destrekor
Lifer
- Nov 18, 2005
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Google acquires Boston Dynamics, the robot builder behind Big Dog and Cheetah:
http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/14/google-bought-boston-dynamics-its-over-for-humans/
We're doomed![]()
Well... shit. That was a good run, humans. Better start planning now.
Seriously, that is a weird, very weird combination for google, but yet... exactly what should be expected.
I wonder how Boston and how it's relationship with the DoD and DARPA will continue. They made it sound like they will honor existing contracts, but I am actually going to be peeved if they don't continue beyond existing contracts.
The work Boston is doing, very much matches up with the ideas of future warfare and robotic assistance on the battlefield.
You've got mules for gear, you've got search and rescue, you've got the potential for the hunt... what else is Cheetah's purpose? it's gotta be to chase/hunt - what else is a robot faster than humans going to do? It's a waste to have it only keep pace with humans as they go about their mission like the mules and other robotic assistants/tools.
Not entirely sure what Google sees long-term with this, there has to be a strategy besides military contracts and having their company be apart of further R&D in the robotics department.
Perhaps the idea is that, with robotic assistants, Google has a huge opportunity to discover more pertinent details about individuals as we make requests of our assistants. As these robots accept our requests and go about their activities, that also means we'll potentially have more time to look at digital content - which is more time to display potential advertisements. They can also push to the assistants - like, "you've had me wash dishes for you. Might you be interested in this brand of dish soap? It just so happens you are also running low. May I remind you, I can make this or another purchase and have a Google delivery drone deliver it today or tomorrow."