New AIBO Demo'd

RalfM writes: "The new AIBO has been demo'd, and with this version you can watch live footage from it's cameras via radio link, radio control it, give it booster packs, and a whole swag of other goodies." I still dig on AIBO, but until it is smart enough to home in on its base station and recharge itself when its batteries are running low, it's hard to consider AIBO ready for prime time.

Comments

Video

[rockwood]

The story does mention the video feed, but what about sound? With a good hack and a high speed net access , I could actually make sure the kids (and the wife) are behaving while I am at work. And I could roam the house and the yard! I think I'll have to install a pet door?

CmdrTaco's new project?

[RupertJ]

He doesn't want one until it is "..smart enough to home in on its base station and recharge itself when its batteries are running low..."

OK then mate. Take a trip down to the local electronics store to pick up some optical range sensors (or even a mini-GPS unit for those long distance walks!), maybe a couple of minor burns while soldering and several K's of asm and you're there!

:) heheh

--RupertJ

Re:User Programmability

[Elwood P Dowd]

Your point is dead on. While we're attempting to copy a living thing, we'll probably always come up a little short of the results of evolution. The reason endeavors like this are worthwhile is that you can use design preferences that are different from natural or artificial selection. By removing capabilities like self-repair, growth and embryology, etc., and removing design goals like reproduction and survivability, you can achieve things that nature can not. Like a more convenient diet, no poop, high bandwidth wireless output, etc.