The Future of Robot Nannies

Childcare is the most intimate of activities. Evolution has generated drives so powerful that we will risk our lives to protect not only our own children, but quite often any child, and even the young of other species. Robots, by contrast, are products created by commercial entities with commercial goals, which may--and should--include the well-being of their customers, but will never be limited to such. Robots, corporations, and other legal or non-legal entities do not possess the instinctual nature of humans to care for the young--even if our anthropomorphic tendencies may prompt some children and adults to overlook this fact. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission.