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The Robots are Coming

An anonymous reader writes "LinuxDevices.com's new 'Linux-powered Robots Quick Reference Guide' offers an interesting glimpse into of some Linux-powered robots currently available or near production, and provides an extensive reading list with further information on Linux in robotics. According to a fascinating article at TechNewsWorld, Linux is poised to play a centrol role in an emerging industry that many expect to overtake the PC industry in size: robotics. Japan is currently driving robot innovation, according to the article, impelled by a looming labor shortage. Consumer robots like the Sony Aibo and Honda Asimo make headlines, but ubiquitous, cheap, and practical utility robots are what most Japanese robot makers are focused on, and 'carmaker Honda believes that robots will become its most important business,' according to the TechNewsWorld article. Watch out -- the Linux-powered robots are on the march!"

20 of 239 comments (clear)

  1. We prefer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ..the term "Electronic-American", you insensitive carbon-based clods!

    1. Re:We prefer... by I+don't+want+to+spen · · Score: 2, Funny

      Is that you, Gentoo D2?

      --
      Don't go to a brothel if you want to buy broth
  2. Linux-powered robots? by paul248 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Finally, a solution to our needless dependence on batteries!

  3. Linux powered robots have existed for years... by Saeed+al-Sahaf · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...here at Slashdot!

    --
    "Who are in control, they are not in control of anything - they don't even control themselves!" - Glen Beck
  4. The real SCO plan revealed by Joe+Tie. · · Score: 1, Funny

    1. Gain controll of Linux
    2. Command army of Linux robots
    3. Take over the world!

    --
    Everything will be taken away from you.
  5. Re:yeesh... by civilengineer · · Score: 2, Funny
    For every job replaced by a robot, there will be many more created, and the overall productivity of the robot+humans teams will be higher than the only human teams.

    Therefore

    don't worry

    --

    New year Resolution: Don't change sig this year
  6. Take this to the bank by paiute · · Score: 4, Funny

    There is no reason for any individual to have a robot in his home.

    --
    If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
  7. Old Glory Robot Insurance by iamdrscience · · Score: 2, Funny

    This article reminds me of the need, now more than ever, for insurance plans that cover robot attacks such as the Old Glory Robot Insurance plan.

    See the video here

    As a senior citizen you're probably aware of the threat robots pose. Robots are everywhere and they eat old peoples' medicine for fuel. Well now there's a company that offers coverage against the unfortunate event of a robot attack: Old Glory Insurance. Old Glory will cover you with no health check up or age consideration. You need to stay safe and that's harder and harder to do nowadays because robots may strike at any time. And when they grab you with those metal claws you can't break free, because they're made of metal and robots are strong. Now, for only for only four dollars a month you can achieve peace of mind in a world full of crime and robots, with Old Glory Insurance. So don't cower under your afghan any longer, make a choice. Old Glory insurance, for when the metal ones come for you... and they will.

  8. Re:Perhaps... by Neop2Lemus · · Score: 3, Funny
    Simple! The robots will be collectively owned!

    Its nay-sayers like you who keep us back from this wonderful utopia of endless beaches and relaxation. Sometimes I wonder if you're with us or the robots.

    --
    Needle Nardle Noo
  9. Robots are Coming? by twoslice · · Score: 4, Funny

    Sounds like Data and Tasha Yar are at it again...

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    From excellent karma to terible karma with a single +5 funny post...
  10. Robonurse, come here sweet thing .... by RealProgrammer · · Score: 3, Funny
    Meanwhile, Mitsubishi is targeting the medical market. The company has developed a robot designed to perform many functions that a human nurse can perform.

    Hmm, but I bet they don't look as nice in white stockings.

    I wonder how long before they develop a blow-up version.

    --
    sigs, as if you care.
  11. Re:Perhaps... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    just put all the money you'd pay the robots in a big pile. Then tell the robots "here you go. just come over here and get your money." but make sure you didn't give the robots wheels. then when they don't take the money cuz the can't reach it, take it back and go "oh, ok, if you don't want it, we'll take it back" and then you can go buy your sweet, sweet mocha of life.

    And don't give them guns either, 'cuz then they'll just blow your fucking head off. Robots don't miss either.

    No wheels. No guns.

  12. Re:yeesh... by RealProgrammer · · Score: 2, Funny
    ...there will always be people needed to FIX the robots when they break down. and OTHER robots capable of doing this job won't be around for a long time.

    And when the robots can repair themselves, they'll still need us to supply the power ... oh, sorry, that was just a movie, right?

    --
    sigs, as if you care.
  13. Re:You already have several robots in your home by paiute · · Score: 5, Funny

    I think there is a world market for maybe five robots. I have travelled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that robotics is a fad that won't last out the year.

    --
    If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
  14. "We, the Electonric People" by ciaran_o_riordan · · Score: 3, Funny

    Ah, now I get it. Diebold didn't fake any election results, the machines were just exercising their right to vote. That's okay then.

    So are the thoughts of Electronic Americans covered by the DMCA?

  15. PAK CHOOIE UNF by Keighvin · · Score: 2, Funny

    Do you have stairs in your house?

    To protect the people of earth, from the horrible secret of space...

    --
    Any spoon would be too big.
  16. Prediction by JFMulder · · Score: 2, Funny

    The world will never need more than 5 robots.

  17. Great by mongbot · · Score: 2, Funny

    so with Linux robots making cars, I can expect to be driving via a command line interface instead of a steering wheel in the future? ignition left right accelerate break On the other hand, it might be cool to be able to write shell scripts. if $CAR $== $POLICE then pullover; else accelerate; fi

  18. Re:Processing power will determine usefullness by HiThere · · Score: 2, Funny

    Consider trying Mountain Dew(tm), or possibly moutain dew (original formula) as fuel cell power supplies.

    The first choice will require metabolizing sugar. I'm not sure how your robot will use the caffine, but it's reputed to improve CPU function.

    The second choice is move volitile, and reputed to interfere with balance, but can be used in a simple burner with thermal-electric generation.

    Both formulae are liquid for easy transport and high energy density. The first formula is traditionally dispensed under pressure for easy injection into the fuel cell, though one must be slightly concerned about the bubbles that tend to form, so venting will be needed, and clients may prefer that this not be done in their presence.

    --

    I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
  19. Michael Moore by CGP314 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Will all the displaced workers sing 'me and my buddy' about the robots?