Scary Technology?

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Before you read any further, check out this video of BigDog.

Okay - so what was your reaction? When I saw the video (sent to me by a fellow coworker), I was amazed that robots have developed this far. I watched in disbelief, and then the sobering fact that this is real occurred to me. My next thoughts were, “I wonder how many processors they use to control that” and “I want to see the components inside of that thing!” See what engineering does to us?

Anyway, I’ve contacted Boston Dynamics to learn more. I’m waiting for a reply – although I imagine there are enough patents on this machine to fill a library, so I may not gleam too much additional info.

Science-fiction may have taught us to fear advanced technology by showing us how much we have yet to learn, and uncovering new risks. Certainly the world we live in today would frighten someone in 1908. Taking small steps in technological advancement helps us deal with these changes and adapt to new concepts. I wonder if by 2050 we will have versions of BigDog as pets, security devices, or working machines. If we do, they might not seem any more strange to us than a cell phone or GPS.

Comments for Scary Technology?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 by Amy Nowacoski:: WOW! And I thought AIBO was creepy!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 by Rick Short:: Wow! I have never heard of this – and hadn’t imagined robotics to have advanced this far (revealing my ignorance). These capabilities indicate a HUGE amount of potential. Imagine using a fleet of these to carry injured people out of a danger zone, or to transport items into a hazard area – or an area that can’t support life. I’d love to see a fun competition amongst a team of Big Dogs. That would be cool. I can envision a Will Smith movie where a helicopter drops twenty of these things into a danger zone and they dart in different directions, dropping cameras, snares, supplies, etc. to catch the bad guys and support the good guys. Cool! I wonder where these will see first use (or have they already???). Imagine being a terrorist sitting on a rock somewhere, watching one approaching. That would be a moment! Thanks for enlightening me.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 by Hu Di:: Hi, Jim I think you are may interested in Asimo Robot:) http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/New-ASIMO-run-6kmh/
Thursday, May 22, 2008 by Jim H.:: The Asimo Robot is pretty amazing as well, thanks for sharing that with us Hu Di!

Jim Hisert