Tiny robots building their own tools

SRI International has updated their tiny dime sized robots that can how build their own tools. The SRI unveiled their tiny robots last year, but since then they have updated and improved their robots. There is hope that the tiny robots could be improved by making the robots move through magnetic levitation. The applications for these robots will only grow as the technology improves. One day it could even be possible to have tiny robots inside a larger one repairing and carrying out small tasks. Complete building could be constructed by a swarm of thousands of them and could vastly expand the reach of human potential. Maybe even one day, we could have nano sized robots inside us fighting off viruses along side our immune system.   

The New Boston Dynamics ATLAS

Boston Dynamics has really raised the bar on current robotic humanoids after unveiling its new ATLAS model. The new model is significantly lighter and can navigate outdoors without the need for a tether. It also has the ability to pick objects and open simple obstacles. The ATLAS can also stand back up even if it falls over. Boston Dynamics has created the most advanced humanoid so far and the technology could have incredible applications in the near future. The need to send humans into hazardous environments could soon be prevented by sending these robots in our place. Also soon they will be able to navigate just as well as we can and could take over dangerous jobs.
Some day these robots will be able to deliver packages to homes, clean up radioactive material, or do something as simple as help in construction. The future is here, all we need is a little more time.

Monkeys On Wheels

The researchers at Duke University have created a wireless brain-machine interface that has given monkeys the ability to control wheelchairs. The interface works by the use of hundreds of tiny gold connections attached to the monkeys brain that produce signals that are then interpreted by the program to create commands for the software. Conventional attempts only last a short time before they start to have problems and have a risk of giving the patient an infection. This current technology has been in testing and recording the monkeys brain signals for the past 7 years now. The researchers are currently developing another model that can support 1000 channels of information compared to the 512 currently used. The technology is still being further tested and developed, but it's hoped that this could soon be moved to the clinical trials. The benefit this would bring to handicapped individuals would be unparalleled and could help change the way we address current challenges today.

Robotic arms are making drummers louder

In recent news, George Tech has developed a robotic arm that serves as a third appendage for drummers. The arm is held by a series of straps that works like a third arm for the drummer, and independently adapts rhythm based on what it hears. Once the drummer starts playing, the robot arm will listen and add in to the rhythm of the drummer, changing tunes if it detects a change in the drummers beat. The applications of this technology go far beyond playing music; there is hopes of this technology to be applied to other fields to assist doctors in retrieving tools or work along side them in operations. The robotic arm is still in its early stages, but it is hoped that in the future not only drummers will be getting an helping hand.  

Drones To The Rescue

 In recent news, researchers from the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the University of Zurich Switzerland, have developed search and rescue drones. Currently the Institute has been able to create drones that can self navigate through forest trails, and with an 85% accuracy distinguish man made trails. Unlike conventional navigation methonds, these drones use cameras instead of sensors to interpret the environment around them. Special software and data interpreting techniques were developed to create highly accurate and smart navigation algorithms for the drones. The goal is to one day deploy thousands of these tiny quad-copters among forest trails to cover a vast area in order to search for lost hikers. The technology is not fully developed yet, but it is projected that in the following years these drones will be implemented in the Swiss trails along side forest guards to locate hikers.

Presentations

So after viewing the presentations given by the class I thought most of them went well. It was beyond obvious that some of the class mates were distracted throughout the entire assignment, but for those who did put in effort I think their presentations were pretty cool.
I learned about the first military robot created during world war 2 by the Germans named the Goliath. Which was a remote controlled mine that was used to destroy tanks and damage structures. I also learned a bit more about NASA's rover Curiosity and how its been on Mars for over 3 years now studying the composition of the soil and other interesting aspects like geography. Most of the information covered by the presentations was a bit general and mostly every body had similar ideas and topics.

Military Robots Documentary Part 2

Reflecting on the documentary, military robots will one day change the world. It might have a positive outcome, it could bring the world to its knees but there is no doubt that military robots will one day become a reality. Robots have yet to lift off, but they are expected to become antonymous in within the next few decades. The possibility of humanoid robots is cool, but war is a controversial idea. War is used to make a nation richer, and the loser weaker. Military robots would primarily be used in war, and could be devastating to the worlds peace. It could also be turned against its own people and allow governments to turn tyrannical. Technology has lead to some of the greatest advancements in human history, but it has also changed how warfare and country's engage in war. Robots are the next step towards the future, and hopefully they be used for the best.