Post by whiterose on Nov 18, 2007 12:17:53 GMT -5
www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/11/16/with_robotic_bugs_larger_ethical_questions/
With robotic bugs, larger ethical questions
Advances affect ties of human, machine
Scientists report that robotic devices modified the behavior of a laboratory colony of real thingyroaches.
Email|Print| Text size – + By Colin Nickerson
Globe Staff / November 16, 2007
Here's a first: Bug-size robots have been used to coax thingyroaches into unnatural acts.
more stories like thisResearch reported yesterday in the journal Science described how a team of European scientists placed tiny robots in a colony of laboratory thingyroaches. Using behavioral modification methods, the whirring, partly-disguised faux insects were able to induce the real creepy-crawlies to follow their lead in seeking shelter in bright spaces. Bent behavior, indeed, for critters famous for lurking in dark, moist cracks.
No one cares too much if thingyroaches can be hoodwinked into acting against their own interests. Still, it's surprising that robots can insinuate themselves into colonies of living things, however wee-witted, and more or less take charge.
Although not designed to address major philosophical issues, the research nonetheless points to how robot science appears headed in weird and unpredictable directions. Some scientists say it is inevitable that advances will ultimately affect the fundamental relationship between humanity and its machines.
And many analysts say it is high time that societies start seriously considering the ethical dimensions of the technological advances, although others contend the dangers are exaggerated.
video Borrowing from Biology
Already, Asian countries that represent the gold standard in robotic research are pondering unprecedented new laws that would regulate how much --rest at link above
Their is comment at Raiders News Network! Thank You Raiders!
With robotic bugs, larger ethical questions
Advances affect ties of human, machine
Scientists report that robotic devices modified the behavior of a laboratory colony of real thingyroaches.
Email|Print| Text size – + By Colin Nickerson
Globe Staff / November 16, 2007
Here's a first: Bug-size robots have been used to coax thingyroaches into unnatural acts.
more stories like thisResearch reported yesterday in the journal Science described how a team of European scientists placed tiny robots in a colony of laboratory thingyroaches. Using behavioral modification methods, the whirring, partly-disguised faux insects were able to induce the real creepy-crawlies to follow their lead in seeking shelter in bright spaces. Bent behavior, indeed, for critters famous for lurking in dark, moist cracks.
No one cares too much if thingyroaches can be hoodwinked into acting against their own interests. Still, it's surprising that robots can insinuate themselves into colonies of living things, however wee-witted, and more or less take charge.
Although not designed to address major philosophical issues, the research nonetheless points to how robot science appears headed in weird and unpredictable directions. Some scientists say it is inevitable that advances will ultimately affect the fundamental relationship between humanity and its machines.
And many analysts say it is high time that societies start seriously considering the ethical dimensions of the technological advances, although others contend the dangers are exaggerated.
video Borrowing from Biology
Already, Asian countries that represent the gold standard in robotic research are pondering unprecedented new laws that would regulate how much --rest at link above
Their is comment at Raiders News Network! Thank You Raiders!