Terminator 2 to Become Reality

VamPyroX

VamPyroX

bloody phreak from hell
Joined
Feb 27, 2003
Messages
34,374
Reaction score
21
Squeeze bots

Remember the morphing robot T-1000 from the film Terminator 2? Could something like that ever become a reality? The folks at DARPA apparently think so. Last week they issued a request for proposals on developing so-called Chemical Robots (ChemBots), which would change shape in order to squeeze through tiny gaps.

The DARPA request states that ChemBots should be "soft, flexible, mobile objects that can identify and manoeuvre through openings smaller than their static structural dimensions". It goes on to add that, "nature provides many examples of ChemBot functionality. Many soft creatures, including mice, octopi, and insects, readily traverse openings barely larger than their largest 'hard' component."

True enough, but it seems like a very tricky challenge. Even the most sophisticated modular robot would obviously have difficulty squeezing through something smaller than its normal size.

So I wonder what the best approach might be. How about using shape-memory alloys, electro-active polymers, or even rheological substances? Are there other materials that might prove useful? And what would such a thing look like?
Click to expand...
New Scientist Technology Blog: Squeeze bots

Wow, this is interesting...

Merge this with artificial intelligence... and we're doomed!
 
For every 1 invention that is intended to help mankind there will be 10 people who try to turn it into a weapon. Sucks don't it?
 
Dark-Half said:
For every 1 invention that is intended to help mankind there will be 10 people who try to turn it into a weapon. Sucks don't it?
Click to expand...
Yep!

I'm sure that if a country comes up with a cure for AIDS/HIV, they will create a bio-weapon that infects everyone in other countries knowing that they are in control. ;)
 
sigh... :roll: that why i rather to have nature world than mankind world... mankind is nothing but cause troubles..
 
VamPyroX said:
New Scientist Technology Blog: Squeeze bots

Wow, this is interesting...

Merge this with artificial intelligence... and we're doomed!
Click to expand...

An RFP doesn't mean that there'll be proposals that can come up with what DARPA wants. I could submit an RFP for a personal anti-gravity suit..... or an invisibility potion..... how many proposals could possibly result in what I want?

Looks like a great idea, and if the funding is there, I'd love to see development on that -- but I highly DOUBT that this'll be ready for many, many years.
 
Animal_Lover said:
sigh... :roll: that why i rather to have nature world than mankind world... mankind is nothing but cause troubles..
Click to expand...
The problem with that is that people thirst power... and that is through advanced technology. They never think of the consequences until it is too late.

Ever see Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines? That's what happens when people are ignorant. ;)
 
Back
Top