Monday, June 2, 2008

Featured Videos

I mentioned in class the other day YouTube had featured a few robotics videos. Here are the links:

This first one is called "Robots inspired by Animals"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Tq8Yw19bn7Q

I tend to think that this is a very intelligent approach to experimenting with artificial intelligence. As we don't fully understand the human mind, it is better to start by emulating something simpler - like a fish, a bug, or an animal. I think we can learn a lot by starting simple like this, and then moving onto more ambitious projects in the future. Not to mention the fact that the robots look really cool.


This next one features a robot designed by Toyota that they programmed to play the violin, and a few other designs.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qyPAIpXm-nU&feature=related

At first glance, I thought it was a bit lame - considering it could only do one thing (play the violin) - making it essentially a one-trick pony. But, when I watched it again, I was actually incredibly fascinated. The mobility of the robot is quite impressive. It seems like the hardware is progressing along quite well - now all they need is better, more versatile software technology. I'm still waiting for the first all robot orchestra.


And speaking of orchestras, they have this video of a robot conduction the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Pretty Hilarious, actually.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cf5szwz6Qzc

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