Uncanny Robotic Dexterity
Mike Treder
2009-08-23 00:00:00

Here's a fascinating demonstration of leading-edge robotic performance:




Early in the video, the camera "eye" is shown closely following a ping-pong ball being waved around in front of it. That reaction made me think of a cat doing the same thing, and it also reminded me of this video from last year:




Now imagine combining the Big Dog's walking ability with the hand-eye coordination in the first video. That could lead to some extraordinary possibilities.

However, we also have to be cautious in our expectations. While the hand's skillful manipulation is impressive -- using tweezers to pick up a grain of rice, throwing a ball into a net, etc. -- it's important to remember that the machine is simply following directions, not thinking for itself. It has no understanding, for example, of the purpose behind tying a knot in a rope, or the effects of doing so.

What will really be revolutionary is when that kind of robot performance is controlled by an artificial brain that can reason at the level of a dolphin, solve problems as well as a octopus, and respond to humans like a dog. Then we will have to start preparing for a world in which robots are no longer just tools, but are moving close to deserving the rights of personhood. But that may still take quite a long time.