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A place where I can lament the changing times; for eccentric comments on current affairs and for unfashionable views, expressed I hope, in cogent style; also occasional cris de coeur largely concerned, I regret to say, with myself.



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Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Robotic Progress

Robots or "bots" as they are often irritatingly called, are frequently in the news these days. I have seen a variety myself, especially from Japan, where there are dancing girls and so on.

One of the silliest I have seen is this robotic barman - must do better I think:



Beer pouring robot at TMCO open house from beerorkid on Vimeo.

I suspect it will be some time before it can spin a bottle of orange juice in the air or make a proper Margarita!

However, as is well known there are more serious applications - some of which have been used for years in the manufacture of cars for example. And naturally as with all advanced technologies, the military have an interest.

The following video shows an extraordinary device: a robotic "mule" designed to carry equipment for soldiers in rough terrain. The version shown in the video is admittedly noisy, but incredibly agile I must say - and it can carry 150kg. The military is calling for a more powerful, faster and quieter model; I for one believe they'll get it too.



I have to say I am really impressed!

Until the next time

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