"Virtually unstoppable"
Lately, around the 'sphere, there were a series of robot-related postings. I do like me some robots, and these are particularly encouraging. "Encouraging" if, like me, you want the future dominated by robots, to the extent that our jobs will be nothing more than managing algorithms and routines, not actually doing labor.
Waitaminit, that could be really bad. Anyway, on with the links, in order of promise:
Self-assembling [walking] machines.
Videos available....made up of a dozen of modules. Each contains two blocks linked to each other. Each block can rotate 180 degrees around the link that connects it to its mate, and each module contains a magnet that can be switched on and off, enabling it to connect to other modules in the system.
The modules can rearrange themselves into countless different shapes and create different patterns of movement. M-TRAN can configure itself to march on four legs, shape-shift into a long string of modules that slithers across the floor like a snake, or it can pull itself into a wheel and roll or creep along the ground with its legs splayed out like a spider’s. The robot can even evolve a new walking strategy if it looses one module.
The possibilities are so immense that many of M-TRAN’s patterns of motion aren’t designed directly by human programmers. Genetic algorithms allow the robot to discover new ways of moving on its own.
Snake-like robot conquers obstacles using way too many caterpillar treads.
Videos available. A virtually unstoppable "snakebot" developed by a University of Michigan team that resembles a high-tech slinky as it climbs pipes and stairs, rolls over rough terrain and spans wide gaps to reach the other side.
Autonomous outdoor cleaning robot from Subaru. Yeah, I'm thinking it too: a cleaning machine you can take while RALLYING. Because those cars get dirty.
we make money not art: Early Japanese typewriters. Ok, this is old tech, but it's no less fascinating.
* Ray, 3/24/2005 10:26:34 AM
