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Nugget From The Net

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:05:00 -0800

Taxidermy is a kind of weird and creepy, but one artist is taking it to the next level and making it cool for today's youth!

Lisa Black takes dead animals and turns them into reconstructed mechanical creations. Will they ally with the robots as foot soldiers in the future Robot Wars?

Warning: pictures of stuffed, dead animals if you care about that sort of thing.

Elmo Live On Sale Tomorrow

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:08:00 -0700

If you're, like four, tomorrow is your lucky day! Elmo Live goes on sale in toy stores across the country. The singing, dancing and joking robot is fun, and is in no way going to become sentient and begin a ruthless war against humanity with its goofy-faced brethren.

Good luck finding them, though. Even in these depressed times, parents will be cleaning up aisles looking for them. And we predict a huge eBay market!

Seriously, though, these are just kids' toys, they are not the advance squad of the coming robot-Apocalypse.

Source

Two Giant Solar Power Farms Going Up in California

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:27:00 -0700

Two photovoltaic solar power plants are planned for San Luis Obispo County in Southern California. Covering 12.5 square miles of otherwise unused desert landscape, the two new installations will create around 800 megawatts of power.

The power will be sold to Pacific Gas & Electric which is under a state mandate to incorporate renewable resources to the tune of 20% of its overall sources. PG&E is saying the costs will be competitive with thermal and wind energy prices already in action or in development.

Solar has finally arrived, people. Now if we can just install the sun in every climate in the world in abundance like it is SoCal, we'll be sound as pie or however you say that phrase.

Source

New 'Too Human' Clip - Meet GRNDL

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:35:00 -0700

Silicon Knights introduces us to the quaint robotic GRNDL... who by the way, eats human flesh in the action-RPG Too Human for the Xbox 360 available August 19th.

Too Human: Meet GRNDL

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

Robot Has Mouse Brain

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:26:00 -0700

Presumably mad scientists at the University of Reading have announced they've created a robot with a rat's brain. The robot/rat/abomination is powered by a network of cells taken from the brains of rodents. The cells "learn" and have formed a brain-like thing that controls the electronic and machine parts of the--thing.

Although the scientists behind the project say their creation will help us understand how neural networks form our minds, and will provide valuable information that may help victims of neurological diseases, we're pretty sure RatBot is planning some form of world domination. Or maybe it's thinking about how delicious cheese would taste, if it had a mouth.

Please. Kill it. Before it's too late!

BreitBart: A 'Frankenrobot' with a biological brain

New 'Armored Core: for Answer' Screens

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 17:14:00 -0700

Take a gander at the size and scope of the "Arms Forts" in Ubisoft's mech sim action game Armored Core: for Answer. The game is set for launch September 9th for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Click the image below for the Armored Core: for Answer image gallery

Check out the Armored Core: for Answer image gallery here.

Robots Are A-Learnin’!

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Researchers in Leipzig have invented software that allegedly allows robots to learn movement through trial and error.

The software mimics the interconnected sensing and processing of a brain via a "neural network," allowing the simulated creatures to explore.

For instance, the video demonstrations, a simulated dog learns to jump over a fence, and a humanoid learns how to get upright and do back flips. The key word here being “simulated,” as they haven’t actually made any of this happen yet. In fact, the video demo of the software looks like it was created in 1983…but I digress…

So how does it work, you wonder? Well, in the case of a simulated human, there are 15 joints and the angles through which they can move. The network sends out signals to move in a specific way, and predicts where the human-bot should end up, based on that movement. If it encounters an obstacle, the the robot tries different moves , learning about itself and its environment in the process.

"In the beginning, we just drop a robot into a space. But they don't know anything, so they don't do anything," Professor Der of Leipzig said. "The neural network eventually picks up on electronic noise, which causes small motions. Soon it tries larger motions and learns about its range of movement within that environment. It's like a newborn baby—it doesn't know anything but tries motions that are natural for its body. Half an hour later, it's rolling and jumping," Professor Der said. “I call it a plug-and-play brain.”

Dr. Der will present the video demonstrations at the Artificial Life XI conference in Winchester this week.

Watch the software demo video here.

BBC.co.uk: Robots learn to move themselves

Blockbuster to Introduce 10,000 DVD Rental Kiosks

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 10:50:00 -0700

DVD rental kiosk leader Redbox is about to get a big challenge from Blockbuster who plan to roll out 10,000 blue boxes of their own over the next 18 months.

Industry analysts expect that the DVD kiosk industry will grow substantially from $197 million last year to $760 million in 2010. We're a little more skeptical in light of ever-increasingly affordable technology in the home allowing for cheaper, faster delivery of rented material, but nobody listens to us.

Blockbuster is mum about the full business model but you can expect it's similar to Redbox which has 6,000 kiosks across the US, each with around 500 movies that rent for $1 a night. B-buster did say that they are working toward a DVD burner in the box that will allow customers to download, burn, and purchase a movie right there on the spot.

hollywoodreporter.com: Blockbuster plans 10,000 DVD rental kiosks

'Transformers' Movie Blu-Ray Details

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 10:28:00 -0700

Paramount Pictures is finally rolling out the Blu-Ray edition of the megahit, Prime movie, Transformers, this September 2. But not only have been fans waiting for this edition, director Michael Bay has been sharing the same anticipation. In the IGN report, Bay said:

"I've been waiting for Transformers to be released on Blu-ray for a long time, and it was worth the wait. This is the complete high-definition package for fans of this film - it looks stunning and really allows you to engage with this movie in new ways. Remember, I told everyone Blu-ray is the best."

Find out why after the cut (via IGN).

Transformers Blu-Ray edition will include:

Disc 1:

Feature film
Commentary by Director Michael Bay
TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display)—In this mode, viewers can access running text-based behind-the-scenes background information on the production during the feature. Users can also watch relevant picture-in-picture b-roll and video with Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers during select sequences.
TRANSFORMERS Intelligence Mode
Menubots
TRANSFORMERS Profiler

Disc 2:

The Story Sparks - Steven Spielberg discusses his love for the franchise and early concept art for the film. Explores how the writers adapted the cartoon into a live-action movie and why Michael Bay is the perfect director for the film.
Human Allies - A look at how the actors were selected and their experiences on the set.
I Fight Giant Robots - An exploration of the military training that Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson underwent for their roles and the various stunts that the actors were asked to perform.
Battleground - A piece on the senior officials from the Department of Defense and Air Force who consulted on the film to give it authenticity and the key locations that the U.S. government provided access to.
Rise of the Robots - Explores the interaction between Hasbro designers and Michael Bay to bring the toy line roaring to life.
AUTOBOTS Roll Out - Michael Bay discusses working with Chevy and its designers and the modifications that were made to the cars seen in the film.
DECEPTICONS Strike - The film's military advisors discuss the "toys" they allowed the production to borrow: F-22 Raptors, Ospreys and A-10 Warthogs.
Inside the AllSpark - ILM's digital artists discuss the challenges of bringing the TRANSFORMERS to life.
TRANSFORMERS Tech Inspector - Gives viewers an unprecedented look at the TRANSFORMERS robots through the exquisitely detailed models created by ILM artists. Users can zoom in on each detail for a closer examination and pause and change the rotation of the models.
More Than Meets The Eye
From Script to Sand: The SKORPONOK Desert Attack - An in-depth look at the making of this particularly epic and challenging scene from initial storyboarding through production and visual effects.
Concepts - Early sketch concepts of the robots.
Theatrical Trailers

The sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, is set to morph into theaters in June 2009 with Michael Bay once again in the director's helm and Shia LaBeouf reprising his role as Sam Witwicky.

IGN: Transformers Return in High-Definition

Water Found on Mars

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 11:15:00 -0700

Since surviving the 7 minutes of terror descending through the Martian atmosphere on May 25, the Phoenix Mars Lander has scooped, tested, and found water in the Red Planet's northern plains.

There were scooping issues as the samples they collected were turning into a sticky substance that was hard to get into the ovens for testing. But working around where the sun is at certain times, they've been able to deliver samples to the oven and mass spectrometers, which have led to the greatest discovery man has seen in over a week.

Seriously, though, it's pretty sweet. Beyond the fact that we can take pride in the fact that we actually did it, we can also continue to test the surface to see about sustaining plant life and maybe eventually human life.

Follow yonder link to see a nice panorama of the plains where Phoenix lies. Also, is that a PlayStation 1 on board on the left???

astronomy.com: Water found on Mars

Creepy Robots Too Close to Actual Animals

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:29:00 -0700

Ak like ya'll didn't already know, but it's true, the robots are stepping it up. Check out the videos from robot masters on DiscoverMagazine.com who have managed to create a few eerily animal-like creatures.

Yep. We're screwed.

discovermagazine.com: 3 Robots That Move Just Like Animals

New AOTS Robots Arrive

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 14:43:00 -0700

Check out the gallery of the new Robots for the Attack of the Show set. There are four new bots. One of them has a tap in his chest and is only vaguely phallic as hell. Two of the other bots have flatscreen monitors for chests. All four were designed by Hollywood special effects pros and will be able to talk and do all kinds of fancy new things.

Time to say goodbye to the Army of Monitorheads. You've served us well, Privates, but it's time for you to disappear now.

GALLERY

Tech News Countdown: June 21, 2008

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Welcome to the Tech News Countdown, hosted by Alison Haislip. Every Saturday, Alison will take you through the top tech stories of the week.

This week Alison brings you the latest on Google's Lab developments and the Android mobile operating system, the record-breaking launch of the Firefox 3.0 browser, DARPA's autonomous robot challenge, claims of a revolutionary water-powered engine, and the unveiling of a 15-inch humanoid female 'love' robot.

Watch Larger Version of this Video

Give it a watch and tell us what you think in the comments section. You can also cast your opinion in the Tech News Countdown forum.

Subscribe to G4's Tech News Countdown Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Mars Has Water Ice

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:21:00 -0700

News broke via the Phoenix lander's Twitter account last night that Mars has water ice. Photographic evidence asserts without a doubt that ice uncovered earlier in the week as the lander scooped soil has sublimed directly into vapor and dissipated over the past few days.

This is huge and it means more eyes will be trained on NASA as they further analyze the soil collected by the lander's arm in the onboard ovens pimped out with mass spectrometers.

There is regrettably no instruments on board to analyze the soil or ice for living organisms, as the goal of the mission was to find ice and that has been accomplished. This will surely mean more missions in the coming years as we try to figure this mystery out.

wired.com: Mars Phoenix Tweets: "We Have ICE!"

Nugget From The Net

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:15:00 -0700

Maybe the Robot Uprising won't be that bad...at least we'll still be able to dance.

glumbert - World's First Robot Band!

Monkeys Control Robots With Thoughts

Thu, 29 May 2008 08:25:00 -0700

Take a long look at the above series of photos. Go ahead. We'll wait. They essay a monkey controlling a robot arm with his thoughts. Let that sink in for a second: Scientists (presumably mad) are using technology to create monkeys that telepathically bond with robots. Hey, monkeys: We're really sorry about all the vivisection.

The monkeys' brains adopt the mechanical appendage as their own, refining its movement as it interacts with real objects in real time. So monkey hungry: Use robot arm to get food! Monkey angry, smash labratory! Burn City!

The technology will eventually be used to help people with spinal injuries navigate the world, provided of course, our telepathic robotic monkey overlords allow it.

Having brought you this news, we believe TheFeed's mission has been completed. All Hail Koko, our many-armed supreme ro-monkey commander!

Herald Triubune: Monkeys control a robot arm with thoughts

7 Minutes of Crucial Terror

Fri, 23 May 2008 11:43:00 -0700

We're having ourselves a Mars landing on Sunday. The newest mission to Mars (this one without Tim Robbins, thankfully) will attempt to put the Mars Phoenix Lander in the far northern plains close to the polar ice cap. She'll be scooping the soil and analyzing the permafrost for evidence of organic material, either alive or fossilized in some way.

But before they can start up those processes, they've got to make it through the dreaded 7 minutes of terror.

The so-called "7 minutes of terror" is a complicated series of operations where the craft breaks into the Martian atmosphere traveling nearly 13,000 miles an hour, deploys a parachute, jettisons the heat shield, extends the tripod lander, and fires thrusters for a safe landing.

And considering a success rate of only 55% for Martian landings, it's still a pretty risky voyage and the engineers are catiously optimistic as they're using landing systems that have been practiced and proven since the 70s.

And if they can make a successful landing, Peter Smith, one of the re-invigorating forces of the NASA Mars missions, says, "We are not going to be able to answer the final question of 'is there life on Mars.' We will take the next important step. We'll find out if there's organic material associated with this ice in the polar regions. Ice is a preserver and if there ever were organics on Mars and they got into that ice they will still be there today."

cnn.com: NASA preps for '7 minutes or terror' on Mars

Nugget From The Net

Mon, 19 May 2008 08:23:00 -0700

Lawn mowing robot, you are either an answer to our dream or embodiment of our worst nightmare.

Does lawn-robot come in peace? You decide.

One thing is for sure, I'm a little less worried about the robots taking over. We can defeat them by placing dog houses in their paths and waiting for them to fall over.

ASIMO Conducts Detroit Symphony

Wed, 14 May 2008 16:57:00 -0700

We draw ever closer to the day our robot liberators will make our imperfect world their own each and every day. Today, we celebrate ASIMO, the Honda-built robot, who had the unique opportunity to conduct the Detroit Symphony in a version of "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha.

We find it interesting that this happened in the home of Robocop, and are wondering if Detroit is the epicenter of the aforementioned robot uprising. All I know is that I have been grooming myself to be part of the new robot administration for the better part of the past decade, and I am ready to be assimilated.

Yahoo! News: Honda robot conducts Detroit Symphony to warm response

In Body Wi-Fi Could Warn Doctors of Problems

Wed, 7 May 2008 11:47:00 -0700

Wi-fi devices implanted in a human body could be used to warn doctors in the event of a health emergency, but the concept raises questions.

The device could, using Bluetooth, sense a problem in a person like a heart attack or diabetic complication and contact a doctor through a base station in the patient's home.

It would also be a great way for the robots to remotely shut down some hearts. Faster medical response is great, but at what cost?

TimesOnline: New wi-fi devices warn doctors of heart attacks