Thursday, August 28, 2008

When Artificial Intelligence Is Not So Artificial...

Scientists have created a "biological robot" that is being powered by a rat's brain. Neurons from the brain of the rat, sends signals to the robotic device, directing it to maneuver around objects.

Currently, the robot's creators are reportedly fulfilling their aspirations of "teaching" the robot. According to the BBC, the research team "is now getting the robot to learn how to navigate. Eventually the robot will be able to recognize familiar surroundings it has memorized."

Professor Kevin Warwick, who is the scientist in charge of the project, has stated: "This new research is tremendously exciting as firstly the biological brain controls its own moving robot body, and secondly it will enable us to investigate how the brain learns and memorizes its experiences."

Taking artificial intelligence to this kind of unprecedented level, where an inanimate object is combined with animal matter, can open all kinds of dangerous doors. This Pandora's Box is probably better left closed.

With inventions like this, how long is it before we are terminator status?

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