AI-operated Robots Write Letters for Humans
2024-03-30
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1Humans have been writing by hand for thousands of years.
2Since ancient times, people have used every tool imaginable to share information, do business, and keep records.
3But as computers took over the job and the type-written word became more common, something was lost in the process; namely, the charm and personal nature of a hand-written note or letter.
4Now, letter writing is making a comeback in the form of artificial intelligence-operated robots.
5These AI robots can write notes for humans in their own handwriting.
6David Wachs is the head and founder of Handwrytten.
7He said businesses use his company's robots for handwritten letters and "thank-you" notes to create a strong and personal connection with those who receive them.
8Many non-profit organizations also use handwritten letters to keep donations coming.
9It helps turn one-time givers, or donors, into yearly givers, Wachs explained.
10Wachs added, "I think what's old is new again."
11Automated letter writing is not new.
12Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President, often used a polygraph created by British inventor John Isaac Hawkins.
13Jefferson considered the device the greatest invention of his time.
14It let him make copies of his letters to keep for his own records.
15Charles Morrill is a historian and professional woodworker who worked as a guide for several years at Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia home from 1770 until his death in 1826.
16Morrill said about the polygraph, "Jefferson falls in love with this and it becomes in many ways the hobby of his presidency...He keeps buying machines and exchanges ones that are not quite perfect for the next one that's a little bit better."
17The president had more than ten of the devices at one point, Morrill added. Using what he considered wonderful technology, historians say Jefferson went on to write almost 20,000 letters in his lifetime.
18In a January 15, 1809 letter to Charles Willson Peale, who worked with Hawkins to develop and perfect the machine, Jefferson wrote: "The use of the polygraph has spoiled me for the old copying press the copies of which are hardly ever legible," adding, "I could not, now therefore, live without the Polygraph."
19Morrill remembered that a visitor once told him, "What is it about you Americans and this new, new thing? Other cultures aren't like this. You Americans are just so absolutely convinced that the next new thing is going to do it; the latest software, the latest computer, the latest phone."
20"And I think this kind of begins with Jefferson," Morrill added.
21Handwriting technology has greatly changed since Jefferson's time.
22Wachs says such technology now includes 3D printing and laser cutting, among others.
23And if users need help thinking of exactly what to write in their notes, they can choose AI to help them create a more effective message.
24Whether via the printing press or the polygraph, a computer or a robot, one thing is clear... humans will use whatever tool they have to express themselves through the printed word.
25I'm John Russell.
1Humans have been writing by hand for thousands of years. 2Since ancient times, people have used every tool imaginable to share information, do business, and keep records. 3But as computers took over the job and the type-written word became more common, something was lost in the process; namely, the charm and personal nature of a hand-written note or letter. 4Modern tools 5Now, letter writing is making a comeback in the form of artificial intelligence-operated robots. These AI robots can write notes for humans in their own handwriting. 6David Wachs is the head and founder of Handwrytten. He said businesses use his company's robots for handwritten letters and "thank-you" notes to create a strong and personal connection with those who receive them. 7Many non-profit organizations also use handwritten letters to keep donations coming. It helps turn one-time givers, or donors, into yearly givers, Wachs explained. 8Wachs added, "I think what's old is new again." 9A president's hobby 10Automated letter writing is not new. Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President, often used a polygraph created by British inventor John Isaac Hawkins. Jefferson considered the device the greatest invention of his time. It let him make copies of his letters to keep for his own records. 11Charles Morrill is a historian and professional woodworker who worked as a guide for several years at Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia home from 1770 until his death in 1826. Morrill said about the polygraph, "Jefferson falls in love with this and it becomes in many ways the hobby of his presidency...He keeps buying machines and exchanges ones that are not quite perfect for the next one that's a little bit better." 12The president had more than ten of the devices at one point, Morrill added. Using what he considered wonderful technology, historians say Jefferson went on to write almost 20,000 letters in his lifetime. 13In a January 15, 1809 letter to Charles Willson Peale, who worked with Hawkins to develop and perfect the machine, Jefferson wrote: "The use of the polygraph has spoiled me for the old copying press the copies of which are hardly ever legible," adding, "I could not, now therefore, live without the Polygraph." 14Morrill remembered that a visitor once told him, "What is it about you Americans and this new, new thing? Other cultures aren't like this. You Americans are just so absolutely convinced that the next new thing is going to do it; the latest software, the latest computer, the latest phone." 15"And I think this kind of begins with Jefferson," Morrill added. 16From early polygraphs to AI-created letters 17Handwriting technology has greatly changed since Jefferson's time. 18Wachs says such technology now includes 3D printing and laser cutting, among others. And if users need help thinking of exactly what to write in their notes, they can choose AI to help them create a more effective message. 19Whether via the printing press or the polygraph, a computer or a robot, one thing is clear... humans will use whatever tool they have to express themselves through the printed word. 20I'm John Russell. 21Julie Taboh reported on this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. 22_________________________________________________ 23Words in This Story 24type-written - adj. written by using a typewriter or a computer 25charm - n. a quality that causes something to be very likeable 26appreciate - v. to be thankful for something 27automate - v. to run or operate something by using machines instead of people 28hobby - n. an activity that a person does for pleasure when not working 29spoil - v. to have a bad effect on someone or something 30legible - adj. capable of being read 31absolutely -- adv. completely or totally
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