Deakin University’s launching their new hub that’s jam packed with content that’ll have you bouncing off the walls like a kid mid sugar-high. Yeah, it’s that awesome. If you want to read up on topics such as: robots taking over the world/being super friendly, or how to become a video game illustrator, check out the site here.
THE END IS NIGH, PEOPLE.
Jokes.
To the best of our knowledge, world domination by the hands of robots is a while off.
With that being said, some are calling for tighter restrictions on the research and use of these machines.
We live in an age where there’s an actual coalition called the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots. While their title is quite lol, they’ve got a valid point.
Their stance focuses on autonomous weapons (e.g. a rocket launcher that could shoot at everything that moves, entirely by itself, while shouting #yolo in several languages) rather than Hollywood-style Arnold Schwarzenegger-esque machines.
“Giving machines the power to decide who lives and dies on the battlefield is an unacceptable application of technology. Human control over any combat robot is essential to ensuring both humanitarian protection and effective legal control,” says the coalition.
OATH.
The issues with robots, as sci-fi movies have made blatantly clear, lies with Artificial Intelligence. Giving a machine the ability to make its own decisions and think for itself is scary AF. It begs the question – are we manufacturing our own enemy?
The argument for weaponising robots is to reduce human casualties – an extremely valid point.
Using unmanned drones is a good example of how machines can prevent loss of life, and even Australia has jumped on this band-wagon.
“In defence they’re looking at how to reduce the danger for Australian military personnel,” says Dr Ben Horan, Deakin University’s authority on mechatronics.
We have to agree with the good doctor. The less people that have to die on the battle-field, the better.
Also don’t be concerned that drones will randomly rain hell from the sky – that ain’t gonna happen.
“The processes surrounding the operation are far beyond what perhaps one fighter jet pilot would have. There are so many processes behind the scenes before any decisions are made.”
To the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots – you go, Glen Coco. We’re, like, totally feeling your vibes.
ANYWAY, let’s move away from the from the doomsday talk and take a look at some super cool robots that don’t wish death upon us.
ROBEAR
SWEET MERCIFUL JEBUS, A GIANT ROBOT-BEAR DESIGNED TO HELP OLD PEOPLE (WHO ARE ALSO ADORABLE).
CUTENESS. OVERLOAD.
ROBOTIC POLE DANCERS
Damn, gurl.
Two robots, trying to make a few $’s, performed for a somewhat underwhelmed crowd (appaz they’re not very good) at the CeBIT expo in Hanover.
One was aptly named Lexy, while the other was less suitably named Tess.
Of all the stripper names out there… Tess?
RoboThespian
The RoboThespian is kind of like the C3-PO of our time.
The machine is used at national attractions, research institutions and similar facilities to supply info to guests. They look pretty creepy (especially with those eyes) but appaz they’re incredibly helpful.
All images via Getty.
