Kerime B. Toksü's 2literal.com » robots

When Robot Programmers Get Bored

KBT — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:06:59 +0000

I haven’t posted in way too long.* So I’m starting off with something that requires little research or writing on my part but is fun, fun, fun.

This first vid is from BotJunkie. Apparently those guys and gals at NASA not only build nimble robots but edit one slick video.

This second vid is old (from 2007) but it shows the kind of silliness it’s impossible to avoid when the means are right at your fingertips.

* Why haven’t I posted? I took a summer class (French) that was a semester’s work in six weeks, started a new novel and went on vacation. Also, I’ve been working on some tech projects with my nephew via Skype (more on that in a future post).

Our robot-ruled future (it’s not as scary as you think)

KBT — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:35:40 +0000

Actually, it’s pretty cool. Then again, it’s not just pretty cool — it’s extremely cool. Icy even.

Most people have an idea of what a robot should do: it should serve us –- cart snacks over to the couch, rub our feet, make the bed. Kind of like a slave, which is when all the worries about robot consciousness crop up. Uh oh!

But the technology coming out of robotics allows your camera to self-focus and gets rid of pink-eye. It’s also allowing for better medical treatment with regard to, for example, prostate surgery (just went to a lecture on this last night, with video).

In fact, maybe someday –- and this is the most fascinating robot-related research I’ve read about recently — you’ll be able to pull a mobile phone out of your pocket and morph it into a laptop. Seriously. I’m shivering over here.

LINKS:
- “Intel Talks Up Our Wire-Free, Robot-Ruled Future”
- “Ready for the Robot Revolution”

Create wearable technology with your sewing machine and LilyPad Arduino

KBT — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:25:38 +0000

Leah Buechley is a postdoc in computer science at UC-Boulder. Sound boring? No way! Her research focuses on e-textiles and she’s part of a Craft Technology group at the university.

Remember Diana Eng from Season 2 of Project Runway? Leah Buechley’s work is much cooler. In fact, she’s created a kit you can use to make your own interactive fashion — from turn-signal biking jackets to LED tank tops.

Once you know how the electronics work, sew away. Or once you learn how to sew, add the electronics. Wearable tech is the wave of the future, both as decoration and tool. Be on the vanguard.

Links:
- Leah Buechley [UPDATED: this is her new position at MIT]
- LilyPad Arduino
- Diana Eng

Dogs — not robot’s best friend

KBT — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:22:08 +0000

I’m not sure this is surprising to anyone: Dogs don’t like robots that zoom around their floor sucking up dirt. They don’t like human-powered vacuum cleaners either. And they don’t like robotic pets, which they see as a threat.

Human beings anthropomorphize robots even though they know bots are machines. So why wouldn’t animals do the same? (Anima-morphize?)

The interesting bit in this story is:

Seeking help, [dog-owner] Mr. Hearn found an online forum dedicated to the hundred-dollar Roomba buzzing with similar stories of pet assailants. Owners were offering advice. Among the most popular: Chastise the vacuum in front of the dog.

And so, with Argos [his dog] looking on, Mr. Hearn shook his finger at his gadget and sternly called it “a bad Roomba.” Argos appeared to be mollified. “After that, he never tried nipping at it again,” says Mr. Hearn.

But what about the Roomba? Was it upset after that wholly unjustified negative reinforcement? Apparently Mr. Hearn didn’t care. Not one bit. Poor robot.

Link:
- “When Dogs and Robots Collide, Somebody Needs a Talking To”