The newest Mars Rover is searching for evidence that the Red Planet could have once supported life. The stock market's been closed by its first-ever robotic bell ringer. Robot toys are reaching new heights of sophistication. And Almost Human, a new sci-fi series about a futuristic worlds where human cops work side-by-side with robotic partners, premieres on FOX this Sunday at 8 p.m. EST.
It's a good time to be a robot fan -- particularly for those of us in the Pittsburgh area, where cutting-edge robotics is one of our area's biggest and best industries.
Read on to find out more about robotics, including some recommended robot reads (fiction and non-fiction), robotics news from around the 'Burgh and around the world, and a few just-for-fun robotic links.
Robot Fiction - From the Catalog
- I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
The robots of Asimov's fiction are governed by three unbreakable rules, meant to keep robots safe and obedient to humans. Of course, rules are fraught with ambiguity, and Asimov does a fascinating, entertaining job of coming up with a slew of short stories that exploit each and every loophole.
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
Serving as the inspiration for the film Blade Runner, this novel centers on Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter on the prowl for six rogue androids masquerading as humans.
- Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson
Our dependance on robots and technology is ever-increasing. In this novel, robots find a way to use that technology against humanity itself.
Robot Non-Fiction - From the Catalog
- Robots, Androids, and Animatrons: 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build by John Iovine.
You don't have to be an expert to a roboticist! These 12 projects are intended for those with a new interest in the field of robotics.
- Robots of Westinghouse, 1924-Today by Scott Schaut.
From the New York World's Fairs exhibits to a mechanical dog, this book takes you through the history of the robotics designed by Westinghouse.
- Robotics: A Very Short Introduction by Alan Winfield.
A good jumping-off point for the robotics beginner.
- Moral Machines: Teaching Robots Right From Wrong by Wendell Wallach and Colin Allen.
Isaac Asimov would approve of this non-fiction book, which makes the argument that, as robots and technology increases in sophistication and intelligence, morality must become a component of programming.
"Hoops," the basketball-dunking robot at the Carnegie Science Center
Local Robotics
- Robot City: How Machines are Driving the Future of Pittsburgh - from The Verge.
Steel production may no longer be Pittsburgh's best-known export -- but we're still working with metal. Robotics remains a primary industry of Pittsburgh, with local scientists and engineers working to create personal robotic butlers, design robotics-based prosthetic limbs, and even deliver exploratory robots to the moon.
- RoboWorld - from the Carnegie Science Center.
It's billed as "the world's largest permanent robotics exhibition" -- and it's right here in Pittsburgh. RoboWorld's exhibits include robots that shoot hoops, answer questions, play air hockey, create artwork, and more. (Be sure to stop by the basement of the Science Center on your way out to get some robot-served ice cream.)
- The Robot Hall of Fame - from Carnegie Mellon University.
Created by CMU in 2003, the purpose of the Robot Hall of Fame is to "call attention to the increasing contributions of robots to society." Inductees include real-life robots like the Sojourner, Spirit, and Opportunity Mars Rovers; Honda's humanoid ASIMO; and the vacuum-cleaning Roomba. (There's also such fictional robots as Star Trek's Data and Star War's R2-D2 and C-3P0.) There's even a place to nominate your favorite robots for the 2014 induction ceremony!
The robot rover "Curiosity" takes a self-portrait on the surface of Mars
Robots Around the World - And Beyond
- Superfast Rock-Paper-Scissors Robot "Wins" Every Time - from BBC News.
Okay, it sort of cheats a little bit. But this robot, which uses high-speed recognition programming to "read" what shape the human hand is going to make, is virtually unbeatable at Rock-Paper-Scissors. Watch the video and be amazed!
- Robotics - from Time Tech.
Vehicles that perform their own valet parking? A robot that solves Rubik's cubes? A robot comedian? Take a look at these articles (and fascinating accompanying vidoes) for some of the most cutting-edge -- and truly unique -- machines from the modern age.
- Robonaut 2 - from NASA.
One small step for a robot, one giant leap for robot-kind. "R2" is the first humanoid robot to make it aboard the International Space Station. Cool and fun, the real purpose of the robonauts is also to help NASA work closer to developing robots that can help humans work and explore outer space, lending an extra pair of "hands" or taking on tasks deemed too dangerous for humans.
Just for Fun
- Robot Reportedly Commits Suicide After Becoming Fed Up With Doing Housework (Or, You Know, It Was Just a Machine Malfunction) - from Time.
A Roomba robot wheeling itself to its doom? Maybe those sci-fi stories were right after all.
- Skiing Robot Not Very Useful But Totally Fun to Watch - from the Singularity Hub.
Sometimes being fun to watch is what makes a robot useful. Check out the videos here!
- "Chiron Beta Prime" - from Jonathan Coulton.
Robotic overlords can't stop this family from enjoying the holiday season. Enjoy this music video from "geek musician" Jonathan Coulton.
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