Skynet Incipient

March 29, 2009 - 7:53 pm
Irradiated by LabRat
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We’ve got one robot that is capable of differentiating between its own mirror image and another robot that looks just like it and is imitating its movements…

And another robot that can create an internal model of itself and use that model to adapt to new situations, such as injury.

All joking aside, it’s interesting from the technological standpoint, but even moreso from the cognitive and philosophical standpoints. What’s awareness, what’s consciousness, and where are the lines between the two?

And more than that, is it a good idea to start testing early self-aware robots by “injuring” them? I’m just saying, learning to stab scientists in the balls is another adaptation for a self-modeling robot.

No Responses to “Skynet Incipient”

  1. SmartDogs Says:

    Cognitive robotics — vivisection of the new millenium!

  2. Vertel Says:

    And more than that, is it a good idea to start testing early self-aware robots by “injuring” them?

    I figure that so long as no-one repurposes one of those early robots to run a smart house or a military android, we’re safe.

  3. SmartDogs Says:

    Vertel - yes! Or fiction may meet reality…

  4. John Says:

    Skynet attacks in self-defense…

  5. John Says:

    Dammit! I hadn’t even realized Skynet was in your post title. Oh, well.

  6. Richard Bruns Says:

    I think the title of the second piece is overblown. All the robot really did was learn how to walk, and then relearn how to walk after one of its legs was shortened. That’s a good step for making useful robots, but all it means is that the robot is as intellectually flexible as a hamster.

  7. Jay G. Says:

    Just as long as they don’t start talking to the bomb-destroying robots the cops use - they’s got shotguns!

  8. Kristopher Says:

    Pak Chewie Unf?

  9. Rick C Says:

    You knew someone had to bring it up.