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Learning Robots

Posted by michael on from the maybe-not-such-a-good-idea dept.

carnun writes "The NewScientist is reporting on a new snakelike robot that uses genetic algorithms to change its motion pattern so that it can still function after sustaining damage." Roland Piquepaille sends in a report about another "learning" robot, named Adam, which is designed to seek out and feed from "flowers".

10 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. Before they become impossible to stop! by tlacicer · · Score: 5, Funny

    Again, I think it looks like it is time for some robot insurance!

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    "A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of." - Burt Bacharach
  2. Self-healing robots by rainstorm · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Given that we will increasingly use robots to do the work that's too dangerous for humans to do, self-healing robots that can get the job done, damage or no, sound like a nice step forward.

  3. Oblig. by Jonsey · · Score: 5, Funny

    I for one welcome...

    Has anyone else noticed the large increase in the number of robot related stories here lately? Beats SCO anyway.... Waitaminnute! Robots beating SCO! Perfect!

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    I assert that my comment is only my opinion, not that of any employer, past, present or future.
  4. Mandatory by tlovie · · Score: 5, Funny

    I for one welcome our new snake-like robot overlords. :)

  5. Whacking Day! by Goyuix · · Score: 5, Funny

    Obligatory Simpsons SONG:

    Oh Whacking Day
    Oh Whacking Day
    Our hallowed snake skull-cracking day.

  6. Self-repairing robots have been around for a while by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    A man by the name of Mark Tilden has been building 'unstoppable' robots for years out of regular components. He got his start building cheap, autonomous anti-land mine robots for the military that could have one leg blown off and still crawl around to find another.

    He also built $5 robots that crawled through mazes faster than anything MIT ever put together, pissing off the school's robotics department.

    Google for BEAM Robotics, and check out this interview:
    http://www.exhibitresearch.com/tilden/

  7. WISOR by JohnGrahamCumming · · Score: 5, Interesting

    If you find that interesting it's worth reading about a robot called WISOR that was built by a company called Honeybee Robotics. WISOR is uses for inspection and repair of high temperature and pressure steam pipes under the city of New York. It moves through the pipes like a very large inch worm.

    There's even a movie (a really odd movie in fact) about it.

    John.

  8. Pleasure Worm? by koniosis · · Score: 5, Funny

    How long till they turn it into a sex toy?????

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    I spent ages trying to think of sig, but never did :(
  9. Practical Applications by LegendOfLink · · Score: 5, Funny

    Come on now, scientists, who really cares if a robot can sustain damage...why not create a robot that can "learn" to traverse from the TV room over to the kitchen and acquire some beers for its master.

    Now THAT would be freakin' cool.

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    IGB: More fun than eating oatmeal!
  10. Self-healing and redundancy a must for robots by thepacketmaster · · Score: 5, Interesting
    While it is certainly natural for all living creatures to learn to cope with an injury, I think this is far more important for robots, since they don't have a survival instinct.

    Humans will go to great lengths to avoid getting injured (well, most sane ones). However, robots will just do what they are told. While they may be told to avoid any hazards, they just don't have that instinct that says I *really* don't want to get my limb chopped off today.

    So to compensate, all robots in hazardous or isolated situations should have this self-healing built in, as well as redundant limbs. A robot could be built with 2 legs, but why not make it 4 or 6 and have a couple to spare. The same goes for sensors. Only two are needed for stereoscopic vision, but 4 or 6 would be better.

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    Luck is just skill you didn't know you had.