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Robots Assimilate Into Cockroach Society

Posted by Zonk on from the good-to-see-the-robots-making-new-friends dept.

sufijazz writes "Scientists have gotten tiny robots to not only integrate into cockroach society but also control it. 'This experiment in bug peer pressure combined entomology, robotics and the study of ways that complex and even intelligent patterns can arise from simple behavior. Animal behavior research shows that swarms working together can prosper where individuals might fail, and robotics researchers have been experimenting with simple robots that, together, act a little like a swarm.' The BBC also has a video story on this."

8 of 107 comments (clear)

  1. Wait, so... by jcr · · Score: 4, Funny

    They sent robots to Hollywood?

    -jcr

    --
    The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
  2. So does that mean by evanbd · · Score: 4, Funny

    That when the humans and the robots destroy each other in a nuclear war, it will be up to the cockroaches to continue the battle against the robot cockroaches?

  3. This... by ale_ryu · · Score: 5, Funny

    May be the only case in which the phrase "it's not a bug, it's a feature!" is not applicable... or is it?

    --
    Check out my blog!
  4. We're not interested in people. by gv250 · · Score: 5, Funny
    From TFA:

    The results also apply only to cockroaches, Dr. Halloy said. "We are not interested in people," he said.
    He programmed his robot to play with his cockroaches, and he is not interested in people. Sounds like a /. reader to me.
  5. Re:No, not overlords by GaryOlson · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...united groups of individuals have caused masses of people to perform actions that contradict their instincts, common sense...
    Why did I think of the user interface for Microsoft Office 2003 when I read that?
    --
    Every mans' island needs an ocean; choose your ocean carefully.
  6. Big headline simple bottomline by kyashan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mentioning robots evokes AI, but the key is that those carts are doused with cockroach sex hormones.
    Show me a girl with a miniskirt and over knee stockings and I'll follow her not 60% but 100% of the times.

    --
    "La presi e te la pagai (480.000 Lire)"
  7. Overheard underneath the stove by StreetStealth · · Score: 5, Funny

    (translated from pheromone language)

    Cockroach A: "I have this theory. About our new leader."

    Cockroach B: "This had better not be another one of your retarded colony conspiracies."

    Cockroach A: "Well... I don't think he's cockroach. In fact, I have reason to believe he's a robot. Put here by highly intelligent beings for some bizarre purpose... Maybe to lead us all to destruction. Maybe as a test. I don't know. But have you seen him? I mean, with your own compound eyes?"

    Cockroach B: "..."

    --
    Your mind is clear / The things that you fear / Will fade with how much you / Believe what you hear
  8. Re:Pied Piper anyone? by timeOday · · Score: 4, Funny

    the cockroaches will follow the robots 60% of the time.
    My cat will follow a ball of yarn 90% of the time.