MetaFilter posts tagged with robotics and science

I Didn't Know That

netbros — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:11:17 -0800

Science Hack is a unique search engine for science videos focusing on Physics, Chemistry, and Space. For example, things to do with sulfur hexafluoride. Still growing, the editors are presently indexing other scientific fields of study including Geology, Psychology, Robotics and Computers. Ever wonder why things go bang?

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.

Robo-Monkey

gwong — Mon, 13 Oct 2003 07:37:59 -0800

We will create a cybernetic race of robo-monkeys. [via Washington Post]

monkeyJuice — Thu, 02 May 2002 02:37:50 -0800

Robot Rats!
Excellent, now i can take over the WORLD!!
Please add, Predator like optics and Universal Soilder healing abilities - I expect to see them on thinkGeek by the end of the month, thank you.
Although a little cruel, scientist have managed to put implants in rats brains, effectivley given them god like controls of the little vermin.

PWA_BadBoy — Tue, 17 Apr 2001 17:32:53 -0800

The robot with the mind of an eel. Doesn't this scare you just a little bit?

Nyarlathotep — Wed, 14 Jun 2000 11:08:20 -0800

Boba Fett hired by NASA.