Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!

Subject: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Aug 07 - 06:03 AM

Robot doing traditional japanese dance Read the article, then click on the link in it to see it.

I know, I know, it's not the real thing, but all the same this robot seems almost - how can I put it -....

graceful?

I certainly applaud the concept that in this way they can preserve old dances before they die out. Though of course the ideal objective is to have the dances danced by people and not die out...

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: Mr Red
Date: 11 Aug 07 - 06:14 AM

when a robot can still dance when fueled with 5 pints of alcohol - then I will start Morris dancing just to keep it alive.

Was it wearing Hondapants?

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Aug 07 - 06:22 AM

The thing is Mr Red - I think it can!
I wonder if it can learn to do the can-can (I thought I'd get this in before someone else did).

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: MartinRyan
Date: 11 Aug 07 - 07:38 AM

Mr Red.

I know what you mean! (Oi! Me font has changed of its own accord!).

I went into Kinvara, the small West of Ireland village where I live, one miserable, wet Monday morning recently. As I walked through the main square at about 10.30 a.m., a minibus disgorged a Morris side, in full regalia, onto the quayside! I couldn't resist asking "What the f*** are you lot doing, on a wet Monday morning, wearing musical shinguards?". I got the perfect, only-to-be-expected answer: "Looking for a pub!"

Regards

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 01:10 AM

So am I the only one that finds this graceful?

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 01:23 AM

No, George, I do, too. In fact it looks as though there is a human inside. I am impressed. The only thing that bothers me is the technology will undoubtedly be used to create robot soldiers, too, at least by some idiotic government like ours. Then sci-fi will never be the same.

Thanks for the link.

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 04:35 AM

That has already happened, kat - there are already robots in the employ of the armed forces: the unmanned "drone" planes used currently for spying and taking pictures could also be used to deliver ammo; the little caterpillar-tracked robots that bobmb disposal units employ to inspect or safely detonate bombs can also be used for aggressive purposes. The fact that they are not human-like in appearance means little - robots are being used to wage war, today!

At least this example is a peaceful and culture-supporting use of the technology.   Could this new development be misused? No doubt, though I can't imagine how; perhaps they could create human-like soldiers that in the evenings fraternise with the enemy in a hearts-and-minds attempt by taking their girls to a dance!

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 05:36 AM

I think those tracked bomb disposal vehicles are remote controlled - very little reading of conditions to act autonomically, if at all.

Planes are actcing autonomically, GPS and internal maps, reading the pitch and yaw to correct stability, flying through coluds that would be essential. But can a winged monster dance?

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 09:15 PM

"But can a winged monster dance?"

It's become a recent hit in Outback Oz - several guys 'dance' their earth moving equipment (bobcats, backhoes, etc) at local shows - bloody talented they are too.

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 10:09 PM

Oh, you mean that "Oz!" **BG** I thought you were going to tell us about the "winged monsters" monkeys which flew in the Wizard of Oz!

Yeah, George, I knew about some of those. I think ones that even look like and can imitate soldiers' movements, the way the dancing one did, would be a scary aspect which will probably be added to the mix, someday. But, then if enough of us give thanks for peace everyday, maybe not!

Subject: RE: Tech: Robot Morris - closer than you think!
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 10:21 PM

Old stuff. There have been robots playing bluegrass, sessiun and old-time music for decades now.