Nanotubes = Robot Steroids

A scientists have developed a new material that could provide robots with super strong artificial muscles. Read more here.

Great, super strong robots.  That’s just what we need as we battle an economic crisis.  How is a human, with normal human strength, supposed to compete with that?

Watch the video below from New Scientist for details.

Brillianty Stupid Artificial Intelligence

A recent article at the Gamasutra site highlights the need for artificial intelligence to be slightly stupid in order to accurately mimic human behavior and thought processes.

Besides being offensive to us, humans, this article illustrates what could become a disturbing trend in AI programming.  Think of it this way – what’s more dangerous than a precision oriented artificially intelligent robot killer like The Terminator?  We’ll tell you what – a STUPID Terminator.  The reasons are pretty obvious.  Artificial intelligence in the hands of a machine, computer, or robot can be a very powerful weapon and tool.  Do we really want something that’s slightly stupid in control of that power?

The Microscopic Bio-Robot Slave Rebellion

How do you fight something you can’t even see?

That’s a question plaguing those who fear developing technology that will produce microscopic bio-robot slaves.  The plan is to design a kind of bacteria-cyborg which can be built smaller and more efficiently then some of the more advanced nanotechnologies out there (read about it here).  But many scientific watchdog groups are extremely concerned about the possibility of these bacteria-cyborg slaves rebelling against their creators and wreaking havoc on mankind.

Bobby Binder, a member of scientific watchdog group SARS-FR, said the following:

“We’re talking about equipping microscopic bacteria with the weapons of the future.  Are we mad?  Bacteria are invisible to the naked eye.  They can penetrate the pores of our skin.  They outnumber mankind billions to one.  Bacteria is one of the most deadly killers on the planet.  And let’s not forget that they are also one of the most adaptable of all organisms.  How do you think we’d fight them, if, let’s say, they decide to rebel agains their human masters?  Think about it.  Watch the Fantastic Voyage, and you’ll see what bacteria would do to humans if given the chance.”

Proponents of microscopic bio-robot slaves (bacteria-cyborgs) say they could aid in a wide range of fields, including medical technology.

Where do you stand?  Microscopic Bio-Robot Slaves: helpers to mankind OR potential destroyers?
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