As machines grow ever more intelligent, they're emerging not just as powerful tools but close companions. The talks in the TED playlist, "How to live with robots" -- while offering some whizzy demos -- examine how robots are becoming an intimate part of our lives. Ken Goldberg works reflect the intersection of robotics, social media, and art. His works have been exhibited at the Whitney Biennial in New York City, the Pompidou Centre in Paris, and the Ars Electronica in Linz. In his curatorial statement from the Whitney Biennial, Ken states,"Media technology generally facilitates the suspension of disbelief; I’m trying to facilitate the resumption of disbelief." The TeleGarden was an art installation that allows web users to view and interact with a remote garden filled with living plants. Members could plant, water, and monitor the progress of seedlings via the tender movements of an industrial robot arm. Although it shut down in 2004, you can still visit the TeleGarden website. Learn more about robot evolution! Here is a Brief History of Robots. Ever wanted to build your own robot? Start with lesson 1.

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