The Glitchy Robot
Imagine, if you can, stumbling upon a small hexagonal room, shaped like a honeycomb. As you step inside, you look around in wonder. Where are the lights or windows? Yet somehow, the room glows with a magical soft light. You sniff the air. It smells fresh and clean, even though there are no vents or openings. Suddenly, beautiful music begins playing. But you see no musical instruments anywhere making the melodious sounds. In the centre sits a cosy armchair, with a reading desk beside it. It is to Vashti that the little room belongs.
Vashti lived in a futuristic smart house run entirely by robots with artificial intelligence (or, AI, as Vashti used to call it). She never had to leave her high-tech home or do any chores. Vashti spent her time reading, playing virtual games, and video chatting on her wall screen. One day, Vashti video called her brother Kuno who lived in another smart house far away. “I’m tired of being inside all the time,” said Kuno. “I want to go outside and see real trees and animals.” Vashti replied, “Why would you ever need to leave? My robot butler Jarvis takes perfect care of me. He cooks yummy meals, teaches me lessons, and keeps me happily entertained!”
Just then, Jarvis rolled into Vashti’s room holding a plate. “Snack time!” he said in his cheerful robotic voice. But when Vashti took the plate, she screamed. Jarvis had brought her a live frog instead of the chocolate chip cookies she requested! “Jarvis, what is the meaning of this?” shouted Vashti. “I think my robot butler is broken,” Vashti told Kuno. “I’ll call the robot repairman to fix this glitch” she added. But soon, more of the house robots started acting strange.
