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The public must prepare for a technological "revolution" which could soon see robots occupying every area of human life, from space explorers to gardeners and lovers, scientists said today.
Researchers said concern about the possibilities of robotic technology was "whipped up" by science fiction, and it was important for people to know what part robots might play in our future.
The scientists were speaking at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London, where they - along with their robotic companions - were launching a nationwide programme, Walking with Robots.
The scheme, involving eight UK universities, aims to get people of all ages to engage with cutting edge robotics research.
Roboticist Professor Noel Sharkey from the University of Sheffield said: "Robots are coming thick and fast with robot domestics, gardeners, cooks, companions, lovers, taxis, factory workers, space explorers, soldiers, maybe police and certainly pets.
"Public concern about these new metal 'friends' is whipped up by science fiction, but what are the facts? Will these robots think? Will they have emotions? Will they be mentally superior to us? Could my boss be a robot? Will they take over the planet and write interesting sitcoms?
"The public need to be prepared for the revolution."
Another of the researchers, Professor Owen Holland from the University of Essex, said: "Although robotics has not yet progressed as fast and as far as the special effects you see in science fiction films, it is already clear that robots may one day play a big part in our lives.
"We believe it is important for the general public to know what is possible now, and what might be possible in the future.
"The best way of achieving this is for them to meet roboticists and robots, to see and hear for themselves what we're working on, to ask questions - especially the ones we don't always ask ourselves - and then to let us know what they think."
Activities in the programme will include the Young People's Task Force, a select committee of students who will examine emergent issues in robotics, and Hunter and Hunted, a robot programming contest.
Copyright Press Association 2006
