Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #00478
To: beam@corp.sgi.com
From: Steven Bolt sbolt@xs4all.nl
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 11:46:21 +0100 (CET)
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: hmmm...i wonder which subject
On Tue, 16 Feb 1999, M le Roux wrote:
[ Jobs for BEAM robots ]
> I agree that one of the fundamental aspects of BEAM is
> surviveability, but I don't think is should be an isolated (or
> exclusive)goal. We will only be limiting ourselves.
>
> It should rather be seen as an integral (and important) part of a
> larger and more far-sighted design process. (not a hurdle to be
> overcome before any further development can take place)
When thinking so far ahead, design becomes a very basic problem.
People on this list generally want their robots to be autonomous,
capable of dealing with the unexpected in a meaningful way. But
design involves a specification of what to expect, preconceiving
everything that will happen to the `bot. Some generalization is
possible, but designing a device to be capable of making good
decisions in any real world situation it might encounter is very
hard indeed.
Judging by what happens in nature, it requires a much higher sensor
bandwith than our `bots are used to. A mouse, or even an insect has
sensors everywhere on its body. There is so much sensor data that
the animal becomes a true part of its environment, a cog in a
larger machine rather than a separate machine. The greater whole is
what makes the decisions, rather than the individual animal.
Another major stumbling block is mechanical agility and power.
Motors, batteries, solar cells and mechanical design all leave much
to be desired. Having grandiose dreams is fine. But you have to get
there step by step, and there is a long way to go.
Best,
Steve
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# sbolt@xs4all.nl # Steven Bolt # popular science monthly KIJK #
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