A few months ago I was shown a link to the Boston Dynamics BigDog robot. I can't remember who showed it to me - it might have been on one of the palaeontology e-mail lists, it might have been the B3TA newsletter, it might even have been the BBC News. The BigDog is "the most advanced quadruped robot on Earth", by Boston Dynamics' own admission, and I believe them. I understand BigDog is set to be used in combat situations, to carry heavy equipment for soldiers. Most impressive is how difficult it is to topple BigDog. Twice during the video, a researcher kicks BigDog hard in the side, and with only a little skid, it rights itself and carries on running. BigDog at top speed has two feet on the ground at any one time - a classic trot (for a horse at any rate). Another robot made by Boston Dynamics, LittleDog, appears only to be able to walk (three feet on the ground at any one time). Still, very realistic gaits all round.
Hold that thought.
More recently, Paul found my perfect birthday present - Pleo by Ugobe. Pleo is a one-week-old Camarasaurus "calf" robot. Have a look at this demonstration video. Pleo is the most lifelike miniature dinosaur robot I have seen to date (although I'm sure my professional colleagues would query the lurid green). Pleo will interact with his environment and will learn about his surroundings (well, the software will update). The expected software update coming soon will enable Pleo to return to his recharging bed when he's tired, without his owner having to put him there. All in all a very independent little robot.
So the technology developed by Boston Dynamics is highly sophisticated, and will for now only be used in military conditions. However, with time almost all technology filters down to day-to-day use, e.g. walkie-talkies, non-stick frying pans, fireworks. Sooner or later the technology will be affordable enough at least for a large government organisation - I'm thinking the Natural History Museum, the American Museum of Natural History or the Smithsonian Institution. They always have the most high-tech displays and it's a joy to visit them at any age. The NHM has had animatronic displays for at least the past 10-15 years. All of these are through its partnership with Kokoro Dreams, a Japanese company. The one complaint I and my colleagues have had is that the dinosaurs' feet can't move. They are necessarily pivoted at their hips, and they can look most uncomfortable. Amazingly detailed actions everywhere else though. Could, many years down the line, a combination of the stable walking technology developed by Boston Dynamics, the interactive technology of Ugobe and the brilliant electronics and skins of Kokoro result in the most realistic museum exhibit yet?
Now picture this - an Alsatian-sized dinosaur trundles through the museum corridors with its "keeper" not far behind (with the all-important remote control override device!). It walks around visitors, negotiating steps and ramps, is careful not to knock into anyone, and gives the occasional grunt or roar to delighted schoolchildren. With time it learns its route through the museum, and at the allotted time for its rounds it is already up, out of its recharging bay and ready for walkies!
Hold that thought.
More recently, Paul found my perfect birthday present - Pleo by Ugobe. Pleo is a one-week-old Camarasaurus "calf" robot. Have a look at this demonstration video. Pleo is the most lifelike miniature dinosaur robot I have seen to date (although I'm sure my professional colleagues would query the lurid green). Pleo will interact with his environment and will learn about his surroundings (well, the software will update). The expected software update coming soon will enable Pleo to return to his recharging bed when he's tired, without his owner having to put him there. All in all a very independent little robot.
So the technology developed by Boston Dynamics is highly sophisticated, and will for now only be used in military conditions. However, with time almost all technology filters down to day-to-day use, e.g. walkie-talkies, non-stick frying pans, fireworks. Sooner or later the technology will be affordable enough at least for a large government organisation - I'm thinking the Natural History Museum, the American Museum of Natural History or the Smithsonian Institution. They always have the most high-tech displays and it's a joy to visit them at any age. The NHM has had animatronic displays for at least the past 10-15 years. All of these are through its partnership with Kokoro Dreams, a Japanese company. The one complaint I and my colleagues have had is that the dinosaurs' feet can't move. They are necessarily pivoted at their hips, and they can look most uncomfortable. Amazingly detailed actions everywhere else though. Could, many years down the line, a combination of the stable walking technology developed by Boston Dynamics, the interactive technology of Ugobe and the brilliant electronics and skins of Kokoro result in the most realistic museum exhibit yet?
Now picture this - an Alsatian-sized dinosaur trundles through the museum corridors with its "keeper" not far behind (with the all-important remote control override device!). It walks around visitors, negotiating steps and ramps, is careful not to knock into anyone, and gives the occasional grunt or roar to delighted schoolchildren. With time it learns its route through the museum, and at the allotted time for its rounds it is already up, out of its recharging bay and ready for walkies!
