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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."

4 of 107 comments (clear)

  1. Re:No, not overlords by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Redundant

    Yes, but can we build a Beowolf Cluster of this?

  2. Re:Let's get this out of the way. by blantonl · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Imagine a Beowulf Cluster of these. And just imagine if they ran Linux.

    Imagine recompiling a roach's kernel. Now that is pretty creepy.. or cool.

    --
    Lindsay Blanton
    RadioReference.com
  3. Re:No, not overlords by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Redundant

    One conclusion one can draw from this study, coupled with historical precedent in human societies, is that animals come evolutionary pre-programmed to join groups and be subjugated by the rules of said groups, despite better (or alternate) judgment.

    So THAT'S how Bush got re-elected!
  4. Required.... by CFD339 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I, for one, welcome our new robotic insectoid swarm controlling overlords.

    --
    The problem with quotes on the internet, is that nobody bothers to check their veracity. -- Abraham Lincoln