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Robot Controlled By Rat Brain
kkleiner writes "Kevin Warwick, once a cyborg and still a researcher in cybernetics at the University of Reading, has been working on creating biological neural networks that can control machines. He and his team have taken the brain cells from rats, cultured them, and used them as the guidance control circuit for simple wheeled robots. Electrical impulses from the bot enter the batch of neurons, and responses from the cells are turned into commands for the device. The cells can form new connections, making the system a true learning machine."
to greet our new rat overlords.
"The same thing we do every day, Pinky, try to take over the world!"
"National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
Well, not really, but it is as close as she is going to get on any subject.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/odonnell-in-2007-scientists-have-created-mice-with-human-brains.php
Learning HOW to think is more important than learning WHAT to think.
"Separate beasts" is a bit of a muddled metaphor in this instance.
http://alternatives.rzero.com/
*Cackles Maniacally*
Now go, my ratbots. Go and wheel your way into the glorious future, heralding humanity's DOOM!
*More Evil Laughter*
Now we have a viable alternative for politicians.
(And they can make their own robo-calls too! :-)
Oh, I think so Brain... But where can we find a pastry shop open at this time of night?
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Calling it a rat brain would be like calling a heap of randomly wired intel-made-transistors a core2duo.
Sssssh....that's how I make money on eBay!
Your brain is not a computer.
"Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?"
(Pinky) Whoof, oh, I'd have to say the odds of that are terribly slim Brain.
(Brain) True.
(Pinky) I mean, really, when have I ever been pondering what you've been pondering?
(Brain) To my knowledge, never.
(Pinky) Exactly. So, what are the chances that this time, I'm pondering what you're pondering?
(Brain) Next to nil.
(Pinky) Well, that's exactly what I'm thinking, too.
(Brain) Therefore, you are pondering what I'm pondering.
(Pinky) Poit, I guess I am!
They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Terry Pratchett