In 2048, people-like robots will be as much a part of New York City's police department as old-fashioned humans. At least, that's the vision in Fox's latest cop drama, Almost Human, which premieres Nov. 17 and re-airs the following day.
The show stars Karl Urban, from the Star Trek movie and Lord of the Rings series, as a human cop. In the trailer, he is deeply suspicious of the ever-logical robot officers he is forced to work with. Michael Ealy, of Sleeper Cell and Common Law fame, plays Urban's new partner, and is the first of a new generation of robots that are built with human emotions.
See also: 14 Robotics Breakthroughs From the Past Decade
Almost Human promises to document a world where police officers must combat highly evolved criminals and where humans and machines must learn to work together. No one will have to learn this more than Urban's character, it seems, as he not only has robot partners, but also a robotic leg that had to be attached after he was the sole survivor of a horrific ambush.
J.J. Abrams, the executive producer of Lost, will be in the same role for Almost Human, alongside J.H. Wyman of Fringe.
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BONUS: 9 Robotic Inventions That Are Already Among Us
A Japanese inventor created a giant, Mech-like robot controlled from within. The machine, called Kuratas, stands 13 feet tall and is capable of speeds of up to 6 mph. (via Reuters)
The Titan Arm is a robotic upper-body exoskeleton that could be applied to rehabilitation and extra lifting power.
Brain-wave controlled robot suits that allow wearers to don heavy radiation protection without feeling the weight are unveiled in Japan.
Here's a robotic exoskeleton that helps its users lift incredible weight.
Check out Lockheed Martin's new bionic suit that could make you larger than life. (via Bloomberg)
Clark Gregg, the actor known for his recurring role in the Iron Man movies, was on hand to witness the unveiling of the XOS 2 robotic suit at the Raytheon Sarcos research facility in Salt Lake City
After losing his hands in a freak accident, a Chinese man built himself a new pair of hands that allow him to work, drive his motorcycle, eat and drink.
Eythor Bender of Berkeley Bionics brings onstage two amazing exoskeletons, HULC and eLEGS -- robotic add-ons that could one day allow a human to carry 200 pounds without tiring, or allow a wheelchair user to stand and walk. (via TED)
Watch this robot walk like a real human.
Image: YouTube