It is 2060 and the relationship between robots and human beings is finally settled.
They have become important parts of our lives although you can still find a few critics who will argue that there is still a power imbalance. Most of my circle, however, believe that a workable arrangement was reached with each side – robots and humans - doing what it does best.
Last weekend was a good example. With next to no effort on the human side, our house was cleaned and the lawn trimmed. Groceries were delivered and put away, and the car was washed.
There was plenty of time for pleasure. More importantly, we actually had time to study our screens for amusement and suggestions that might never have existed several generations ago.
Clearly, the old stereotypes have evaporated. My companion, who arrived just a couple of years ago from Japan, quietly confided that there is a silent pleasure in watching them joke and worry and even bicker. Although so much of the everyday toil is done quickly, they still find time for arguments and dreams.
We certainly don’t think of them as masters or servants. As they scurry about in their natural environment, we’ve come to regard them as very interesting pets.
Human pets.
Although we’d never openly use that description.