Adam Sobel (Week 2) - Boston Dynamics Robots and Robot Dog

     Technology has developed majorly since the first computers from the last century. Many believed that technology in the future wouldn't weigh less than 1.5 tons because of the processing and programs that they would run. However, recently, Boston Dynamics has built, in my opinion, the coolest technology that has existed yet: real-life, working robots.

    Boston Dynamics robots can do anything. They have the ability to track, lift up, and move around boxes. It can even keep track of the box in case it drops it to pick it up again. It can also be programmed to do parkour including backflips, running along slanted walls, and can also pick itself up if it falls over. They have also been programmed to defuse fake bombs and shoot guns and can even differentiate between soldiers and civilians, which means that soon they may be able to replace soldiers or serve alongside and protect them in the battlefield. These robots can be manually controlled or pre-programmed. However, in my opinion, they aren't as cool as the Boston Dynamics Robot Dog, Spot.

    Spot is the best not-actually-alive boy. He has a 360 degree rotating hand that can be used to open doors, it can also walk across any terrain, and has even put out fires. The best part, however, is that this robot is open to the public for sale, and it is the best gift ever. It has its own controller that can move it around, it has preprogrammed code that Boston Dynamics has put online, and you can even add your own code to make it do things. For example, one YouTuber Michael Reeves programmed it to dispense drinks to people at parties when it notices they place their red plastic cup on the floor.

    These robots show a lot of promise for the future of technology. While they can be manually controlled, they can also do things autonomously with preprogramming which can eliminate human error in intense situations. They also have a full range of motion, allowing them to do a lot of the things that normal people could do. Some may worry that these robots could one day replace us, however I think that that would be a good thing. Humans do a lot of dangerous things, but being able to replace those things with robots would be much safer for us. This weekend was 9/11, and many stories online are talking about the continuing health issues of first responders that inhaled smoke and debris and are now developing lung cancer. With robots, the lives of first responders will not need to be put at risk. They can make our society safer by protecting more people and reducing the chances of error. What do you think? Are these robots really good for us and the future, or should we stop production now?

Dance Video

Spot Video

Parkour Video




Comments

  1. Mrs. HSep 15, 2021, 10:55:00 AM

    I have read about these robots before, and I find it fascinating. Robots that are so functional can be a great tool for people in all sorts of areas of life. As long as they aren't AI - I'm not sure about AI. But high-level robots are an amazing invention! That said, Spot may be a good boy, but he isn't cuddly and sweet like a real dog. Alas.

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