Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #03574
To: beam@corp.sgi.com
From: Wilf Rigter Wilf.Rigter@powertech.bc.ca
Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 10:40:18 -0700
Subject: [alt-beam] Beam Group Evolution
Beam Group Evolution
Each of us, through the process of experience, learning, testing and
correcting
ideas, builds up an internal model of the world. Part of that world view is
a
class of machines based on BEAM ideas. Whatever our backgrounds (and many of
us
have models of machine "life"/robotics of which Beam is a just small part),
we share a
common overlapping sets of ideas and models of Beam machines and Beam
technology.
This is the resonance that keeps us together as a group! (Nothing new here,
just stating
the obvious but worth a reminder).
In addition to our shared ideas, we all like to explore new ideas based on
improvements
of form and function of Beam machines. We want to check the validity of our
ideas or
models or our means to communicate through discussion with others, and by
building and
testing our ideas. Then we may report the results to the list or on our
websites or in
academia with the analysis or theory or description of operation, pictures,
circuit designs,
articles on building, videoclips. And we all want constructive feedback!
In this way, each successful new design idea or robot example is shared or
appropriated
and may be added to our internal models. Then the cycle repeats based on new
incrementally
improved models of Beam technology and we go on to propose and build more
complex and
refined robots. In the process, we sharpen our ingenuity and creativity, our
problem
solving and communication skills, and our powers of observation and
persuasion.
Thus Beam technology evolves.
Some of us just started exploring machine technology with Beam opening the
door.
Some of us have developed beautiful, complex, real and imaginary models of
machine life.
Some of us are happy to finish our first walker and others are not content
until they have
tuned a herd of bots for cooperative behaviour or have designed a
self-assembling/organizing
robot/machine cell.
Some see the evolution of robots as development of perfect slaves and other
can see
the possibility of nurturing the independent evolution of living machines.
But despite our differences, we are more than a collection of individuals
learning and growing:
we also share and grow ideas as a group!
The Beam group is and should be a gentle, low risk place where people meet
and share ideas.
enjoy
Wilf Rigter mailto:wilf.rigter@powertech.bc.ca
tel: (604)590-7493
fax: (604)590-3411
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