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iRobot Introduces Morphing Blob Robot

Posted by kdawson on from the compare-to-doctor-johnson's-dog dept.

Aristos Mazer sends word of research out of iRobot on a "chembot," or morphing blob robot, that looks like dough and moves by shifting its sides from solid-like to liquid-like states. This will allow it, in theory and after lots of refinement, to pass through cracks by squeezing. iRobot calls the new technique "jamming." The research project was funded by DARPA. The video clearly shows the early stage the work is in, but when you think about it the possibilities are a little unsettling.

20 of 177 comments (clear)

  1. That's impressive? by winkydink · · Score: 4, Funny

    I've got a sourdough starter that will kick that thing's jammy little ass.

    --

    "I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismometer." -Ken Kesey

    1. Re:That's impressive? by Hal_Porter · · Score: 5, Funny

      Also, it was shown moving over a perfectly flat tabletop. Not quite the images of terror I was expecting. Call it how it is.

      Daleks could only move over flat surfaces too.

      --
      echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;
    2. Re:That's impressive? by Yvan256 · · Score: 2, Funny

      They could also turn anything into a flat surface.

  2. Hey! by Hurricane78 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Taco is NOT a robot! I've seen him write an original summary!

    --
    Any sufficiently advanced intelligence is indistinguishable from stupidity.
    1. Re:Hey! by Thinboy00 · · Score: 2, Funny

      I've seen him write an original summary!

      When did this happen?

      --
      $ make available
    2. Re:Hey! by skine · · Score: 2, Funny

      I've seen him write an original summary!

      When did this happen?

      Don't worry, it won't happen again.

      I've made a few...adjustments...

  3. Additional Robots by natebarney · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now, if they can make D12, D10, D8, D6, and D4 robots, I'll never fail another critical roll again!

  4. d'oh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    looks like dough and moves by shifting its sides from solid-like to liquid-like states

    Sounds like my wedding night.

  5. Finally by sleeponthemic · · Score: 1, Funny

    The buttplug of the future.

    --
    I record my sleeptalking
    1. Re:Finally by EdIII · · Score: 4, Funny

      I can see that I am not the only deeply perverted Slashdotter here.

      to pass through cracks by squeezing . iRobot calls the new technique "jamming."

      Come on, they are just asking for it.

      Although I think the best market for this is initially one populated by disgusting perverts (a larger market than anyone wants to admit) there is something incredibly terrifying about a military machine whose primary target is your asshole .

      Imagine the horror. Somewhere in eastern Afghanistan there are men huddled in a cave fervently whispering. Talking not about smart missiles, bunker busters, and fuel bombs, but about smart AI blobs of fast moving jelly that get inside you and your death is one by your asshole exploding slowly through intense pressure deep in your bowels .

      Between one of those horror blobs and 10 Navy Seals, I think I would choose death by Navy Seals instead.

    2. Re:Finally by x2A · · Score: 2, Funny

      A suicide bummer?

      --
      The revolution will not be televised... but it will have a page on Wikipedia
  6. Re:wow no obligitory T-1000 comment ? by binarylarry · · Score: 2, Funny

    public?

    --
    Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!
  7. Wow by ShooterNeo · · Score: 3, Funny

    Imagine being an insurgent hiding in a cave once the Pentagon equips this robot with a bomb, or better yet, Sony batteries...

  8. It's a... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Shoggoth!

  9. Re:The Ball! by WraithCube · · Score: 3, Funny

    What's wrong with calling an object of terror "the ball"? Cubes are our companions, balls our terror, and pyramids somehow related to mysterious or secret groups or aliens with strange powers.

    I'm not sure where a robot blob fits on the scale though. I guess it depends on whether it decides to server or destroy humanity. Then it should squeeze in nicely next to either flubber or skynet.

  10. That's all well and fine... by not-too-smatr · · Score: 2, Funny

    but shouldn't we invent Mega Man before we invent one of his enemies?

  11. Re:Medical applications by sapphire+wyvern · · Score: 5, Funny

    Luckily, the use of blood to control the size and hardness of a mechanical system is a well-demonstrated technology.

  12. Re:Uh oh by Arthur+Grumbine · · Score: 3, Funny

    Don't worry, this technology has been out for years and nothing's happened yet.

    For referencing that TV show I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

    --
    Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure everything I just said is completely wrong.
  13. I, for one.... by KDR_11k · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... would feed them honey flavored jelly beans.

    --
    Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  14. Re:Uh oh by Shadow+of+Eternity · · Score: 2, Funny

    We're one step closer to tentacle-rape robots. Just pray to god the japanese don't get hold of this.

    --
    A bullet may have your name on it but splash damage is addressed "To whom it may concern."