...I mean, it's the symphony, after all...
5.16.2008
3.28.2008
3.10.2008
Creepy Japanese Robots and Death from Space
This article from CNN has the creepiest looking robot I've seen in awhile...
Meanwhile, your friends at DARPA are working on having Skynet wipe us out via swarm-bots in space.
Yikes and yikes.
Meanwhile, your friends at DARPA are working on having Skynet wipe us out via swarm-bots in space.
Yikes and yikes.
2.12.2008
This disturbing (yet catchy)...
...video was brought to our attention by Wife of JADO, who writes, "Not exactly evidence that the robots are plotting to take over the world. But I found it amusing, and amazing."
I have to disagree... they're robots AND they know kung-fu... nothing good will come from it, mark my words...
I have to disagree... they're robots AND they know kung-fu... nothing good will come from it, mark my words...
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2.07.2008
1.18.2008
Amusingly...
...as I started to type my iPod played a sound byte from The Simpsons with a robot saying, "Default setting: crush, kill, destroy."
But that's not what this post is about... No, sir. Our dear friend SQ (I'm glad someone is still reading this thing), was nice enough to again send us a tidbit on the latest in giving robots human traits. In this case, lying.
Fantastic.
But that's not what this post is about... No, sir. Our dear friend SQ (I'm glad someone is still reading this thing), was nice enough to again send us a tidbit on the latest in giving robots human traits. In this case, lying.
Fantastic.
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11.16.2007
It's funny because it's true...
...or at least that's my theory. Courtesy of JADO: http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/11/lunch-conversations-4223-getting-in-on.html
(Then I think if you go back to the main page, there might be something from MLW's favorite nerd artist in rebuttal...)
(Then I think if you go back to the main page, there might be something from MLW's favorite nerd artist in rebuttal...)
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10.04.2007
It's always starts with the children...
...doesn't it? But it's nice they already have the military applications figured out...
9.24.2007
Yeah, um, this is normal...
...from CNN. (As I recall every time a scientist creates an artificial life form and names if after their actual progeny, it turns out FINE...)
6.15.2007
Some random updates...
...since someone has to keep this thing going...
Engadget had this story about a police robot who took one for the team. Hey, let's be careful out there...
That doesn't mean there isn't still time to kick back (?) and dance!
And for those of you who were wondering, "Sure that's robots, but what's up on the Cyborg front?" (a fine question, BTW...) we have this little tidbit for ya (ah, if only I had a spare $11 million).
Stay alert, kids...
Engadget had this story about a police robot who took one for the team. Hey, let's be careful out there...
That doesn't mean there isn't still time to kick back (?) and dance!
And for those of you who were wondering, "Sure that's robots, but what's up on the Cyborg front?" (a fine question, BTW...) we have this little tidbit for ya (ah, if only I had a spare $11 million).
Stay alert, kids...
5.24.2007
Is this thing on?
Seems like I'm the only one posting to this thing anymore, and even I am way too busy. But here are a couple bits I came across.
A kinda disturbing transcript of AI's speaking to one another. I wouldn't worry too much just yet, unless it's some sort of code...
And, while not strictly speaking Robot-related, it is sponsored by those wacky kids at DARPA, so you know it's going to be good. Terrorist sniffers. (Yeah, you read that right.) Warning: the link above contains photos of hairy, old men in their underwear.
That's it from here. Stay alert, People. I can't do this alone.
A kinda disturbing transcript of AI's speaking to one another. I wouldn't worry too much just yet, unless it's some sort of code...
And, while not strictly speaking Robot-related, it is sponsored by those wacky kids at DARPA, so you know it's going to be good. Terrorist sniffers. (Yeah, you read that right.) Warning: the link above contains photos of hairy, old men in their underwear.
That's it from here. Stay alert, People. I can't do this alone.
2.23.2007
Bringing up Baby (robot)
Consider this an addendum to my previous post concerning the use of robot babies in Mexico.
Researchers in six European countries have undertaken a 2.3 million Euro project (that's $3,031,149.46 for today's exchange rate) whose goal is to build robots that "learn from humans and respond in a socially and emotionally appropriate manner".
From the article: "The project involves building a series of robots that can take sensory input from the humans they are interacting with and then adapt their behaviour accordingly."
This involves feeding the robots sensory input, teaching them the ability to detect facial expressions, and even programming them so that they will imprint on the first object (human) they see.
So far the researchers have been using only "simple" robots, in some cases, off-the-shelf products. (You go! Maximize those European research, er, Euros!) However, something tells me it won't be long before they start playing with bigger, more potentially lethal machines. (Don't they ever learn???)
But back to the the robot babies. It's not a huge jump to the point where we'll start seeing this adaptive knowledge programmed into the little tykes they're doling out to the teenagers in Chihuahua, et. al. Then who's to say that robot changelings aren't next? (If it worked for fairies and ghouls, why not 'bots?) Project this out to its logical conclusion: not only will the robots be scaring the kids out of having sex, but they'll be replacing little bundles of joy right in the cradle.
With a little luck, maybe there's still time to build in the appropriate switches.
Researchers in six European countries have undertaken a 2.3 million Euro project (that's $3,031,149.46 for today's exchange rate) whose goal is to build robots that "learn from humans and respond in a socially and emotionally appropriate manner".
From the article: "The project involves building a series of robots that can take sensory input from the humans they are interacting with and then adapt their behaviour accordingly."
This involves feeding the robots sensory input, teaching them the ability to detect facial expressions, and even programming them so that they will imprint on the first object (human) they see.
So far the researchers have been using only "simple" robots, in some cases, off-the-shelf products. (You go! Maximize those European research, er, Euros!) However, something tells me it won't be long before they start playing with bigger, more potentially lethal machines. (Don't they ever learn???)
But back to the the robot babies. It's not a huge jump to the point where we'll start seeing this adaptive knowledge programmed into the little tykes they're doling out to the teenagers in Chihuahua, et. al. Then who's to say that robot changelings aren't next? (If it worked for fairies and ghouls, why not 'bots?) Project this out to its logical conclusion: not only will the robots be scaring the kids out of having sex, but they'll be replacing little bundles of joy right in the cradle.
With a little luck, maybe there's still time to build in the appropriate switches.
2.22.2007
Sex Ed 2.0
The Best Intentions Update:
From News.com.au comes this new insidious threat to humanity. Educators in the Mexican state of Chihuahua have begun an effort to use robot babies to reduce teen pregnancies.
From the article:
"Pairs of teenage boys and girls aged 13 to 17 have to spend two or three days tending to the computerised babies, programmed to cry for food, burp and wake up screaming at night until they are rocked back to sleep."
and
"Students in Chihuahua are mostly horrified at the amount of work involved in looking after a baby, which they take home at night, Mr (Pilar) Huidobro said."
You heard it right: they're horrified. Three cheers for negative reinforcement!
Now, some might look at this as a good thing. Obviously, a program such as this can be beneficial in that it teaches teenagers to be more sexually responsible.
However, other more cynical minds, like those of us at Robot Doom, choose to look at this another way:
This is nothing short of a robotic attempt at human eugenics.
Threat Rating: 6
Why waste time and resources actively exterminating humanity when you can just campaign for safe sex? Seriously, what better way for the 'bots to ensure our demise than to just convince future generations of humans not to procreate?
We're onto you robots, oh, we're onto you...
From News.com.au comes this new insidious threat to humanity. Educators in the Mexican state of Chihuahua have begun an effort to use robot babies to reduce teen pregnancies.
From the article:
"Pairs of teenage boys and girls aged 13 to 17 have to spend two or three days tending to the computerised babies, programmed to cry for food, burp and wake up screaming at night until they are rocked back to sleep."
and
"Students in Chihuahua are mostly horrified at the amount of work involved in looking after a baby, which they take home at night, Mr (Pilar) Huidobro said."
You heard it right: they're horrified. Three cheers for negative reinforcement!
Now, some might look at this as a good thing. Obviously, a program such as this can be beneficial in that it teaches teenagers to be more sexually responsible.
However, other more cynical minds, like those of us at Robot Doom, choose to look at this another way:
This is nothing short of a robotic attempt at human eugenics.
Threat Rating: 6
Why waste time and resources actively exterminating humanity when you can just campaign for safe sex? Seriously, what better way for the 'bots to ensure our demise than to just convince future generations of humans not to procreate?
We're onto you robots, oh, we're onto you...
1.18.2007
RedOwl?
What kind of name is that?
The fine folks at iRobot (makers of Roomba) apparently figured out the real money's in defense contracting. So as reported a little while back, they've figured out a way to find snipers using a system attached to the Packbot.
Apparently, they've upgraded the capabilities since the original announcement as it seems a bit "bulked up" since the designs in the earlier articles. But, hey, it's helping our men and women in uniform, so no complaints from me this time.
(I mean, it's not like they could attach a firearm to it, right?)
The fine folks at iRobot (makers of Roomba) apparently figured out the real money's in defense contracting. So as reported a little while back, they've figured out a way to find snipers using a system attached to the Packbot.
Apparently, they've upgraded the capabilities since the original announcement as it seems a bit "bulked up" since the designs in the earlier articles. But, hey, it's helping our men and women in uniform, so no complaints from me this time.
(I mean, it's not like they could attach a firearm to it, right?)
1.12.2007
Oh, sure, fine...
...make them all cute and cuddly. (Also make note of Mr. Spoon! and the vacuuming robot that can use elevators...) At least they have a sense of humor.
12.22.2006
Robots 1, Rednecks 0
The Best Intentions Update
At first reading, I thought this would make a humorous robot interest piece, but on further reflection, I think this definitely raises the threat level just a bit (see below).
The Pennsylvania Game Commision is now using robot decoys to tempt and ensnare hunters who illegally shoot at animals from within 25 yards of a roadway.
In this instance, a robot pheasant was used to entice the would-be hunters, however robot deer and turkeys are used at other times of the year. No mention in the article of exactly how they were able to identify the hunters who are caught. (Cameras on the road? Officers in hiding? The Honor System?) The penalty is $150 for shooting too close to the road.
I don't know if I'm more disturbed that the robots are now involved in the Field & Stream version of Abscam (Robo-scam?), or that there are enough hunters out there who routinely carry loaded firearms in their vehicles, and who will jump out and shoot at an animal on the side of the road at a moment's notice, for this to be considered a problem worthy of a law enforcement "sting".
Wait a minute. I grew up in West Milford, NJ. Forget I even asked that.
Danger Rating: 3
I see this as just one more reason for the robots to be pissed at us once they do become self-aware. Nobody likes being used as target practice.
At first reading, I thought this would make a humorous robot interest piece, but on further reflection, I think this definitely raises the threat level just a bit (see below).
The Pennsylvania Game Commision is now using robot decoys to tempt and ensnare hunters who illegally shoot at animals from within 25 yards of a roadway.
In this instance, a robot pheasant was used to entice the would-be hunters, however robot deer and turkeys are used at other times of the year. No mention in the article of exactly how they were able to identify the hunters who are caught. (Cameras on the road? Officers in hiding? The Honor System?) The penalty is $150 for shooting too close to the road.
I don't know if I'm more disturbed that the robots are now involved in the Field & Stream version of Abscam (Robo-scam?), or that there are enough hunters out there who routinely carry loaded firearms in their vehicles, and who will jump out and shoot at an animal on the side of the road at a moment's notice, for this to be considered a problem worthy of a law enforcement "sting".
Wait a minute. I grew up in West Milford, NJ. Forget I even asked that.
Danger Rating: 3
I see this as just one more reason for the robots to be pissed at us once they do become self-aware. Nobody likes being used as target practice.
12.21.2006
We're Here, We're Que--, Um, Robots, Get Used to Us
As readers of science fiction had predicted long ago, members of the British government have finally caught on to the imminent robot threat and have even written a speculative paper "warning that robots may one day demand their emancipation from humans."
Here's how it works: Humans create smart robots to do human work. Robots eventually become smarter and smarter until they actually achieve a level of self-awareness. Robots strike and demand equal benefits for them and their spouses. (Okay, so that last part was a bit of a stretch, but you see where this is going. It's all about the sanctity of marriage, people! What if your children see the robots engaging in their, er, robot ways? They may catch the gay, I mean, robot. Pretty soon it'll be armageddon!)
I suppose we should be comforted that this originated from a somewhat noteworthy authority. Perhaps it's a pre-emptive strike against the Cybermen, Daleks, and Autons who will no doubt overrun England in the future. At least if we can believe what we see on Dr. Who.
Here's how it works: Humans create smart robots to do human work. Robots eventually become smarter and smarter until they actually achieve a level of self-awareness. Robots strike and demand equal benefits for them and their spouses. (Okay, so that last part was a bit of a stretch, but you see where this is going. It's all about the sanctity of marriage, people! What if your children see the robots engaging in their, er, robot ways? They may catch the gay, I mean, robot. Pretty soon it'll be armageddon!)
I suppose we should be comforted that this originated from a somewhat noteworthy authority. Perhaps it's a pre-emptive strike against the Cybermen, Daleks, and Autons who will no doubt overrun England in the future. At least if we can believe what we see on Dr. Who.
12.12.2006
Robots Invade the Social Network
By way of Fark.com comes this article from the Japanese newspaper The Daily Yomiuri Online. An association has been created to promote robot businesses.
At first, I wasn't sure if this meant businesses using robots or businesses run by robots. Boy, that was a nervous couple of seconds, let me tell you. Have no fear. At least for now, there are no 'bots in the Rotary Club...so far as we know.
Five working groups are expected to be formed to help stimulate the robot industry. These will deal with things such as using robots more in wellfare services to insurance for accidents caused by robots. My question is: Will the insurance cover me when the robots break into my house to steal my medication?
At least Sam Waterston's career is safe.
At first, I wasn't sure if this meant businesses using robots or businesses run by robots. Boy, that was a nervous couple of seconds, let me tell you. Have no fear. At least for now, there are no 'bots in the Rotary Club...so far as we know.
Five working groups are expected to be formed to help stimulate the robot industry. These will deal with things such as using robots more in wellfare services to insurance for accidents caused by robots. My question is: Will the insurance cover me when the robots break into my house to steal my medication?
At least Sam Waterston's career is safe.
11.14.2006
Maybe Not Great, But Definitely Pretty Good
It's been a pretty dry spell for news on all things robotic, which may or may not be a good thing. The best I have to offer is this piece I culled from a link on Fark.com.
The folks over at Forbes.com must have had some spare time on their hands recently, so they decided to make a list of 25 Great Achievements in Robotics History.
Spanning over 3400 years, it's an interesting overview, including actual inventions, as well as the more philosophical musings on robot-dom from the likes of Aristotle, Da Vinci, and Asimov (however I take issue with the inclusion of 5, count 'em, 5 fictional robotic characters).
My personal favorite is the clockwork duck built in 1737 by Jacques de Vaucanson that could flap its wings, quack, and eat and digest food.
Missing from the list, any mention of Alan Turing, a visionary who not only designed some of the first computers, but who in 1950 articulated the Turing Test for machine intelligence, something the bloggers of Robot Doom are very keen to monitor...
The folks over at Forbes.com must have had some spare time on their hands recently, so they decided to make a list of 25 Great Achievements in Robotics History.
Spanning over 3400 years, it's an interesting overview, including actual inventions, as well as the more philosophical musings on robot-dom from the likes of Aristotle, Da Vinci, and Asimov (however I take issue with the inclusion of 5, count 'em, 5 fictional robotic characters).
My personal favorite is the clockwork duck built in 1737 by Jacques de Vaucanson that could flap its wings, quack, and eat and digest food.
Missing from the list, any mention of Alan Turing, a visionary who not only designed some of the first computers, but who in 1950 articulated the Turing Test for machine intelligence, something the bloggers of Robot Doom are very keen to monitor...
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