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Jan 22, 2016

Future humanoid robots may end up using University of Texas creation to self-heal

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

Self healing robots — definite big step forward in the broader robotics industry.


Future humanoid robots may end up using University of Texas creation to self-heal.

As cool as the Lost in Space robot was at the time the show aired in the ’60s, nowadays we think of robots as being a little more high-tech. Or even human-like. Think “Data,” the android from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

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Jan 22, 2016

Vancity Futures: The future of health

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, cyborgs, health, transhumanism

AR Surgery, bionic lens for better vision than 20/20, etc. Some really cool things are on the edge of becoming available for patients.


In the future of health, we look at how new technologies are revolutionizing the area of healthcare and wellness.

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Jan 22, 2016

Self-cleaning, anti-glare windows inspired by moth eyes

Posted by in categories: engineering, materials, sustainability

A new type of glass to reducing electric bills.


A revolutionary new type of smart window developed by the University College London (UCL) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) could cut window-cleaning costs in tall buildings while reducing heating bills and boosting worker productivity. Partially inspired by the reflective properties of moth eyes, this smart window is said to be self-cleaning, energy saving, and anti-glare.

When rain hits the outside of the smart window it forms spherical droplets that roll over the surface and pick up dirt, dust and other contaminants, then carries them away. This can either eliminate or reduce the need for manual cleaning.

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Jan 22, 2016

New Metal Glass Oxide Can Protect Living Cells From Ultraviolet Rays

Posted by in categories: energy, materials, space

China’s improved glass for space.


Chinese scientists developed a method to create a transparent, glass-based material with the power and lifespan to absorb ultraviolet rays. The metal oxide-based special glass is expected to not break down under prolonged UV radiation exposure. (Photo : John T. Clarke (University of Michigan), ESA, NASA | Wikimedia Commons)

Chinese scientists have discovered a special glass that can absorb and block dangerous ultraviolet rays.

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Jan 22, 2016

Here come the robots, welcome to the next industrial revolution

Posted by in categories: 3D printing, biotech/medical, business, economics, internet, mobile phones, robotics/AI

Go Hubo


The so-called ‘fourth industrial revolution’ will bring ever faster cycles of innovation, posing huge challenges to companies, workers, governments and societies alike Implantable mobile phones. 3D-printed organs for transplant. Clothes and reading-glasses connected to the Internet.

Such things may be science fiction today but they will be scientific fact by 2025 as the world enters an era of advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and gene editing, according to executives surveyed by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

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Jan 22, 2016

Apple hires virtual and augmented reality tech expert: Report

Posted by in categories: augmented reality, computing, finance, mobile phones, virtual reality, wearables

Virginia Tech’s Professor Doug Bowman comes to Apple to make VR. This should be very interesting since he won the research grant to work on the “Hololens” — could be interesting.


According to a report in the Financial Times, Apple has hired one of the leading experts on virtual and augmented reality — Virginia Tech computer science professor Doug Bowman. He was recently listed among grant winners for HoloLens research projects and is skilled in creating 3D user interfaces, reports Endgadget. He has also co-authored a book called 3D User Interfaces Theory and Practice.

He’s been working on technologies such as wearable displays and full surround display prototypes at Virginia Tech.

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Jan 21, 2016

Martin Rees: Can we prevent the end of the world?

Posted by in category: existential risks

Very well thought out, quite intelligent points.


A post-apocalyptic Earth, emptied of humans, seems like the stuff of science fiction TV and movies. But in this short, surprising talk, Lord Martin Rees asks us to think about our real existential risks — natural and human-made threats that could wipe out humanity. As a concerned member of the human race, he asks: What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen?

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Jan 21, 2016

Rise of Medical Robots: You May Now Consult A Robot Doctor Via A Mobile App

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, health, mobile phones, robotics/AI

Isn’t medical technology a beautiful thing — your own personal doctor and on your terms.


The new trend on healthcare technology is found to let you see your robot doctor in just a few taps in your mobile phones.

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Jan 21, 2016

Why you should be scared of robots

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, business, computing, finance, habitats, health, robotics/AI, security, singularity

Another article highlighting the fears around Singularity. There are so many great things that will come from Singularity such as Cancer is wiped out, improved healthcare across the board and cheaper, etc. And, there are also downsides as Gates, Musk, etc. have warned folks especially around AI.

So, what are our options and obligations around Singularity? In reality, you will not be able to stop this evolution from happening. However, each person has a right to decide how much singularity is right for their own private use. As a business or a company, there are many things to consider such as Total Cost of Ownership v. ROI, tax codes or how government will view “humanoids” v. non-humanoids as it relates to CapEx and Taxes, etc. And, the company or business needs to ensure that there are appropriate safegaurds in place in order to protect their data, etc… Also, government has an obligation to the people in general in safegaurding our rights, security, and safety.

Another, question that will continue to be raised and will increase overtime is government and business obligations to the financial welfare of the people. And, this one will become more and more complex and interesting overtime. If AI was to truly displace millions of workers; how will the countries help feed, clothe, and house millions displaced people beyond what they have done in their own country’s past? Will the countries government place a special tax structure on companies and businesses to help fund the displaced workers and their families? Or, will it be a joint partnership with business and government? It does make one wonder.

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Jan 21, 2016

Multimillion dollar humanoid robot doesn’t make for a good cleaner

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

This article does trigger some good questions for companies & households to consider as we roll forward into robotic mania. One, is the cost to replace or the cost to update/ upgrade your new “humanoid robot/s.” How do we look at CapEx when is comes to a “humanoid robot” v. a non-humanoid machine; and what will congress & government’s/ IRS viewpoint be around a “humanoid”; will there be special new rules in how we depreciate and do tax breaks on “humanoids” v. non humanoid AI machines?

Bottom line is, with a humanoid bot we’re stepping into a realm of companionship, relationships, etc. like any one would have with a person in their household, company, etc. And, the way government, etc. will view those situations and relationships may get interesting for all of us. We still have lots and lots of questions to figure out around this area; however, we do still have some time.

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