Robotic Scientist

January 15, 2004 7:15 PM

Robotic Scientist- Scientists created a closed, automated system to conduct simple labor intensive scientific experiments in molecular genetics. The robot creates hypothesis and tests them. Supposedly it works more efficiently (picks less expensive experiments, and fewer of them) then its human counterparts (graduate students in biology and comp sci.). More detailed article in Nature here (institutional access / subscription required). I for one, welcome our new robot overlords.
posted by nads (5 comments total)

"It's a simple area of science. In that restricted world the
computers compete well with scientists....But if you opened it up I think humans would have the advantage. We tend to be more flexible."

And so it begins. One day, we humans will look back on this day and weep or gnash our teeth.

No! we'll celebrate!

Who are we?

Never you mind. Go back to sleep..
posted by troutfishing at 7:45 PM on January 15, 2004

no offense but this story is like over 48 hours old I reckon.

humans have more joints than machines. once they create a machine with 200 apposable (and manipulatively functional) joints then we shall stop being the most flexible destroyer of life on this planet.
posted by wantwit at 8:56 PM on January 15, 2004

One day humans will create a machine that enables them to move faster than any man can run.

Oh wait. the bicycle..
posted by balinx at 11:33 PM on January 15, 2004

"once they create a machine [...]"

Keep your shirt on, I'm working as fast as I can.

Maybe I'd be able to work faster if I had a bicycle...
posted by spazzm at 3:04 AM on January 16, 2004

Today they built a robot machine with a brain. But soon they'll build a better machine wityh a better brain, and, soon after that, and even better machine with an even better brain. One day, they will build a board with a nai - erm, robot with a brain so good it will destroy them all!!! Bwa hah ha!
posted by kaibutsu at 10:53 AM on January 16, 2004