http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7548190.stm

now they are developing "swarms" of robots

the "flight of the bumblebee" music is amusing
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7549059.stm
a better link, more information about hopes for future uses

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Honestly, I can only begin to imagine the implications of something like this...sending our "swarms" into space to explore, as they mention in the article above. Sending our "swarms" to help with rescue missions, building projects, etc.

Perhaps another area where we will have difficulty setting boundaries and avoiding crippling errors in human planning. I don't mean to be "doom and gloom" on this. But it could be a mistake.

Hi Blink,

Related to this -

Don't know if you've seen it, now about 10+(?) years old, is an Errol Morris documentary called "Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control" that deals with this very area. In fact, one of the subjects of this film about 3 distinctly unique life-paths/professions, is a robot scientist at MIT who was a pioneer, maybe even the originator of this concept, hence the title of the film. By now, I am sure the technology is way beyond what was capable at the time the film was made.

The other 2 people are a lion tamer, and a topiary sculptor. It is a rare look into the lives of some very interesting people done in a somewhat cute, lighthearted way with profound effect. You might like it if you haven't seen it.

:)


- u