Lex Fridman Podcast

Whitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love

Dec 5, 2019
Whitney Cummings, a multi-talented comedian, writer, and host of "Good for You," dives into the intriguing world of robotics and AI. She shares about her robot, Bearclaw, designed to mirror her likeness, and discusses how robots could impact human empathy and relationships. The conversation touches on topics like eye contact, societal fears of technology, and the ethical implications of surveillance. With a blend of humor and insight, Whitney reflects on love, authenticity, and the complexities of modern connections.
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ANECDOTE

Robot Name Origin

  • Whitney Cummings named her robot Bearclaw after a joke about men's pet names for women.
  • She wanted a cool dessert name, not something like "cupcake" or "sweetie".
INSIGHT

Robot Realism

  • Human-like robots are more realistic with asymmetrical features.
  • Perfectly symmetrical faces appear creepy because humans are naturally flawed.
INSIGHT

Fear of Robots

  • People's fear of robots stems from an instinct to avoid pathogens.
  • Anything that seems human but slightly off triggers a primal fear response.
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