iRobot Introduces Morphing Blob Robot 177
Posted
by
kdawson
from the compare-to-doctor-johnson's-dog dept.
from the compare-to-doctor-johnson's-dog dept.
Aristos Mazer sends word of research out of iRobot on a "chembot," or morphing blob robot, that looks like dough and moves by shifting its sides from solid-like to liquid-like states. This will allow it, in theory and after lots of refinement, to pass through cracks by squeezing. iRobot calls the new technique "jamming." The research project was funded by DARPA. The video clearly shows the early stage the work is in, but when you think about it the possibilities are a little unsettling.
That's impressive? (Score:5, Funny)
I've got a sourdough starter that will kick that thing's jammy little ass.
Hey! (Score:5, Funny)
Taco is NOT a robot! I've seen him write an original summary!
Additional Robots (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Hey! (Score:3, Funny)
I've seen him write an original summary!
When did this happen?
d'oh (Score:5, Funny)
looks like dough and moves by shifting its sides from solid-like to liquid-like states
Sounds like my wedding night.
Finally (Score:2, Funny)
Re:wow no obligitory T-1000 comment ? (Score:3, Funny)
public?
Re:Finally (Score:5, Funny)
I can see that I am not the only deeply perverted Slashdotter here.
Come on, they are just asking for it.
Although I think the best market for this is initially one populated by disgusting perverts (a larger market than anyone wants to admit) there is something incredibly terrifying about a military machine whose primary target is your asshole .
Imagine the horror. Somewhere in eastern Afghanistan there are men huddled in a cave fervently whispering. Talking not about smart missiles, bunker busters, and fuel bombs, but about smart AI blobs of fast moving jelly that get inside you and your death is one by your asshole exploding slowly through intense pressure deep in your bowels .
Between one of those horror blobs and 10 Navy Seals, I think I would choose death by Navy Seals instead.
Wow (Score:4, Funny)
It's a... (Score:1, Funny)
Shoggoth!
Re:The Ball! (Score:3, Funny)
What's wrong with calling an object of terror "the ball"? Cubes are our companions, balls our terror, and pyramids somehow related to mysterious or secret groups or aliens with strange powers.
I'm not sure where a robot blob fits on the scale though. I guess it depends on whether it decides to server or destroy humanity. Then it should squeeze in nicely next to either flubber or skynet.
That's all well and fine... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Medical applications (Score:5, Funny)
Luckily, the use of blood to control the size and hardness of a mechanical system is a well-demonstrated technology.
Re:Finally (Score:3, Funny)
A suicide bummer?
Re:Hey! (Score:3, Funny)
I've seen him write an original summary!
When did this happen?
Don't worry, it won't happen again.
I've made a few...adjustments...
Re:Uh oh (Score:4, Funny)
Don't worry, this technology has been out for years [wikipedia.org] and nothing's happened yet.
For referencing that TV show I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
Re:That's impressive? (Score:5, Funny)
Also, it was shown moving over a perfectly flat tabletop. Not quite the images of terror I was expecting. Call it how it is.
Daleks could only move over flat surfaces too.
I, for one.... (Score:2, Funny)
... would feed them honey flavored jelly beans.
Re:Uh oh (Score:3, Funny)
We're one step closer to tentacle-rape robots. Just pray to god the japanese don't get hold of this.
Re:That's impressive? (Score:3, Funny)
They could also turn anything into a flat surface.