[Dean's World] Dave Price: Singularity Update

[notify at powerblogs.com]

Posted by Dave Price:
Singularity Update
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1141662915.shtml


   Via [1]Ace, it looks like the Robotics portion of Kurzweil=E2s GRIN
   paradigm of accelerating technological advance is moving forward,
   literally as well as figuratively. [2]This video of a =E2[3]robot pack
   mule=E2 being funded by DARPA (who else?) is freaky. The thing looks
   alive. The guy kicks it, and it stumbles and recovers and keeps
   walking. The positioning and movement of the legs is eerily
   reminiscent of two guys carrying something heavy.
   I=E2m sure the thing is currently nowhere near being cost-effective for
   commercial application, but in ten years who knows? There are lots of
   potential commercial applications: a =E2wheelchair=E2 that walks,
   construction equipment that can operate in wheel-hostile environments,
   walking forklifts... see what else you can come up with in the
   comments.
   The best part? This is only an early prototype. The next version will
   have an extra joint and should be much improved. How long before
   bipedal versions become superior to human physiology? I=E2m guessing
   within a decade or two.

References

   1. http://www.ace.mu.nu/
   2. http://www.bostondynamics.com/dist/BigDog_Feb-26-2006.wmv
   3. http://www.newscientist.com/channel/mech-tech/dn8802.html