http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/opinion/sunday/our-talking-walking-objects.html?ref=global-home
Simon is going to be one of the best inventions of all time! He is a humanoid Robot being designed by the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is being used to help show how people and machine could work side by side and even as coworkers in the near future. Simon understands speech and uses hand signals and social skills as well as speech to respond appropriately. Although Simon is only being used as a research tool as of right now there are promising signs that there can be tools similar to him available on the open market in the future. This article also states how some technology in Simon is already found in everyday tools that we can't live without such as coffee makers. some interesting items they say may be possible in the near future include lamps that would follow items that you move around on your desk, and even washing machines that will send you a text when the laundry is finished. These changes wont happen overnight, but when the time finally comes to have a fork that vibrates when your eating too fast, I'll be the first to buy one.
Now this article may seem a bit pointless, but there are some interesting points that it brings up. First off, how cool would it be to someday share a cubicle with a robot? I'd love to have one! Also these inventions will help people with simple everyday tasks. But on a more serious note these creations could be a huge contribution to our society. Imagine the ease of mind adults might find knowing that their parents don't have to worry about remembering to take their medication or refilling their prescription when the pill bottles remind them and even send a message to the pharmacy. These robot helping hands will help in countless ways without interfering or harming anyone like is commonly portrayed in movies. Sure this may be the rise of the machines, but it definitely puts it in a better light.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Asteroid Mines Want $20 Million
Asteroid mining firms aim to raise $20 million in funding. http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-asteroid-miners-20130122,0,5601691.story
A group of private entrepreneurs is hoping to raise $20 million to launch private craft to study and mine on close to 9,000 asteroids close to earth. These asteroids are packed with rare earth metals that are used in everyday products on earth and could greatly increase industry if this enterprise goes off without a hitch. DeepSpace Industries, located in McLean Virginia, plans to launch three "fireflies" by 2015 to investigate and take photos of asteroids closest to earth. By 2016 they hope to launch three "dragonflies" that will mine and collect materials and bring them back to earth for analyzing. If these missions are successful, larger crafts will be built to actually tow some asteroids into earth's orbit to be mined even more extensively.
At first glance this article seems like a load of bologna, who on earth would ever donate any amount of money for "asteroid mining"? It appears to be a pyramid scheme at its finest. But as you dive deeper into the story, it starts to make a bit more sense and not seem so absurd. Sure $20 million is quite a lofty sum, but within the first few years of actual mining and excavating this project could pay itself off. If I were a wealthy businessman I would throw in some money to get this enterprise off the ground (literally). But as I am just your everyday 15 year old high school student, me donating any bit of money is only a distant thought. I do hope this mission is successful and helps out the US' industry and economy.
A group of private entrepreneurs is hoping to raise $20 million to launch private craft to study and mine on close to 9,000 asteroids close to earth. These asteroids are packed with rare earth metals that are used in everyday products on earth and could greatly increase industry if this enterprise goes off without a hitch. DeepSpace Industries, located in McLean Virginia, plans to launch three "fireflies" by 2015 to investigate and take photos of asteroids closest to earth. By 2016 they hope to launch three "dragonflies" that will mine and collect materials and bring them back to earth for analyzing. If these missions are successful, larger crafts will be built to actually tow some asteroids into earth's orbit to be mined even more extensively.
At first glance this article seems like a load of bologna, who on earth would ever donate any amount of money for "asteroid mining"? It appears to be a pyramid scheme at its finest. But as you dive deeper into the story, it starts to make a bit more sense and not seem so absurd. Sure $20 million is quite a lofty sum, but within the first few years of actual mining and excavating this project could pay itself off. If I were a wealthy businessman I would throw in some money to get this enterprise off the ground (literally). But as I am just your everyday 15 year old high school student, me donating any bit of money is only a distant thought. I do hope this mission is successful and helps out the US' industry and economy.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
About Myself
My
real name is John Mitchell Ursick. My confirmation name is St. Longinus who was
a Roman Centurion who stabbed Jesus and then converted. I play football and I’m
on the wrestling team. I have one sister who goes to the University of Missouri
at Columbia. I have one dog named Fergie who is overweight. I like all types of
music. I am very bad at art related things (drawing, painting, etc.) I enjoy
watching all sports and I am currently learning how to play the banjo.
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