'Self-aware' robots can learn complex tasks by watching humans. Is that a good thing?

Imagine a robot that could do your laundry, make your bed, cook your dinner, or stock the dairy section at your local grocery store. Humans have long been able to teach robots how to do individual tasks, but instructing them on these more sophisticated jobs has been an elusive goal, despite billions of dollars invested into robotics. Robots with neurotic personalities, a la C-3PO of Star Wars fame, can come off as relatable to people, a new study finds. Now, a team of scientists in Switzerland has made progress in the quest to invent helpful robots that can act on...