Here's an interesting report I saw on YouTube today, by The Young Turks news show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFeslCsAJA. Some research has been looking into the extremely close 'relationships' that sometimes form between soldiers and the robots that help them out everyday. Soldiers name them after their wifes/girlfriends and even give them funerals with 21-gun salutes. However, these close bonds might affect the readiness of soldiers in using such robots as tools, and putting them at risk. The host goes on to discuss how future military technology will affect not only our own troops, but the countries that we invade as well. What do you think of the findings? I know it's a completely different circumstance, but has anyone ever felt somewhat 'connected' to their team's robot?
(*Also, I tried to post this in the 'Extra Discussion' forum, but I got a message saying I didn't 'have permission to access the page' when clicking the 'New Thread' button. Anyone know why this might be?)