Comments on: Sexy-smelling deceptive robot cockroaches!

Sexy-smelling deceptive robot cockroaches!

gingerbeer — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:00:13 -0800

Remember that X-files episode? The one with the robot cockroaches from outer space? Well, scientists in Belgium have created robots that act like cockroaches, and are accepted by the real cockroaches because they smell sexy to them. Better yet, the scientists were able to use the robots to change how the cockroaches behaved.

The researchers see this as the first step towards other animals: "In a review of biologically inspired devices, Rolf Pfeifer of the University of Zurich describes robot insects, spiders, snakes, lobsters, dogs, monkeys and humans. Such robots, Pfeifer suggests, offer the opportunity to study different patterns of movement, locomotion, navigation, orientation, manipulation, imitation and cooperation. Ultimately, he wrote, these might result in machines that are 'adaptable, robust, versatile and agile.' 'Exciting times are ahead of us,' he wrote." Of course some people are already raising ethical questions, and wondering how robots will change human behavior. Previously. And more previously.

By: MiltonRandKalman

MiltonRandKalman — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:19:25 -0800

...are accepted by the real cockroaches because they smell sexy to them. "wow check out the spiracles on that one. Hey sweetheart I know a motel not to far from here..."

By: empath

empath — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:38:43 -0800

video, please, thx.

By: mek

mek — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:42:59 -0800

There was also an episode of X-Files with sexy-smelling murdering aliens.

By: rtha

rtha — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:12:31 -0800

I, for one would like it very much if they'd program the robots to lead the roaches out of apartments. The place I'm in now is beautifully roach-free, but I lived in a place a few years ago that just...well, crawled with roaches. And thanks to the habits of my upstairs neighbors, there was only so much control I had over the situation. I would've given a lot to have some robot roaches come over and lead the real roaches out and over a cliff or something...

By: Lafe

Lafe — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:13:32 -0800

That episode was awesome.

By: delmoi

delmoi — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:20:26 -0800

I wonder what would have happened if they'd just sprayed the 'brighter shelter' with roach smell. Were the robots actually necessary for this experiment?

By: Skygazer

Skygazer — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:08:01 -0800

Do the Cylon cockroaches reincarnate when you step on them?

By: humannaire

humannaire — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:23:15 -0800

I, for one would like it very much if they'd program the robots to lead the roaches out of apartments. [begins writing patent]

By: humannaire

humannaire — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:28:44 -0800

video, please, thx. Here you go.

By: CitrusFreak12

CitrusFreak12 — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:35:59 -0800

Because of this post, I am going to have to say "you smell sexy to me" to some woman. Preferably in a Russian accent.

By: rtha

rtha — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:15:12 -0800

humannaire, you're a genius for finding that. I looked, but my youtube-fu must need a check-up. Two things I learned from that video: 1) The robots seemed to like to hang out with each other. 2) The roaches seem to be developing drag-racing skills. I could almost hear little tiny roach voices going "wheeeeeeee!"

By: five fresh fish

five fresh fish — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:40:17 -0800

I suspect the brain makes its decisions in much the same way. brain cells:decision::cockroaches:shelter.

By: gingerbeer

gingerbeer — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:15:20 -0800

Thanks, humannaire! I looked for a video, but couldn't find anything.

By: Clave

Clave — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:10:24 -0800

I love primary season.

By: Skygazer

Skygazer — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 02:11:20 -0800

Will the cylon roaces be very hot??

By: bassjump

bassjump — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 13:41:11 -0800

For people whose main interest in cockroaches is trying to kill them, Halloy cautioned that he can't foresee a day when robot roaches lure your kitchen pests into a trap. Damn!