Are they really robots?

[Vikesrock]

I was having a discussion today with someone in the robotics industry today that brought to the forefront a question that had been in the back of my mind for a while. The question is "Are we really building robots?" The issue being that our creations are primarily teleoperated.

He suggested that by emphasizing the mechanical and electrical aspects of our creations to the detriment of software that FIRST and associated vendors are being harmful and preying on the ignorance of the average high school student to what a "robot really is".

I am interested in hearing the thoughts of others on this topic. I'll wait a bit before I post mine here.