barriers we're not expecting.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09I don't understand.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12And it can be really difficult for a robot to deal with that.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Is it going to look like a Teletubby?
0:03:17 > 0:03:18Will it talk in a human voice?
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- ROBOTICALLY:- Pleased to meet you. Would you like a cup of tea?
0:03:23 > 0:03:24Arriving on the south coast,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28FitBot has been specially programmed by Plymouth University
0:03:28 > 0:03:31to try and help a family get in shape.
0:03:32 > 0:03:33You thought you were going to get
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- something to come and do the hoovering.- Yes, I did.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37That's what I still keep hoping it might do.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- You all right, mate? - Do you want to come in?
0:03:40 > 0:03:44180 miles further east in Hampshire, Beam is being unboxed.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49A mobile audiovisual robot,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52it's tasked with helping lonely dad Vin Sharma
0:03:52 > 0:03:54hang out with his family,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57even though he's miles away, in Spain.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59We are really excited.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01The kids can't wait, so, yeah,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04it would be nice to see what he actually looks like in robot form.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12But our story starts in Blackburn,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16where single mum Amanda Ainsworth and her six children
0:04:16 > 0:04:19are waiting for their robot to arrive from Westminster University.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22It has been specially customised
0:04:22 > 0:04:25to help one member of the family in particular -
0:04:25 > 0:04:28five-year-old Isaac, who has a learning delay.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31What do you think it can do?
0:04:34 > 0:04:36I think he's a little bit nervous.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40He just whispered in my ear, "Is it time to see the robot now?"
0:04:40 > 0:04:42So I think he is excited as well.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51Meet Tutorbot,
0:04:51 > 0:04:56an autonomous programmable humanoid with speech and facial recognition.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01It's got hands that can grasp and
0:05:01 > 0:05:04the ability to seek out and look at a human face.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08But its job for the next two weeks
0:05:08 > 0:05:12is to try and help Isaac overcome his learning delay
0:05:12 > 0:05:13and improve his speech.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16Wow!
0:05:19 > 0:05:20Do you like it?
0:05:24 > 0:05:25He looks a bit nervous.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28He does, doesn't he? He's not too sure at the moment.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29TUTORBOT BLEEPS
0:05:31 > 0:05:35I'm Isaac's friend and I'm staying with him for two weeks.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And I love to play.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40He wants you to be his friend, look.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42He's looking at us.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Robots' ability to appear as though they are looking at people
0:05:48 > 0:05:50is crucial for their success.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52It wants you.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54You can touch it if you want.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59In fact, just like us, they use both sound and vision to do so.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Hello.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Four microphones around its head enable Tutorbot to pinpoint
0:06:06 > 0:06:08the exact source of Isaac's voice.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Put your hands up.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Much like human ears.
0:06:13 > 0:06:14Put your hands up.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Maybe it's our northern accent.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21It only understands a southern accent.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22Say, can you dance?
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Can you dance?
0:06:24 > 0:06:27You've got to speak really loud.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Dance.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Can you dance?
0:06:32 > 0:06:34TUTORBOT PLAYS MUSIC
0:06:36 > 0:06:38It's beautiful.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Tutorbot has broken the ice,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45but helping improve Isaac's speech will require more than gimmicks.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Isaac has got a really rare form of dwarfism.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54He's got a learning delay as well.
0:06:56 > 0:07:02His speech is behind, so he can't read, can't really concentrate.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04He gets bored really quickly.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Isaac is falling behind his class.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12One-to-one teaching isn't helping, and his confidence is suffering.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I know he wants to be able to speak like everybody else.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20It's like part of him is locked in.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24What he thinks and what he feels, all of that is trapped
0:07:24 > 0:07:28because he's not got the vocabulary to tell us about it.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Some research has recently shown that putting robots into classrooms
0:07:35 > 0:07:37can really help with children's learning.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43The robots are able to provide feedback to the children
0:07:43 > 0:07:45in a completely neutral manner.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50With a human teacher, they hold back a little bit.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52They are more reluctant to give the wrong answer
0:07:52 > 0:07:54because they feel they might be judged.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56With a robot, that isn't a problem.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Get ready. When the eyes turn blue...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- You have to say grasp.- Grass.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Not grass. Grasp.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Grasp.- Good boy!
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Oh, what's he doing now?
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Hand me something, please.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Well done. You did it!
0:08:17 > 0:08:18Clever boy!
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Oh, what's this?
0:08:20 > 0:08:25It does genuinely seem to be encouraging him to speak more.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Robots understand what humans are saying
0:08:28 > 0:08:31by analysing the shapes of their words.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Grasp.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35Grasp.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Every word creates its own unique wave form.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Grasp.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43By comparing the shape of a word
0:08:43 > 0:08:47against a database of thousands of examples, a match can be made.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Oh, my gosh!
0:08:56 > 0:08:59He's quite protective of it, and territorial.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06I think maybe that he's not going to be happy to share with the others.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10But I think, emotionally, it's going to be a good support for him.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Sit down.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14OK. Give me a second.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17THEY CHEER
0:09:17 > 0:09:19It tickles!
0:09:24 > 0:09:26300 miles away,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Plymouth University has delivered their robot to a sports centre
0:09:30 > 0:09:32to meet its new family.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- Looking forward to this, Cat? - Yeah, how about you?
0:09:35 > 0:09:38The Rockets, who want to get fit.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40After you.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Oh!
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- What's this?- It's really small.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48It's like something from Halloween.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50One of them Halloween characters.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51Aah!
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- It's just a sheet moving. - Oh, my God, it's moving.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56It's moving, look. It's like ET.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- I just want to see what it looks like.- I know. Look.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- Oh, my God.- Oh, my God.- Wow!
0:10:03 > 0:10:04- Oh, he's brilliant. - That looks so cool.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06He's got little sweatbands on.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07I know. It's brilliant.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- I think it's lovely.- It's more lifelike than I was expecting.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12Yes. It is. Yes.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22FitBot is a programmable humanoid with facial and speech recognition,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25but it can also identify basic human emotions.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Over the next six weeks...
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- That sounds like you.- ..Plymouth University want to find out
0:10:32 > 0:10:35if it can become a credible fitness and nutrition expert.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38What did it just do then?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Stretching.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46FitBot is based on one of the latest commercially available robots
0:10:46 > 0:10:49and that's a really good example of using generalised robotics
0:10:49 > 0:10:51for particular needs.
0:10:55 > 0:10:56Thank you.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02That is really cool.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14Since they both turned 50,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18things have gone a bit pear-shaped for mum Jackie and dad Matt.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22This is the heaviest I've ever been.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Come here. My waist now at the moment
0:11:24 > 0:11:28is round about 40 inches, which it's never been.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- That was really funny.- I know. I thought he was off down the road.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32Where are you going?
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Up until five years ago, Matt's job as a fitness instructor
0:11:35 > 0:11:39in the military kept him in tip-top condition.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40Oh, my God!
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Daddy looking young.- Oh, God.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46Look at him. There's nothing on him, look.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48And he's got hair.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- Dark hair.- It's you two that made me go grey.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Inspired by dad Matt,
0:11:52 > 0:11:5713-year-old Cat wants to follow him into the forces and do the same job.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00Cat would really like to join the Air Force.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02At the age of 17 and a half.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04It's really hard as a mum,
0:12:04 > 0:12:05because you want to look after them all the time.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08You want to make sure that they are OK all the time.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10I don't want to let her go.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Jackie.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27Success.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33To achieve facial recognition,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35robots scan for human faces,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38identifying them by the unmistakable T shape
0:12:38 > 0:12:40of the eyes and nose.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43But FitBot can go a stage further.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49It can generate a 3D scan of a face,
0:12:49 > 0:12:54measuring and recording the unique dimensions of individual features...
0:12:56 > 0:13:00..and processing a facial recognition map in under a minute.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10The Rockets will trial FitBot for a month...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17..during which they've agreed to follow
0:13:17 > 0:13:19the specially-designed fitness and nutrition plan.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Go, go, go.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25Thank you.
0:13:36 > 0:13:3764.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40Thank you.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44FitBot will monitor the family's weight and calorific intake
0:13:44 > 0:13:47and produce daily progress reports.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49I think it's amazing.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Did not expect to see it as... lifelike as what it is.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56I don't know about you, but it makes it more acceptable.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01It looks like... a human being.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02It really does.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07There's a really interesting question we should ask ourselves.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09What do we want our robots to be like?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Do we want them to be like us in the future, to behave like us,
0:14:12 > 0:14:15to look like us, to do the things that we do?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Or do we think they should be different?
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Yes, please!
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Really, there's no need for them to look like humans
0:14:23 > 0:14:25except for acceptance.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26Come on.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29So if I have a robot in my house and it looks just like a human,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32then I'm probably going to be at ease with that
0:14:32 > 0:14:35and I'm going to behave as if that is a human being.
0:14:42 > 0:14:451,000 miles away, in the south of Spain,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- the Sharma family from Hampshire... - Hola!
0:14:48 > 0:14:51..are enjoying their last moments of summer holiday together.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56We're a very close family. We spend every day together.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00We're all best friends. We do everything together.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Go and ask the lady for aceitunas.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04And don't forget to add on por favor.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09They hope their robot can help them overcome a painful separation.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Dad, Vin, has moved to Spain for work,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17so, tonight, mum Angela, 13-year-old Arya,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20and five-year-old Zion must fly back to the UK to spend
0:15:20 > 0:15:22the next three months without him.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27It's been a perfect six weeks that we've had.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29We are going to say goodbye.
0:15:29 > 0:15:30We're going to be apart.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31So, yeah...
0:15:34 > 0:15:37There is a huge hole in our lives when he's away.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41We get on with it the best we can,
0:15:41 > 0:15:43but it's not the same as having Dad home.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45What's been your best bit about being here, Zion, in Spain?
0:15:45 > 0:15:46Seeing you.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Seeing who?- Oh, seeing you.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Seeing me? I didn't even tell you to say that, Zion. Wow!
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- Cheers, Ange.- Here's to us.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Back home in Hampshire, a rather heavy box has arrived.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11We just got back three days ago,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14so the kids are still feeling a little bit upset
0:16:14 > 0:16:15with Dad not being here,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18but they're so excited to see him in robot form.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19It's exciting for all of us.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23It's something new, and if it means getting a little bit closer to Vin,
0:16:23 > 0:16:24then, yeah, we're game.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28This is Beam, a tele-presence device
0:16:28 > 0:16:30that combines the connectivity of a tablet
0:16:30 > 0:16:33with a motorised platform with steerable wheels
0:16:33 > 0:16:37that can be remotely operated by a user anywhere in the world.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Beam has been successful in the business world,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and helping doctors deliver medical care to remote locations.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51It's going to be really interesting to see whether Beam helps them
0:16:51 > 0:16:52feel closer together,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55because they've got that presence of their father
0:16:55 > 0:16:56in the home the whole time,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59or whether it might make him seem further away.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Basically, Beam, has got to take the place of Dad in this family.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06Do you miss him?
0:17:08 > 0:17:11It's all right. You are allowed to miss your dad.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12She's taking after me.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- I'm like that.- Three times.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Three times she has cried, hasn't she?
0:17:18 > 0:17:19SHE CHUCKLES
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Oh, my God.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22OK.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Wow! OK, this is quite neat.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28So where's Daddy?
0:17:28 > 0:17:29Oh, my God.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30Hey, guys!
0:17:30 > 0:17:32THEY LAUGH
0:17:32 > 0:17:33Hello!
0:17:33 > 0:17:35This is going to freak me out.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- Hello.- Come closer to the camera at the bottom again.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- Can you see my fingers? - Can you see his fingers?
0:17:39 > 0:17:41What's that? Is that your hand?
0:17:41 > 0:17:42Let me try and touch it.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Yeah, hold Zion's hand.
0:17:44 > 0:17:45There you go, I'm holding your hand!
0:17:49 > 0:17:52But the Beam's USP is its manoeuvrability.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Do you want to go in the kitchen? Go on, then, go, we'll follow you.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Don't fall down the stairs!
0:17:58 > 0:18:03From his laptop, Vin can use the Beam app to drive it where he wants.
0:18:03 > 0:18:04Oh, my God. Do you know what?
0:18:04 > 0:18:07I really hope this is insured because I just have a feeling...
0:18:08 > 0:18:10It has two wide-angle cameras,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and four microphones,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15plus a built-in aid to help navigate obstacles.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Oh, my God, this is freaking me out.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It's actually freaking me out.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21I think I'm quite good at it, actually, look.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25I'm going to turn around.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28It does feel like I'm there.
0:18:28 > 0:18:29This actually does.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31You're this much in my face when you're home, as well,
0:18:31 > 0:18:32so, yeah, it does feel like...
0:18:32 > 0:18:36He's already starting to understand that he does have some real control
0:18:36 > 0:18:38in this situation.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40If I get annoyed, this is what I'll do.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Oh, my God, can you please stop doing that?
0:18:42 > 0:18:43Move back!
0:18:43 > 0:18:46He's discovering ways to... annoy the family.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48And he's interacting with the environment physically.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52To bump into things. To start to move things is really exciting.
0:18:52 > 0:18:53This could do some damage in the house.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55I know, exactly!
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Oh, this is going to be a nightmare.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01HIGH-PITCHED BEEPING
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Ange, you all right?
0:19:08 > 0:19:09I'm going to kill you.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11I'm actually going to kill you.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14Ever since he moved away,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16the Sharmas have missed having meals together,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19but tonight, thanks to Beam,
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Vin can take his place at the head of the table.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Why don't you shout up to the kids
0:19:25 > 0:19:26and tell them to come down for dinner?
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Yo, Zion, Arya, get your ass down!
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Louder.- Arya, Zion, dinner time!
0:19:34 > 0:19:35Hurry up!
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- Hello.- Hello.
0:19:39 > 0:19:40Hello, family.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Hello!- Hello. - Daddy's here for dinner.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45OK, guys.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46Here we go, Arya.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47- Pasta.- Lovely.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Looks tasty.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56It's not as nice as your pasta, but just something I've rustled up.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Zion, how's your food, how's your food, baby?
0:19:58 > 0:19:59It's good.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00ANGE LAUGHS
0:20:00 > 0:20:02What have you done today?
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Just been working outside of that, really, nothing much.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Missing you guys!
0:20:07 > 0:20:09What does it feel like, me talking to you through the robot?
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Does it feel nice?- Yeah.
0:20:11 > 0:20:12But a bit weird.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Does it not feel like Daddy's there with you?
0:20:15 > 0:20:16Yeah, it does.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20I have no idea what the next couple of weeks are going to have,
0:20:20 > 0:20:21but I know for a fact that
0:20:21 > 0:20:23he's going to have a lot of fun with this!
0:20:23 > 0:20:24Come on, hurry up.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- Robot's next.- Unless the family carries the Beam
0:20:29 > 0:20:32between the floors of their three-storey town house,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Vin's movement will be limited to the kitchen and lounge.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- Guys?- Yeah?- I need a charge.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43But he can turn on and off at will,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46and top up his batteries all from his remote location.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49OK, go on, charge yourself up.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51Stop!
0:20:52 > 0:20:53Adios!
0:20:53 > 0:20:54Bye, love you loads!
0:20:56 > 0:20:59OK, how annoying is your dad going to get over the next few weeks?
0:21:03 > 0:21:04Rarr!
0:21:04 > 0:21:05Back in Blackburn,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08it's day three of the Tutorbot experiment.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09Morning.
0:21:09 > 0:21:10Waa!
0:21:10 > 0:21:14Mum Amanda has promised Isaac he can play speech games before school.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18I want the robot!
0:21:18 > 0:21:19Yeah, in a minute, eat your breakfast.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Robot!
0:21:21 > 0:21:22Robot!
0:21:22 > 0:21:23Ow!
0:21:25 > 0:21:26As soon as he woke up,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29he was asking for it, and he wanted to play with it.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30HE SQUEALS
0:21:30 > 0:21:31Yeah, he definitely likes it.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Robot!
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Although it might be a different way of learning...
0:21:40 > 0:21:43..maybe he will be able to read with me and draw with me...
0:21:43 > 0:21:44YELLING
0:21:44 > 0:21:46..and do things that the other kids have done.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Robot.- Robot.- Hello?
0:21:49 > 0:21:50Hello?
0:21:50 > 0:21:51BLEEP
0:21:51 > 0:21:54He's back with us.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55Good morning!
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Have you had a nice sleep?
0:21:56 > 0:21:57BLOOP
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Westminster University has programmed Tutorbot
0:22:00 > 0:22:03with algorithms designed to help Isaac practice his pronunciations.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- Word games. - Let's play the first game.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10He'll be asked a simple question,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13and given three answers to choose from.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16What can you find in a pencil case?
0:22:17 > 0:22:18CHUCKLING
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Aeroplane, castle, or pencil?
0:22:23 > 0:22:24Pencil.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Pencil is the correct answer.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Yeah!- Well done.
0:22:29 > 0:22:30Brilliant.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Isaac needs a certain amount of repetition
0:22:33 > 0:22:36to really encourage him to learn his new words
0:22:36 > 0:22:38and that's really great for a robot to do it
0:22:38 > 0:22:42because it can do this repeat, and it's not going to get tired.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44What can you find at the farm?
0:22:45 > 0:22:46A pig.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Sheep, astronauts, or Beth?
0:22:51 > 0:22:52A sheep.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Sheep is the correct answer. Well done.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Yay!
0:22:56 > 0:22:58What can you find in the park?
0:22:58 > 0:23:03A tomato, swings or a fish?
0:23:03 > 0:23:04A swing.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08A tomato is not the correct answer.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10Oh, dear.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Sorry, Isaac. There was an error.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Isaac is doing everything right,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18but the lesson algorithm in Tutorbot has failed.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21So this is a real problem for Isaac,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24because he's lacking confidence in his speech anyway.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27It's really difficult for a mum in this situation.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Any time you put your child into a new situation,
0:23:30 > 0:23:31you're going to worry about it.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34What would you find in a jungle?
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Monkey, robot or astronaut?
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- Robot.- The answer can be monkey, robot or astronaut.- A robot.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- You can ask me help, repeat or exit.- A robot.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- You can also use my tactile sensor to choose the answer.- A robot.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53The more he gets frustrated, perhaps the pitch of his voice changes.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- A robot.- And then the robot finds it
0:23:56 > 0:23:58more difficult to recognise his voice.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00And that increases the frustration.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Speech recognition systems make mistakes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06If two conversations are going on at the same time,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10we as humans are very good at separating those conversations.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13This is a skill called blind source separation.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16And this is what we do naturally, our brains are geared up for this.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Robots and computers find this really difficult.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Sorry, Isaac, there is an error.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23It is my fault.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26I've orchestrated a situation
0:24:26 > 0:24:28where he's interested in actually playing with it,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30and it won't do it.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31Giraffe.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Take your time, Isaac.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35And then it's like, all the work you've put in
0:24:35 > 0:24:38to get him to a place where he's trying is for nothing.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43So then I feel a bit guilty that I've...put him in that position.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- Go to sleep.- OK, bye-bye.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54Mum!
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Isaac's not the only one heading off to school.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02I don't want to go to year one.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04All big boys go to year one.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Today, five-year-old Zion Sharma is starting big school...
0:25:09 > 0:25:10Good boy.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14..whilst his 13-year-old sister Arya is moving up to year nine.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Are you sure you're full?
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Yes.
0:25:18 > 0:25:231,000 miles away in Spain, dad Vin is preparing to Beam in.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Of course I feel bad that I'm not there for the kids
0:25:26 > 0:25:27on their first day.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29But I also feel like I'm missing out on something
0:25:29 > 0:25:32that I also find a very fond moment.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34He won't tell me how to, like...
0:25:34 > 0:25:37These are all real quality family moments
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- that we should all be there for. - All right, honey, hold on.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49He's miles away from home,
0:25:49 > 0:25:54but can Beam help Vin reassure his kids before they leave for school?
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- Hello, I'm here.- Oh, turn around. - Hello.- Turn.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01- There.- Hello!
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Big hug.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08You guys look weird, you're hugging a robot, guys, come on.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10LAUGHTER
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Zion, you looking forward to your first day back?
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Yeah.- Can I come to school with you? - No!
0:26:17 > 0:26:19When I come to your school, when I'm outside,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21- I'm just going to keep doing this. - No!
0:26:21 > 0:26:22LAUGHTER
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- Stop, stop!- Right, we're going to go, we're going to dash out.
0:26:27 > 0:26:28Bye, baby. Mwah!
0:26:28 > 0:26:29Mwah.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- Bye, Dad.- Bye.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32Bye!
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I still feel like I'm parenting.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46But it's not that same quality moment you have with your family.
0:26:47 > 0:26:48It's still got something missing.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54There's still a level of detachment there.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03Vin comforted his kids, but can he support wife Angela?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Hello. You might as well follow me into the kitchen.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- You all right?- Yeah, I'm all right.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Just the class just looked so much bigger than his little nursery one.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- SHE SNIFFS - Or reception.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16And he just looked really lost in it.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18He just turned round and looked at me, like, don't leave me here.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22At the end of the day I know exactly how he feels.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24I know how you feel as well.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26It's just all of it, I'm missing my husband,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29missing my kids, and I'm sat on my own like a loner.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Well, your husband sounds nice, what's he like?
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Yeah, a bit robotic.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35LAUGHTER
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- I love you, An. - Oh, I love you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Can you turn towards me?
0:27:49 > 0:27:52In Plymouth, it's day four of the experiment.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57Matt Rocket has discovered a new use for FitBot's facial recognition.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00I knew it was you, Matt.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Follow me.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06As long as it can see him, FitBot will move wherever he tells it to...
0:28:07 > 0:28:08Turn towards me.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12..which helps when trying to relocate it.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15Come forward.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16Most of the time.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- Oh, gosh. Oh, jeez.- Oh!
0:28:25 > 0:28:26LAUGHTER
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Please let me rest for a while.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Facial recognition comes in handy every time they weigh in, too.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Daily checkup.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43FitBot not only knows which member of the family it's talking to...
0:28:48 > 0:28:51It can also gauge how they feel about their progress.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56The horizontal line of Matt's lips work as
0:28:56 > 0:28:58a basic guide to his emotions.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03When he smiles,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06the corners of Matt's mouth go above the horizontal line.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11So FitBot computes his basic emotion as happiness.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18But will it work for Jackie?
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Right, there's two things, you know,
0:29:21 > 0:29:22that ladies don't like to tell people.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25One's their weight, and the other one's their age,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28especially if they're unhappy with what they're weighing.
0:29:33 > 0:29:3579 kilos.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47While Matt's mouth went mostly above the line,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Jackie's is going the other way.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54FitBot computes that she may not be pleased with her results...
0:29:56 > 0:29:59..a scenario for which FitBot has also been programmed to deal with.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09I wasn't expecting that, for it to do that.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13I think it did notice that I...
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- You weren't smiling. - I weren't smiling, yeah,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17and I wasn't very happy at that moment.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21It made me feel better that it seemed to understand
0:30:21 > 0:30:22how I was feeling.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24And when it gave me the words of encouragement.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27Being able to recognise emotions
0:30:27 > 0:30:30is the first step towards a robot having empathy.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Of course, if somebody is smiling,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36it doesn't necessarily mean that they're happy inside.
0:30:36 > 0:30:37We can all put on a fake smile.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40And it's really difficult for a computer algorithm to detect
0:30:40 > 0:30:44the difference between a real smile and a fake smile.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Go.- 30 seconds has begun.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51The Rockets have set personal fitness targets...
0:30:53 > 0:30:56..so Plymouth University can gauge FitBot's success
0:30:56 > 0:30:57over the next six weeks.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03But while Matt and Cat are embracing the challenge,
0:31:03 > 0:31:05it's making Jackie uncomfortable.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Having to be weighed publicly, like that, yeah, it was...
0:31:10 > 0:31:11..it was very difficult.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14Quickly. Oh, shattered.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17I did the London Marathon a couple of years ago,
0:31:17 > 0:31:19and I'd sort of like got down to goal weight,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21I was like, nine and a half stone.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24And I've just put all that weight back on.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28Right, let's do this, come on.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- There you go. - Over the first week of the test...
0:31:34 > 0:31:35Come on.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38..our families start to become more used to their new guests.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Thanks for making me look like Katy Perry!
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Our experts have asked them to keep video diaries of their progress.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46ROBOT.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Shall we keep going?
0:31:48 > 0:31:49Yes.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50No? OK...
0:31:50 > 0:31:52No, we want to!
0:31:52 > 0:31:53- Should we go on?- No!
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Can we do some exercise?
0:31:56 > 0:31:57Would you like to do some lunges?
0:31:57 > 0:31:58Yes.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00You will rock this with ease.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04This is a really interesting social experiment
0:32:04 > 0:32:08where the families have really engaged with the robots.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10That's not something that I really would have expected.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13I would think they would be a little bit more cautious,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16so I'm really heartened by their embracing of robot technologies.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20Today's Sunday, and my mum's having a lie-in.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23And me, my dad and Zion have decided
0:32:23 > 0:32:24to wake her up with the robot.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Good morning, sleeping beauty!
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Are you filming this?
0:32:29 > 0:32:30All three of you, out!
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Yo, family, how you doing, guys?
0:32:39 > 0:32:40In Hampshire...
0:32:40 > 0:32:41Anyone home?
0:32:41 > 0:32:44..Vin Sharma is making the most of his direct link to home...
0:32:45 > 0:32:49..even occasionally checking in when the family is all out.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50Zion?
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Arya?
0:32:53 > 0:32:56But long-distance driving can be hazardous.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59Anyone home?
0:32:59 > 0:33:00RATTLING
0:33:05 > 0:33:06Come on, get yourself in.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10What the hell?
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Flipping heavy, come on. Lift him up.
0:33:15 > 0:33:16Take it back.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19He must have really done some damage, though, look.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21All right, he's broken it, it says error detected.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Shall I put it on the dock?
0:33:23 > 0:33:24No, turn it, let me see.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26It's huge, it's such a big dent.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29How... I just don't understand...
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Oh, my God, I'm not even going to be able to fix that.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- BLEEP - Oh, he's back.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39Hey, guys.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Are you OK?
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Where am I?
0:33:43 > 0:33:44Don't start.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48It's gone a bit wrong, Ange.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Yeah, I saw that when I came back and found you on the stairs.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- Oh, no!- He's dangerous on wheels.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Vin is dangerous on wheels.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58I think if he was just...
0:33:58 > 0:34:01on the tablet, on a phone, he can't do much damage.
0:34:01 > 0:34:02But certainly on wheels,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06he has proven that he can cause a lot of damage if I'm not here
0:34:06 > 0:34:08to supervise him. Come on, hurry up.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13Like Beam, the majority of robots rely on motorised wheels to move...
0:34:22 > 0:34:24..a system with severe limitations,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27in a human world designed to be accessed with legs.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31As progress is made,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34robots are emerging that cannot only walk around like humans...
0:34:37 > 0:34:38..but physically outdo them.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46And robot designers are drawing inspiration
0:34:46 > 0:34:48from every aspect of the natural world.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Although these robots have years of development behind them,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57they currently draw too much power,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59and are too unreliable for the domestic market.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04But combined with the breakthroughs in facial,
0:35:04 > 0:35:05speech,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07and emotional recognition,
0:35:07 > 0:35:12a new generation of smart, mobile robots is no longer out of reach.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18You want to keep going?
0:35:18 > 0:35:20No, no!
0:35:21 > 0:35:25In Blackburn, Tutorbot may be standing on its own feet...
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- Is that correct?- No!
0:35:27 > 0:35:29But after just ten days,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32five-year-old Isaac has decided he's had enough.
0:35:32 > 0:35:33No!
0:35:33 > 0:35:35Nooo!
0:35:35 > 0:35:37It's been a disappointing experience.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41The more I tried to make him do it, the...
0:35:42 > 0:35:43..more he dug his heels in.
0:35:43 > 0:35:44ISAAC WAILS
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Ever since Tutorbot's teaching algorithm malfunctioned,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Isaac has refused all interaction.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- What about grasp?- No!
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- Grasp!- Aah!
0:35:57 > 0:35:58- Grasp!- Aah!
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Hoping to encourage Isaac,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Amanda has organised for him to take Tutorbot into school
0:36:04 > 0:36:06for a show and tell.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11I think once he sees how excited the other children are about the robot,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13I think that might rub off on him,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17and he might...become more interested again.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20I think he's looking at it as an opportunity to get rid of it
0:36:20 > 0:36:22more than anything else!
0:36:26 > 0:36:32A robot is a machine that can do a set of actions automatically.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36Isaac's teacher Mrs Moss has planned a robot-themed lesson,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39which will culminate in a grand entrance from Tutorbot.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Isaac? Do you have any robots at your house?
0:36:44 > 0:36:45Yes!
0:36:46 > 0:36:50We have Isaac's robot in school.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54So, shall we go and get it?
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Come on, then.
0:36:57 > 0:36:58Come on.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Pull that.- So far, so good.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05But everyone's hoping that Isaac will break his interaction embargo
0:37:05 > 0:37:08to make Tutorbot perform for the class.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11This is Isaac's robot.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14And Isaac's robot...
0:37:15 > 0:37:17..can do different things.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- Come on. - Can you dance?
0:37:22 > 0:37:23Can you dance?
0:37:26 > 0:37:27Can you dance?
0:37:29 > 0:37:30Can you dance?
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Wait till its eyes go blue.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36Can you dance?
0:37:38 > 0:37:41So Isaac's doing exactly what he should be doing, isn't he?
0:37:41 > 0:37:45But Tutorbot is not doing what he's supposed to be doing.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Can you dance?
0:37:47 > 0:37:49One of the really big problems here
0:37:49 > 0:37:52is that he's going to think that it's his fault
0:37:52 > 0:37:55that Tutorbot is not responding in the correct way.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Not working.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01Can you dance?
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Shall we do it together?
0:38:05 > 0:38:06Come on then.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Are we ready?
0:38:08 > 0:38:09Can you dance?
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Do you want to see the t'ai chi dance?
0:38:12 > 0:38:13CHILDREN: Yeah!
0:38:13 > 0:38:14- Yeah.- Yes.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19We have to be able to rely on the people who are teaching us
0:38:19 > 0:38:20to get it right.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24And so when it doesn't, there are real ethical implications.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Because when this kind of technology goes wrong,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29it could potentially not just upset Isaac,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31but really set him back.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Right, come on.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Luckily, Isaac's human teacher, Mrs Moss, isn't giving up.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Yeah, we're going to have a look at the story.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Did you enjoy showing the robot to your friends?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Yes! They said thank you for bringing the robot in.
0:38:48 > 0:38:49- You're welcome.- Oh!
0:38:51 > 0:38:52He says you're welcome!
0:38:52 > 0:38:53He did say thank you!
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Charmed by Tutorbot's mistake,
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Isaac agrees to his first word game in a week.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Which word begins with the letter I?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Snow or igloo?
0:39:07 > 0:39:08Igloo.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Igloo is the correct answer.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- Well done.- Yes, well done!
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Which word begins with the letter A?
0:39:18 > 0:39:21And or pot?
0:39:21 > 0:39:22And.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26And is the correct answer. Well done.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27Yes, well done!
0:39:27 > 0:39:29You're doing great. Brilliant work.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- Do you want more?- Yes.
0:39:32 > 0:39:33Yes.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- Yes. Reggie robot. - Reggie robot.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- Dinosaur.- Dinosaur.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Great stuff. Should we go on?
0:39:42 > 0:39:43Yeah.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50It's a huge relief that he's made friends with it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52He's had a great day at school with it,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54all his friends have seen it.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- He's got it to do stuff. - Dinosaur, roar!
0:39:57 > 0:40:01I think I've underestimated... how hard that is for him,
0:40:01 > 0:40:03and what an achievement it is for him when he gets it to work.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Firework, boom boom!
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Isaac's time with Tutorbot is coming to an end.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14But for others, it's just beginning.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17Here they come!
0:40:17 > 0:40:20270 miles away in Suffolk,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23our next robot is just arriving,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26and has been tasked with something completely different.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Oh, my word.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32It's a robot on a wheeled office chair.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34Neil, here it comes.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Do you think they've run out of money towards the end?
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Neil and Linda Bowles are hoping for a care robot
0:40:40 > 0:40:42that can assist with the chronic MS
0:40:42 > 0:40:44that renders Linda wheelchair-bound.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46Robot delivery!
0:40:56 > 0:40:57CareBot ready.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03CareBot is a prototype assistant for carers and the disabled.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08The purpose-built chassis houses a traction-wheel base,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10an interactive head,
0:41:10 > 0:41:11a manipulator arm,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13and an LCD monitor.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Oh, my word.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Oh, my giddy aunt!
0:41:21 > 0:41:24It can recognise and track human voices,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26issue medication reminders,
0:41:26 > 0:41:29and even call an ambulance, in an emergency.
0:41:29 > 0:41:30Hello.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31HE LAUGHS
0:41:32 > 0:41:34That face reminds me of something.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Something that's been in a film, or something.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39It could strangle me, look, it's got a hand.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41That's frightening, that hand.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44That's an interesting first reaction, isn't it?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46The first thing is to look at this scary gripper.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51You have me at a disadvantage, robot, I don't know your name.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52Do you speak English?
0:41:52 > 0:41:53- Yes!- Where are you from?
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Why did the chicken cross the road?
0:41:57 > 0:41:59Why did the chicken cross the road?
0:41:59 > 0:42:00To see an idiot.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- Knock knock.- Who's there?
0:42:02 > 0:42:03The chicken.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07LAUGHTER
0:42:07 > 0:42:11Neil and Linda Bowles have been together for 38 years,
0:42:11 > 0:42:12and married for 36.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15You even know the date, don't you?
0:42:15 > 0:42:1816th October. Brownie point scored.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22They were publicans for years,
0:42:22 > 0:42:25but all that changed in the summer of 2000,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27when Linda was diagnosed with MS.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30It is a progressive illness,
0:42:30 > 0:42:31and Linda was typical,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34in as much as she started getting worse very, very quickly.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37I can't move my legs,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39and I can't use my right arm.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41This is very weak, so I've got half a left arm and a mouth.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- That's it. - Mouth works perfectly!
0:42:44 > 0:42:45That's it, that's all that's left.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50And it's Neil that's taken on the responsibility
0:42:50 > 0:42:52of being Linda's full-time carer.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55I learned some skills since I've cared for you.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56This takes the biscuit.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59I rely on Neil for absolutely everything.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03Every single need, for every minute of every day.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07They're hoping that the robot can take some of the pressure off Neil
0:43:07 > 0:43:09and give Linda some independence back.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12You're never relaxed, are you?
0:43:12 > 0:43:14No, you tend to always be looking at your watch
0:43:14 > 0:43:17because you're thinking, hang on, I said I'd only be 20 minutes,
0:43:17 > 0:43:19and it looks like it's going to be a bit more than that.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22So unless you've got a professional person in,
0:43:22 > 0:43:25looking after her, then I can't relax when I go out.
0:43:27 > 0:43:28Lovely.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- That's how to press it on. - I'll get out the way,
0:43:34 > 0:43:35I don't know what it's going to do.
0:43:35 > 0:43:36He's alive!
0:43:39 > 0:43:40How do you do?
0:43:41 > 0:43:42We are pleased to meet you.
0:43:44 > 0:43:45For the next two weeks,
0:43:45 > 0:43:49the University of Salford will test CareBot to see if it can assist
0:43:49 > 0:43:50with Linda's physical care.
0:43:52 > 0:43:53What time is it?
0:43:57 > 0:44:00But also if its companion algorithm can boost
0:44:00 > 0:44:02the couple's emotional wellbeing.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06- SHE LAUGHS - Can you tell me a joke?
0:44:16 > 0:44:18THEY LAUGH
0:44:18 > 0:44:20Excellent. Excellent.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26- No way.- Oh, where you going? Carrie, I'm here.
0:44:27 > 0:44:28I'm here, Carrie!
0:44:29 > 0:44:32Stop, stop! Hang on, hang on, hang on, Neil, hang on.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34- Read the instructions. - What's it say?
0:44:35 > 0:44:37"To stop the robot..." Freeze!
0:44:37 > 0:44:38Freeze!
0:44:38 > 0:44:41It's very obedient, isn't it?
0:44:41 > 0:44:43Look it in the face and tell it to.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45Stare in the eyes.
0:44:47 > 0:44:48Stop.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50Stop.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53Amazing. Fascinating.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56We've just had an insight into...seeing him work.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58We're saying him, I don't know why,
0:44:58 > 0:45:01its name's Care-y, so maybe it's a girl, I'm not sure.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04I definitely think it's a male, though.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06Because when I asked a question,
0:45:06 > 0:45:08it turned its back on me.
0:45:09 > 0:45:10Where's he going now?
0:45:12 > 0:45:13Oh, he's adorable, Neil.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18- Isn't he?- I just can't wait now to start experimenting with it,
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- and seeing what it can do. - Oh, it's going to be fascinating.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23Because the little insight we've had today...
0:45:24 > 0:45:26..is just, obviously, the tip of the iceberg,
0:45:26 > 0:45:29but that's giving us an insight to say that it is
0:45:29 > 0:45:31a very, very clever robot.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39We have a care crisis in this country at the moment.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44We find it very difficult to look after people properly.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47We don't have the resources to do that from a human perspective.
0:45:47 > 0:45:51So the potential for care robots is absolutely enormous.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56If they're able to alleviate even a tiny part of the burden
0:45:56 > 0:45:58that care places on humans at the moment,
0:45:58 > 0:46:01that could be a very positive thing.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05Having said that, it's really, really important
0:46:05 > 0:46:07that they get this care right.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10If a robot supplies the wrong medication to someone, for example,
0:46:10 > 0:46:13that could have disastrous consequences.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23For their second week with Beam, in Hampshire,
0:46:23 > 0:46:25dad Vin has decided on a new strategy
0:46:25 > 0:46:29to cope with the frustration of working away from home.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31- Hello!- Come closer, come closer.
0:46:31 > 0:46:32I'm just taking my shoes off.
0:46:32 > 0:46:34No, they stink, your socks stink.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37He's using the robot as a plaything to bond with his kids.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42It's nice for me to see that they're being distracted with something
0:46:42 > 0:46:44that's fun, as opposed to being constantly reminded
0:46:44 > 0:46:46that Dad's not there all the time.
0:46:47 > 0:46:48Why are you so cute?
0:46:50 > 0:46:51It's certainly quirky,
0:46:51 > 0:46:54it's certainly a unique kind of way of communicating with each other.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57Are you going to be the next Michael Jordan now?
0:46:57 > 0:46:58Yeah.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02I don't know what them and their dad get up to but they've had this thing
0:47:02 > 0:47:04for the past week, let's try and freak Mum out.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07That's the sort of thing they would do with their dad when he's here.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10- All right, darlin! - You guys are so flipping childish.
0:47:11 > 0:47:12Such a child!
0:47:13 > 0:47:15It's like he's in the house.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20So, like, he's back in the house.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Five-year-old Zion in particular has grown physically attached
0:47:27 > 0:47:29to his new robot dad.
0:47:46 > 0:47:47Tell me if you get dizzy.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52By using Beam as a way of playing with his kids,
0:47:52 > 0:47:55it means that he doesn't feel that sort of separation
0:47:55 > 0:47:56that he felt before,
0:47:56 > 0:47:58and in fact ends up feeling closer to them.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03Most of our communication at the moment is done via a screen.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07Actually, we're now starting to move towards a situation
0:48:07 > 0:48:10where people can touch each other virtually as well.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13Haptic devices, which are force feedback devices
0:48:13 > 0:48:15which can act a little bit like hands,
0:48:15 > 0:48:19are fairly basic, but as they grow in sophistication,
0:48:19 > 0:48:23it's going to be interesting to see whether people start to include
0:48:23 > 0:48:25touch in their communication with other people,
0:48:25 > 0:48:26as well as sound and vision.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32But a few days later, the hijinks come to an abrupt end.
0:48:34 > 0:48:37The family are shocked by the sad news of a neighbour's death.
0:48:40 > 0:48:44Last night, Zion, putting him to bed, he suddenly got a bit teary.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48He said to me, "Mummy, why do people pass away?"
0:48:48 > 0:48:50I was just crushed from inside,
0:48:50 > 0:48:53and I just really wanted Vin here.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56Yo, Zion, hey!
0:48:56 > 0:48:57- No.- How you doing?
0:48:57 > 0:49:01But can the Beam help Vin reassure his five-year-old son?
0:49:01 > 0:49:03Come closer so I can see you properly,
0:49:03 > 0:49:05so I can see you under there, with the bottom camera.
0:49:05 > 0:49:08- That's the one, hello!- Hello.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10Big smile, give me a big smile.
0:49:12 > 0:49:16Vin obviously really feels the distance in this kind of situation.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20It's potentially very distressing for him
0:49:20 > 0:49:22because he's not able to be there for his family
0:49:22 > 0:49:24in the way he'd really like to be.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27So tell me, tell me what's happening with your life.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29It's reinforcing the link,
0:49:29 > 0:49:32but it's also emphasising the distance.
0:49:33 > 0:49:34Give us a kiss, mwah!
0:49:36 > 0:49:39For Vin, the 1,000 miles between him and his family
0:49:39 > 0:49:41has never felt so far.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46To have a heart-to-heart with Zion, to be able to kind of hug him
0:49:46 > 0:49:49and give him a bit of reassurance that Dad is still here,
0:49:49 > 0:49:51that is completely missing.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54I really do want to come home now.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04- Just be honest.- That's was Cat's. Scout's honour.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07- That has been there months. - No, it hasn't.- Yes, it has, honest.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09- No, it hasn't. - That has been there months,
0:50:09 > 0:50:10and I don't even like them.
0:50:10 > 0:50:11Back in Plymouth,
0:50:11 > 0:50:14the first week of FitBot's nutrition advice
0:50:14 > 0:50:17has got the family discussing their bad habits.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19So embarrassed, stop it.
0:50:20 > 0:50:25In particular, mum Jackie, who needs to rethink the weekly shop.
0:50:25 > 0:50:26Microwave popcorn.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28What I'd like to get out of it is nutrition.
0:50:28 > 0:50:33Cook more healthily for family and...not overfeed them.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37I do, yeah, I overcompensate.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41Because I work long hours, I'm not around a lot of the time,
0:50:41 > 0:50:45I compensate by trying to feed them too much.
0:50:45 > 0:50:48Like a smart device, FitBot is on hand to help...
0:50:49 > 0:50:52..accessing the internet to relay nutrition information
0:50:52 > 0:50:54on the weekly shop.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58How many calories are in bacon medallions?
0:51:07 > 0:51:09It does stop and make me think
0:51:09 > 0:51:12how many calories are in the food that I'm cooking?
0:51:12 > 0:51:15Jackie is using FitBot
0:51:15 > 0:51:18really as somebody would use a tablet
0:51:18 > 0:51:19and one of the online systems.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23I wonder whether having a physical presence there is helping this
0:51:23 > 0:51:26- or actually getting in the way a little bit.- Mm, mm.
0:51:27 > 0:51:29How many calories are in an apple?
0:51:35 > 0:51:37Thank you.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46As head chef, Jackie's agreed to follow the meal plan
0:51:46 > 0:51:49suggested by FitBot in its role as nutritionist.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54It's just made me more aware of what we're eating.
0:51:54 > 0:51:59I've made more meals, rather than using jars of sauces.
0:51:59 > 0:52:04But Jackie draws the line at eating dinner under FitBot's watchful eye.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06OK, FitBot, we're going to have to turn you off
0:52:06 > 0:52:08because we're going to eat our tea now,
0:52:08 > 0:52:11- and I want you to leave us alone.- Aww!
0:52:11 > 0:52:12Goodbye, FitBot.
0:52:19 > 0:52:20Stick together, come on.
0:52:20 > 0:52:21Come on, Winnie.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26- Let's go in the sea!- Yeah, that'd be fun, wouldn't it?
0:52:26 > 0:52:30In Blackburn, the experiment is winding down.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32After hosting Tutorbot for two weeks,
0:52:32 > 0:52:35mum Amanda has gained a fresh perspective
0:52:35 > 0:52:38on helping her son Isaac with his learning delay.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43I didn't understand the importance of play before we got the robot.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47I just thought...
0:52:47 > 0:52:49he's got loads of brothers and sisters,
0:52:49 > 0:52:51they're all playing together, he doesn't need me.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56I didn't know he needed me to sit with him and play with him,
0:52:56 > 0:52:57and make him talk.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00Don't go so fast, you could hurt yourself!
0:53:07 > 0:53:10Today, Tutorbot will return to the lab...
0:53:10 > 0:53:14Can the Megatron turn on in time to save the day?
0:53:14 > 0:53:15No!
0:53:15 > 0:53:19..placing Amanda back in charge of Isaac's extracurricular activities.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21BLEEPING
0:53:21 > 0:53:22- Is he going to...- Here!
0:53:22 > 0:53:24Watch out, he's going to stamp on all your guys.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26No, you're kicking me!
0:53:26 > 0:53:28Over the last two weeks,
0:53:28 > 0:53:31she's achieved the best results mixing learning games
0:53:31 > 0:53:33with normal play.
0:53:33 > 0:53:34Sit down.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37- Do you want me to sit?- Yeah.
0:53:37 > 0:53:38Yeah!
0:53:38 > 0:53:40His speech has definitely improved.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44It's clearer. Robot, squash them!
0:53:44 > 0:53:45You squash, not me!
0:53:46 > 0:53:49He's got more words than he had before.
0:53:49 > 0:53:50I want this one.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52Has it got a battery, this one?
0:53:52 > 0:53:54That's not got batteries in, no.
0:53:54 > 0:53:55He's just got more to say.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58It's like he's become more confident with his speech.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00- Put him in.- That box?
0:54:00 > 0:54:03The other day he just said, "I love you",
0:54:03 > 0:54:04which I can count on one hand
0:54:04 > 0:54:08the amount of times I've heard those words come out of his mouth.
0:54:08 > 0:54:09From a technical point of view,
0:54:09 > 0:54:12this experiment has been really interesting.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15Yes, there have been some frustrations, but at the end,
0:54:15 > 0:54:17it did work, and it did produce a benefit.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20So this is a really good example of how robots can help.
0:54:20 > 0:54:21- Say bye to it.- Bye.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23I feel a lot more hopeful that in the future,
0:54:23 > 0:54:25he's going to catch up with everyone else.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28- Ooh.- OK.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30Yeah, I'm very hopeful for his future.
0:54:38 > 0:54:39In Hampshire...
0:54:39 > 0:54:42LAUGHTER
0:54:42 > 0:54:45..no-one will miss their robot dad more than five-year-old Zion.
0:54:46 > 0:54:48How long did it take for Zion to jump on?
0:54:48 > 0:54:50I'd say the minute you left.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54So, I think that this one,
0:54:54 > 0:54:56it's enabled Vin to parent
0:54:56 > 0:54:59in a way that he wouldn't have been able to otherwise.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02If he was just on a computer or on a phone or tablet,
0:55:02 > 0:55:04there's no way he would have been able to interact with his kids
0:55:04 > 0:55:05in this way.
0:55:07 > 0:55:08Talking to the kids through the robot,
0:55:08 > 0:55:10I think that's been the most successful part
0:55:10 > 0:55:12of this whole experience.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16It did feel in many ways like I was standing in front of them.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18Tell me which way to go.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21We had some really nice conversations through the robot
0:55:21 > 0:55:24which I don't think we would have had in the same way
0:55:24 > 0:55:27through video call or a phone call.
0:55:27 > 0:55:28LAUGHTER
0:55:28 > 0:55:30Hold on tight!
0:55:30 > 0:55:32So you can still boss Dad around even though he's not here.
0:55:32 > 0:55:33LAUGHTER
0:55:35 > 0:55:37So, they're going to pack all this up now.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39Is this our goodbye on the robot?
0:55:39 > 0:55:42It is, we'll see you on the other side, I'm sure.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45That sounds really ominous.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48No, it's fine. I think I am going to really actually miss it.
0:55:48 > 0:55:49You know what, it's funny,
0:55:49 > 0:55:51at this moment when they're going to switch it off,
0:55:51 > 0:55:54- I actually feel a little bit funny. - So do I. Isn't that really strange?
0:55:55 > 0:55:59But before Beam goes, Vin has one last important job for it...
0:56:01 > 0:56:04..to help he and Angela celebrate their wedding anniversary.
0:56:04 > 0:56:10So, Ange, today, obviously, is a special day in our house.
0:56:10 > 0:56:1115 years ago,
0:56:11 > 0:56:15life just took a turn and went in a different direction,
0:56:15 > 0:56:18so I think if you look at the TV screen in front of you...
0:56:18 > 0:56:22- OK.- ..any minute now here should be some people arriving on that screen
0:56:22 > 0:56:25- or something.- I can't believe that, I swear to God,
0:56:25 > 0:56:27I can't believe you did that.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32Vin's organised for a tribute band to perform Angela's favourite tune
0:56:32 > 0:56:34live from Italy.
0:56:34 > 0:56:35SMOOTH MUSIC
0:56:37 > 0:56:39I tried my best to get Sade.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42I can't even tell you how much I appreciate it, so lovely.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51Our song, isn't it?
0:56:59 > 0:57:0215 years, it's been quite a long time, but...
0:57:03 > 0:57:04..here's to the next 15.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07So, yeah. I'll see you soon, I love you so much.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14- Lead the robot... - Guide him to the door.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17We've seen an amazing amount of trust and openness
0:57:17 > 0:57:18towards these robots.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20It's time for you to leave, mister.
0:57:21 > 0:57:25We are opening our minds and our hearts to robots.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28And that bodes very well for the future adoption of robots
0:57:28 > 0:57:30in all parts of our society.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33- Bye!- Bye!
0:57:33 > 0:57:35What we can see is that when robots work well,
0:57:35 > 0:57:40people are incredibly positive and very happy to have the robots there.
0:57:40 > 0:57:41When they start to go wrong,
0:57:41 > 0:57:45it really exposes some of the issues that we have to fix
0:57:45 > 0:57:48before the robots are ready for the production line.
0:57:49 > 0:57:50The kids are definitely going to miss it,
0:57:50 > 0:57:52we've kind of warmed to the robot.
0:57:52 > 0:57:55Two weeks on, yeah, I see he has kind of just fitted in.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58We'll miss him when he's not here.
0:58:02 > 0:58:04Next time...
0:58:04 > 0:58:07..can a robot make a difference to one autistic child?
0:58:08 > 0:58:10Just a really exciting moment.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13Neil risks leaving Linda alone with CareBot for the first time.
0:58:15 > 0:58:18Neil's gone out and I can't even phone him if I need him.
0:58:18 > 0:58:19Resume.
0:58:20 > 0:58:23The Rockets weigh up their results.
0:58:23 > 0:58:24LAUGHTER
0:58:24 > 0:58:25Yep!
0:58:25 > 0:58:26Suit fits.
0:58:26 > 0:58:30And can robots really do our jobs?