[Dean's World] Dave Price: Still Rolling

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Posted by Dave Price:
Still Rolling
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1167931833.shtml


   The Mars rovers are still actively exploring the Red Planet, and
   they've [1]just been upgraded with better software that will make them
   more effective.

     Among the rovers' new skills is the ability to automatically
     recognize and transmit to Earth photographs that they take of
     swirling dust devils or floating clouds. They can also
     independently decide whether it is safe to extend their robotic
     arms to sample rocks.
     ...
     Spirit and Opportunity were also fitted with a new navigation
     system that allows them to think several steps ahead when faced
     with an obstacle, allowing them to back out of a dead end or even
     navigate a maze on their own, Callas said. The robot geologists
     have previously tackled one problem at a time.

   I'm starting to think a bootstrap program of semisentient probes
   designed to build a habitat on Mars and perhaps even establish
   self-sustaining industrial production could be a reality in my
   lifetime.

References

   1. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070103/ap_on_hi_te/techbit_mars_rovers_5