The Enormous Rise of Artificial Neural Networks

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Artificial Neural Networks, which are also known as ANNs have received a lot of attention recently. The increasing awareness of Artificial Intelligence has contributed a lot towards their popularity.

The Artificial Neural Networks can simply be defined as biologically inspired networks. In other words, these networks work similar to the human brain. As is probably well known, the human brain consists of billions of special cells named as neurons. To be precise, it has been estimated that a typical human brain consists of about 150 billion neurons. These neurons are inter-connected with each other to form a network. As a result, the human brain can be considered as a collection of neural networks.

The Concept of Neural Computing

The application of Artificial Neural Networks is known as Neural Computing. Neural computing uses a limited amount of concepts that are borrowed from biological neural systems. The main objective of Artificial Neural Networks is to simulate massively parallel processes that are associated with interconnected processing elements in network architecture. An artificial neuron would be the building block of an Artificial Neural Network.

A neuron would receive inputs from the other neurons that are connected to it. And conversely, the output of a neuron will be passed to several other connected neurons. The same mechanism takes place within the human brain as well. Likewise, the artificial signals processed by the neurons can be changed. How Artificial Neural Networks process information entirely depends on its structure. The algorithm that is being used to process information can also create an impact on it.

Application and Benefits of Artificial Neural Networks

Artificial Neural Networks can be applied to a variety of scenarios. The benefits that are associated with these applications have contributed a lot towards their proliferation over the past decade. The most popular areas where ANNs are being applied include learning, pattern recognition and interpretation of noise and incomplete inputs.

Humans follow a different approach when solving problems when compared to computers. The objective of Artificial Neural Networks is to make computers think and solve issues like human beings. This can help computers to solve complex problems, which cannot be solved with a rule based approach. In other words, Artificial Neural Networks are being used to solve complex problems that cannot be simulated using analytical or logical techniques. They have the potential to solve issues, which cannot be solved even with expert systems. Pattern recognition is a perfect example to prove the aforementioned fact.

Artificial Neural Networks are in a position to analyze large amounts of data in an effective manner. After the analysis, it can establish characteristics and patterns, where rules or logic are not known. Loan applications are a perfect example for such a situation. After going through a large number of historical cases, the questionnaire of the applicant is either accepted or rejected. Only Artificial Neural Networks have the ability to automate this process of approving loans.

Artificial Neural Networks also have the ability to create profiles or patterns of applications that need to be denied or approved. Then a new application is matched against a pattern by the computer. The computer would gain the intelligence to classify whether it is a “yes” or “no”. Otherwise, it would go for the decision of humans. That’s the main reason why neural networks are being used for a variety of financial applications such as predicting exchange rates, predicting bankruptcy and determining when to purchase and sell stock.

Artificial Neural Networks and Smart Computers

Computer systems have gone through significant development throughout the past few years. Artificial Neural Networks have contributed a lot towards this evolution. As a result, people in the 21st century prefer to use computers to accomplish most of their day to day needs.

A traditional computer has the potential to perform millions of operations within a second. However, this type of computer is not in a position to think like a human and make decisions by themselves. In other words, the traditional computers do not have the ability to perform certain tasks on their own. You will need to program those computers to make them perform certain tasks, but you will not be able to make them solve problems in the way humans do. That’s where Artificial Neural Networks come into play.

Artificial Intelligence can simply be defined as a set of techniques, which are entirely based on the behavioral patterns of the human brain. It can learn on its own and make decisions like humans do. Most of the living beings that exist on this planet are biological systems that learn on their own. They are capable of making useful decisions as well. Generally these decisions are based on the instinct of survival.

Human beings need to learn before they can make decisions. The same principle applies for machines as well. Machines differ from biological systems though in that they will have to learn new things through mathematical algorithms. However, Artificial Neural Networks have given machines the opportunity to learn new things like human beings. This has given life to a brand new aspect in computing as well.

The use of Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Neural Networks are being implemented mostly in the software industry at the moment. This has the potential to emulate the parallel nature of an Artificial Neural Network into a linear system. As mentioned earlier, Artificial Neural Networks are being used on a variety of applications such as image reconstruction, character recognition and voice recognition.

Neural networks can also be found in a variety of applications such as robotics. People however are extremely concerned about automation and the danger of robots taking over their lives as a result of advances in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. These fears derive from the fact that whilst Artificial Intelligence is helping the humans to achieve a better standard of living, it is also important to keep in mind that transferring the biological capabilities of humans to computers can make us more dependent on them.

In this respect, special attention has been attributed towards Artificial Neural Networks. This is because Artificial Neural Networks have the ability to make computers think like human beings and solve complex problems which in effect means that it can humanize computers. Such a prospect creates all sorts of anxiety and extreme scenarios. Nevertheless, for the time being, research is focused on different medical applications of ANNs with beneficial results for humans. What remains to be seen is how future research and practice in this exciting area will continue to grow.

READ THIS: Real Life Super Humans Via Robotic Software

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*by andreascy*

Trying to Improve Productivity in the Workplace? Try These Unconventional Methods

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

As business owners, you’re often evaluating business practices and looking for ways to streamline them. The basic understanding is that through improved productivity is the ability to succeed as a business. However, improving productivity within the workplace is not only about integrating new systems and processes, but also about motivating and encouraging the staff. 

Essentially, if the staff is not given the right amount of support and motivation, the business processes can decrease significantly. So, how does one motivate their staff to improve overall business productivity? Consider these methods below: 

1. Flexible Working Options 

Employees have a lot of responsibilities outside of work. Whether it’s raising their children, taking care of their health, or maintaining a household, they have a lot going on at one time or another. While employees are grateful for their jobs, many times, they are left to choose between having a successful career and taking care of personal responsibilities. 

If employers took the time to show their staff that they understand they’re not robots that essentially eat, breathe, and sleep work, chances are productivity would increase immensely. Offering flexible working options is one way to do this. By giving employees the ability to choose working schedules that fit best into their daily routines, absences decrease and productivity increases. Some ideas of offering flexible working options might include: 

• Varying Shifts – While most might assume that shifts are only for warehouse workers, this can be offered in just about any working environment. For example, a company that is open from 8 am to 6pm might offer the options of 8-4, 9-5, and 10-6. 

• Telecommuting – There are times in which you need staff in the office physically, but not in all instances. Why not allow your staff to work from home several days out of the week? Not only does this improve morale, but it also saves your business on overhead expenses such as utilities. 

• Days Off – some companies have programs that allow employees to have one day off per week during the summer seasons. This means that employees might work an extra hour on the days they’re in the office, but then be able to take off on the day they choose. Again, this allows them to enjoy their families, while saving you money. 

2. Encourage Breaks

Again, employers have to let employees know that they don’t look at them as robots. Encouraging breaks amongst your staff is a great way to improve morale and productivity in the workplace. Encouraging employees to take a break and stretch their feet or even take a little walk is a great way to show them you care. Making sure they’ve had their lunch and even one or two fifteen minute breaks per day gives them to opportunity to step away from the computer screen (or business equipment) and refresh their brains. 

3. Promote Wellness in the Office

According to a report by St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the average American worker takes off approximately 14 sick days per year... talk about slowed productivity. Employers can address this issue by caring about the health and well-being of their staff. Encouraging wellness within your workplace allows employees to get informed about their health, thus keeping them from using so many sick days. Some options for promoting wellness in your office include: 

• Offer exercise classes – having a yoga or zumba instructor come to the workplace on a weekly basis during lunchtime is a great way to promote wellness in the workplace. For a discounted price (or free if you’re willing to foot the bill), employees get to have fun while exercising which is great for their overall well-being. 

• Keep Healthy Options Accessible – most companies have vending machines that are filled with high calorie, sugary and salty foods and sugary drinks. Since this is the most accessible option for employees, they consume these things which cause them to gain weight. As you know, weight gain can open up the floodgates to health issues. Instead, try having healthier options that your staff can easily access. For instance, installing bottleless water coolers for your office will give your staff another beneficial drinking option besides coffee and soda. Also, opt for healthier selections in the vending machines. Instead of chips and candy, have the vending company put alternatives like wheat crackers, trail mix, and even baked chip options. 

• Offer Wellness Education – There are several companies that have started providing wellness education classes for their employees. Such programs give employees ideas on how to make better choices as it pertains to their health. WeightWatchers is often a popular program to consider. Employees get to attend meetings, and even participate in friendly weight loss competitions. 

Conclusion

What it all boils down to be is showing your employees that you care about them as individuals. When your staff understands that they’re more to you than just robot coming to work each day, they are more willing to get the job done quickly and efficiently. While investing in new systems and training is also a great way to streamline business processes and improve productivity, it is always important to consider those who have helped your business to be a success in the first place – your staff.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: How to Keep Employees From Texting Too Much

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*by andreascy*

10 Reasons Why The World Should Go Solar

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Guys, what's up? 7K+ people in this amazing group of News lovers and climbing! So proud to be connected with all of you. We have a better way! 

You’ve probably heard of it; Solar Power. The way to go green by using the sun for electricity and much, much more. 

If you take a serious look into all the possibilities that solar power has to offer, you are going to wonder why the whole world is not running on it yet. Here are the 10 reasons why the world should go solar:

1. It saves you money

One of the things that make Solar Power stand out is how on the long haul you are going to save money. Sure, getting them might be a bit expensive, but after a few years your wallet is going to thank you. Money saved can go up to $2400 a year (for homeowners) and up to $6000 a year (for business owners). You could take the family to Disney for that money. 

2. Solar energy is a way to escape the hold countries have on other countries

A lot of natural resources like oil, coal and gas are imported into our country from other countries. This means that when something happens in those countries, like lets say a war, we could potentially be cut off from supplies. Solar Power does not face that problem as it is possible in any country anywhere. 

3. It’s better for the climate 

Critics have pointed out that by making solar panels certain chemicals are released into out atmosphere that form a bigger danger than carbon dioxide. What they fail to mention is that more carbon dioxide is released into the air per day from all over the world than the chemicals used to make solar panels. For solar panels this is a one time thing, once it’s made it’s made and no chemicals are released anymore and that’s better for the climate than your car ever will be. 

4. Jobs 

If there is more solar power used there will also be more jobs for people out there. Especially in this economy those are needed, as unemployment rates are still on the rise in almost all of the countries across the globe. By creating a bigger market for solar power you will also be creating more jobs for more people. 

5. The sun isn’t going to run out of light 

Another of the pros of solar power is the fact that the sun won’t be running out of light anytime soon. However we will be through natural resources like oil and gas eventually. 

6. It has many purposes 

Solar power can be used in an infinite number of ways. The only thing that’s limiting us is our creativity. Currently there are satellites in our inner and outer atmosphere completely powered by solar power. Cars that break speed records are powered by solar power. In Africa water is being distilled by solar power.. Well, isn't that awesome?!

7. It’s easily integratable into your home or community 

Your house probably already has a roof where you can place solar panels, but even for those of us who live in apartment buildings there are great options available. By placing a field with solar panels inside a community, or outside a town when you need more space, you can easily generate enough energy for a whole neighbourhood. Which brings me onto my next point..

8. It’s usable everywhere 

Any country and any person in the world could live off of solar power. It could easily change the world and save a lot of people who are currently dying because of the lack of electricity, heating or drinkable water. 

9. Solar powered roads 

Not that long ago a huge online fundraiser for solar roadways was held. They got way more than their original goal of $1 million and no wonder. Solar Roadways are freaking awesome and here’s why; They will make driving safer for people and for animals, because they light up when anything walks over them, heat up in cold areas so the roads are not snowy and more. Plus they are very durable and take way less maintenance than those asphalt roads. Want to know more about this amazing project? 

Check them out here.

10. Low maintenance

Solar Power is low maintenance. Did you know that solar panels only have to be cleaned a few times a year? With everything you get out of them that’s just a small price to pay. Once your installation is up, there is almost nothing to do to maintain the installation.

The Bottom Line is: Solar Power has the power to change the world and it’s all up to us whether or not we take all the opportunities it has to offer to make this world a better one. 

SEE ALSO: CNETTV : Robots Pivot Solar Panels to face the Sun by QBotix

Have a nice week! If you liked this post please leave your good comments in the box below.

*by andreascy*

Meet The World's Smallest Flying Robot: The RoboBee

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY lovers! 😍👍

As you already know, I'm working a lot these days and this is something that takes a lot of my personal time. It keeps me away from my Blog, but I'm still active on social media.

Ok let's see today's topic. A team of Science folks came up with something interesting that really toke our attention. Researchers at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) put a decade's work into developing the penny-sized robot, before it took off for the first time.

They have created a robot the size of a fly that makes uses of smart composite materials and piezoelectric technology performing the agile manoeuvres of an insect. RoboBee, which is built from carbon fiber, weighs a fraction of a gram and has super-fast electric "muscles" to power its wings that can even sit on a fingertip.

A recent paper lays out the progress of the robot’s fabrication and flight, but two major hurdles remain in the RoboBee’s flightpath. One hurdle is how to power the bee and the other is how to give it a digital brain small enough to keep the bee in flight. 

In the video below (Video courtesy of Kevin Ma and Pakpong Chirarattananon) demonstrating RoboBee’s maneuvering capabilities, you can see that the current prototypes are still connected to computers and power sources. Scientists hope to cut the cord as the project develops, until they can create entirely autonomous colonies of these.

It’s simultaneously frightening and exciting. Guess what military will do with it! 😮 

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- Scientists Turn Quadcopters Into Flying Power Stations A TED View of the Future : Hypersonic Gliders and Flying Robots

- Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Quadricopter. Now available for Pre-Order

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Chemistry World : 3D Printing of a Soft Network

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

3D Printing has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything. Designers and engineers in the aerospace and automotive sectors have been using the process for decades to build prototypes. Many complex parts manufactured by 3D Printing are now present on aircraft, satellites, medical industry etc. etc.

3D Printing technology is advancing rapidly and its cost is falling dramatically. And this means something that was once restricted to a few elite industries is quickly becoming  more widely available and affordable. It's going to open up so many new possibilities for new businesses, new business models, start-up companies, new products and much more!

Now lets learn about a synthetic material capable of performing some of the functions of living cells : Oxford University scientists have used a specially modified 3D prototype printer to lay down a network of interconnected, electrically conductive droplets. 

This technology could find it's way into tissue engineering applications, helping to support cells that are being grown into healthy new organs - replace damaged human tissue or deliver drugs to specific locations.

"We aren't trying to make materials that faithfully resemble tissues, but rather structures that can carry out the functions of tissues," says Professor Hagan Bayley, who led the research reported in the journal Science.

3D Printing lets you build an object as complex as an organ, layer by layer or droplet by droplet, explains Cameron Ferris a research associate from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science at the University of Wollongong.

Read the full story at Chemistry World.
Related topics : 3D Printing Technology - Make things by printing them : How it works
Science Nation - Printable Robots Designed to be Consumer friendly, Inexpensive
Hi-Tech & Custom Designed 3D Printed Prosthetics
The Tomorrow Project : Conversations about Synthetic Biology
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*by andreascy*

Science Nation - Printable Robots Designed to be Consumer-friendly, Inexpensive

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Hello guys. Today we'll present to you an interesting project funded by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Expeditions in Computing Program. This project envisions a future in which 3-D robotic systems can be produced and designed using 2-D desktop technology fabrication methods. If this feat is achieved, it would be possible for the average person to design, customize and print a specialized robot in a matter of hours. 

Currently, it takes years and many resources to produce, program and design a functioning robot. This project would completely automate the process, from sketches on-demand, anywhere, and with the skill of a team of professional engineers, leading to potential transformations in advanced manufacturing. 

"This research revolutionizes the design and manufacturing of robots, with a profound potential impact on society," says Ralph Wachter, a program director in the NSF Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering. "It would remove barriers to manufacturing robots, making it possible for average citizens to customize and manufacture their own robots to meet their needs. This opens the door to great possibilities."

"This research envisions a whole new way of thinking about the design and manufacturing of robots, and could have a profound impact on society," says MIT Professor Daniela Rus, project leader and director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL). "We believe that it has the potential to transform manufacturing and to democratize access to robots."

The Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, known as CSAIL, is the largest interdepartmental laboratory at MIT and one of the world's most important centers of computer science and information technology research. The lab has played a major role in the technology revolution of the past 50 years. Currently, CSAIL is focused on conducting groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence, computer systems, and the theory of computation, while also tackling pressing societal challenges such as education, health care, manufacturing and transportation.

"Our goal is to develop technology that enables anyone to manufacture their own customized robot. This is truly a game changer," adds engineering professor Vijay Kumar, who is leading the team from the University of Pennsylvania. "It could allow for the rapid design and manufacture of customized goods, and change the way we teach science and technology in high schools."

Check out the video!

Related articles: 
3D Printing Technology - Make things by printing them : How it works
High Tech & Custom Designed 3D Printed Prosthetics
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*by andreascy*

Boston Dynamics Unveils BigDog's Dynamic Robotic Manipulation

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Robot Manipulation is the basic Science in Robotics. Most of the modern theories arise from the classical concepts of Robot manipulation. 

In the last two decades, there has been a tremendous surge of activity in Robotics, both at in terms of Research and in terms of capturing the imagination of the general public as to its seemingly endless and diverse possibilities.

This period has been accompanied by a technological maturation of Robots as well, from the simple pick and place and painting and welding Robots, to more sophisticated assembly Robots for inserting integrated circuit chips onto printed circuit boards, to mobile carts for parts handling and delivery. Several areas of Robotic automation have now become “standard” on the factory floor and the field is on the verge of a new explosion to areas of growth involving hazardous environments, minimally invasive surgery, and micro electro-mechanical mechanisms. 

A manipulator mechanism is a device used to manipulate materials without direct contact. It is an arm-like mechanism that consists of a series of segments, usually sliding or jointed, which grasp and move objects with a number of degrees of freedom.

Our loyal readers might be familiar by now with Boston Dynamics, the local Robotics company creating with remarkable behavior: mobility, agility, dexterity and speed, the most advanced robots on Earth. That includes the "BigDog", one of a few models utilizing the company's LS3 - legged squad support system - technology. But what happens when you add a brick throwing arm to those legs? Uh-Oh...

Yeap, you heard me right. Rise of the machines! 😀

"BigDog" now handles heavy objects and can fling them, using human motion as a model. The mechanical dog is over a meter tall and weighs more than 100 kilograms (which is more than the average man), and can throw using its whole body, 35lbs of concrete blocks across a room (a bit more than 17 ft). The company has been steadily improving “BigDog” for years with funding from the Army Research Laboratory (RCTA) and seems to have high hopes for this latest advance...

"The goal is to use the strength of the legs and torso to help power motions of the arm. This sort of dynamic, whole-body approach to manipulation is used routinely by human athletes and will enhance the performance of advanced Robots. Boston Dynamics is developing the control and actuation techniques needed for dynamic manipulation", a Boston Dynamics spokesperson said.

“There are a wide variety of applications, both military and civilian, where strong and dexterous manipulation would be needed,” another spokesperson added. “Think of anything a person does now in the field, such as clearing ruble, fighting a fire, digging up an IED, etc. Rather than focus on a specific mission right now, the RCTA program is focused on core functionality that will be useful for many applications.”

You might say it is hard to imagine any real world practical applications for this project. Actually almost everything has a real world practical application, especially if imagination flows without bounds. Moreover, in this case, it is not even hard to imagine! How about: close quarter combat, tear/rip the enemy (human or other robot) apart or throw the enemy somewhere to be terminated, rescue excavation (after an explosion, mine collapse, bombing, earthquake etc.)?

The problem though is that when we create things for destruction, they get used for destruction. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. 

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*by andreascy*

Create the Future with SunSaluter and Galaxy Note 10.1

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

The SunSaluter is a technology that enables the automatic rotation of solar panels to follow the sun throughout the day (just like a sunflower) to increase their energy generation - without using any electricity to do so. 

The technology was created by Eden Full and is being developed by her company Roseicollis Technologies.

It has been deployed in two pilot projects in Kenya. Fascinated by biomimicry, Eden Full aims to power a whole village on SunSaluters in Peru and southern India -- by 2013.

The SunSaluter won the Mashable/UN Foundation Startups for Social Good Challenge and was awarded the runner-up prize at the 2011 Postcode Lottery Green Challenge.

"Good technology is something that is simple, something that anyone whether you are 5 years old, a university professor or a farmer in Tanzania, you'd be able to look at it and get it."

Currently in active development, the Roseicollis Technologies website claims that the SunSaluter is :

• Cheaper: It is constructed from locally-sourced and recyclable materials rather than electronic components.

• Simpler: Almost anyone can assemble and maintain it because of its intuitive design.

• Flexible: It can be installed underneath any existing solar panel with a few minor adjustments.

Watch on the video below how the Galaxy Note 10.1 plays a part in creating the future with Eden from SunSaluter.

In order to preserve our planet and encourage societies to adopt renewable energy resources, we need to lower the cost of solar energy so it is more affordable for individual families and their homes and villages. The SunSaluter is a contribution to tackling energy infrastructure growth and climate change.
Read also: Robots Pivot Solar Panels to face the Sun by QBotix
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*by andreascy*

Scientists Unveil Rex, the Million-Dollar Bionic Man

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

A sign of how far the science of robotics has come is today's topic. The world is changing in a rapid way and most of the difficulties of the past are now engineering challenges. Leaders in the field discover impressive techniques that science fiction becomes part of everyday life. 

Swiss psychologist Bertolt Mayer was born without a left hand but now has a £30,000 bionic replacement - which could soon be obsolete. On the picture below he views "Rex", a two-meter tall artificial human, at the Science Museum in central London that was assembled for his documentary entitled "How to Build a Bionic Man".

Mayer was used as the model for the "bionic man," (including his face and his other favorite features), whom British roboticist designers claim is the world's first complete bionic man.

"I’ve looked for new bionic technologies, out of personal interest, for a very long time and...until five to six years ago nothing much was happening. Then suddenly we get this explosion of innovation," he told reporters.

Costing more than £500,000 to build, the human-like machine is featuring the latest in prosthetic technology like artificial organs (including a pancreas, kidney, spleen, trachea) as well as fully functioning limbs and synthetic blood (a blood circulatory system made of nano-particles that are able to bind oxygen and give them off, just like real blood can do). It even has sight.

Robotics expert Richard Walker, and Prof Alexander Seifalian of University College London, explained to the BBC's John Maguire how aspects of technology for helping physically handicapped people, were brought together for the project. Enjoy the video!

Learn more on Gizmag.

Amazing right? :) If you like this topic then definitely you will love our robotics section. If you get deeper on our Blog you will completely change your idea of what robots can do. You could bring forward your opinions and suggestions by using the comments box or the contact form. Spread our voice to your social circles and don't forget to subscribe on our feeds for more. 

*by andreascy* 

Some Emergent Internet Applications

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

As the Internet grows day by day (by trillions of addresses) even more uses are made of it. Seriously, that's not a typo.

Here we look at two futuristic applications that are with us today; an Interplanetary Internet (known as InterPlaNet) and robots that are controlled by our own thoughts.

1. The Interplanetary Internet 

No, it is not science fiction. There really is an interplanetary internet, and its primary node is inside the International Space Station. In fact it has been operational since 2009, but it is now expected to take on an entirely new role as rumors emerge that NASA is working on new plans to develop a hovering moon base.

This base (called EML-2) would be situated 60,000 kilometres away from the dark side of the moon at what is called a Lagrange Point. There are a number of such points close to the earth’s orbit where all the gravitational pulls even out, creating gravity neutral regions where space craft can effectively be parked without the need of any fuel to keep them there. 

Astronauts aboard EML-2 would be able to control robotic vehicles on the surface of the moon in real time rather than the three second delay when controlling them from earth. The concept has now been tested by controlling a prototype moon rover on earth via the interplanetary internet. 

2. Your mind in a machine 

VGo is a robot. It attends school and goes from lesson to lesson using a camera. It is surrogate of a young boy who, because of allergies, cannot attend school himself. He controls the robot over the internet and takes part in school lessons and communicates with his friends through it. He is not unique. Such virtual travellers are becoming common place; they save lives in operating theatres and take them in wars; they even carry out nine to five jobs.

Currently they are controlled by mice and keyboards, but the next generation will be controlled by thought alone. As well as sight and sound they will send back to the user senses of touch and smell. Effectively we will be able to become completely immersed in an alternative location; effectively we will be the mind in a remote robotic body.

You can buy basic ones now for under £10,000. To control it remotely over the internet you just need access to a computer and web camera and people are using them for such purposes as touring museums and visiting family. They are being trialled in hospitals for remotely checking on patients. 

A prototype has been built that is controlled remotely over the internet by a person wearing a body suit and controlling one just by thought has been demonstrated using a MRI brain scanner.

Final Words

As broadband continues to develop, ever more uses will be made of it that extend far further than downloading movies and social networking. Perhaps future broadband deals will include the option to add a robot that we can send off to work while we put our feet up. 

*by andreascy*

Could Your Business Run From a Tablet Computer?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Think about your workplace, everyone sat in front of their monitors tapping away, but do we all really need to be shackled to our desks? 

Image: Adam Grabek

Tablets can do some amazing things, but could they do everything you needed to in the office?

Test 1: 49 Unread E-mails

How many emails do you get a day? More than me? I very much doubt that! Really? That many? Ok, so you win (or lose depending on how you look at it). Well now you can have your e-mails at your fingertips wherever you go! What do you mean that sounds like your worst nightmare?

Test 2: Words Per Minute 

So, you may have your emails at the ready whenever you need them, but what about actually replying to them? You don’t want people to think that your ignoring them do you? No, of course not. So why don’t you sit there awkwardly tapping away? The worst thing about typing on a touch screen is that when you do inevitably look down and see a mess of words that resemble nothing more that alphabet spaghetti, there is no guarantee that your fat fingers will be able to hit the backspace button to get rid of them.

Test 3: The Big Presentation

Have you noticed how still the models hold their hands in the Apple TV adverts, so still in fact that you would be mistaken for thinking that they were actually robots. It’s just not natural. Well, in real life when you are trying to show your colleague a scatter graph of plummeting sales, you better make sure you have practiced standing still. It’s a million times easier for someone who is holding the tablet to read from it, but somehow handing it over feels like you are losing your sense of power and control. Not that you had any in the first place.

Test 4: The Client Meeting

Need to print out a sheet for everyone to see? Want to refer back to an e-mail you received but can’t access it on the conference room computer? Well yes, a laptop may do exactly the same job in this position but it definitely doesn’t look as cool.

Maybe tablets can just give you the edge in the client meetings stages of the day. The sophistication, smart presentation and slick interface all help when it comes to the presentation of your business.

Sure, you may need to do some work when it comes to application performance management to make sure your tablet business empire doesn’t come crashing down, but I think if you really wanted to, you could do it. You could run a business from a tablet. Office workers of the world, rise up from the shackles of your desks! No? Oh alright then, let’s go and have a coffee instead.

James Duval is an IT specialist living in the hope that one day we will all become robots and robo-boogie for the rest of our days. He writes for centeractive from his tech castle.

*by andreascy*

CNETTV : Robots Pivot Solar Panels to face the Sun by QBotix

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Robots have proven themselves in extreme and diverse environments from the surface of Mars to battlefields and ocean depths. 

QBotix is a robotics company that is bringing the innovations of last several decades to the operation and management of solar power plants.

Their mission is to leverage their expertise in rugged and intelligent robotics to create breakthrough products that offer a compelling combination of competitive cost, high reliability, easy installation, superior performance, universal compatibility and unprecedented system level intelligence. 

With their products, customers reduce cost of ownership while increasing their profit margins and investment returns in solar power plants.

QBotix has invented the paradigm of Solar Robotics™, where autonomous, rugged and intelligent robots replace hundreds of conventional electromechanical components, and also reduce structural material requirements. 

The use of their paradigm allows the creation of fundamentally new system level architectures that reduce cost and increase performance and reliability.

Their first product is the QBotix Tracking System™ (QTS™), which delivers dual axis tracking at single axis installed price. 

The QTS works with all existing photovoltaic modules, inverters and foundations to increase energy production and decrease installed costs, providing the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of any mounting or tracking system.

Just like a sunflower turns its head toward the sun, smart and efficient solar panels must do the same for maximum energy absorption. CNET's Kara Tsuboi visits Qbotix in Menlo Park, Calif., where the company introduced such a robotic tracking system that mechanically pivots solar panels, saving energy and money.

If you liked our article read also :
Solar Energy Panels vs. Solar Electricity Plants
Natcore Technology achieves the Blackest Solar Cell ever designed to absorb 99.7% of all light
MIT 3D Stacks of Solar Panels increases their Power output by up to 20x
TED : Donald Sadoway - The missing link to renewable energy
Japan : Rallying for Solar expansion

*by andreascy*