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!"

Comments

You already have several robots in your home

[wowbagger]

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

You already have several robots in your home, more than likely:

• You have a robot for cleaning your dishes
• You have a robot for cleaning your clothes
• You have a robot for drying your clothes
• You have a robot for maintaining the temperature of your house

In addition, there are folks like me who have robots for preparing their coffee in the morning. Some have robots for baking bread, and for making ice cream.

Most people make the mistake of thinking ROBOT = anthropomorphic device but that is not true.

Now, if you want to say "There is no reason for any individual to have an anthropromorphic robot in their home" you are correct, today

But as my mother, who was born in the 1920's once said to me, "When I was your age, if somebody had told me I would have a computer in the home, I would not have believed them - simply because I could not have seen any use for one." This, as she was playing cards on her computer.

Be careful, or you may find yourself up there with the "there is a market for 6 computers in the world", or the (non-quote) "640K is enough for anybody".