Life-saving operations on soldiers in combat zones could become possible thanks to a portable robotic surgeon that allows doctors to perform surgery on the battlefield without endangering themselves.
Researchers at the University of Toyko have developed a Robotic Catcher that can comfortably grab a ball careering through the air at 300 kilometres per hour, or 83 metres per second, its creators say. And, of course, the robot never gets tired of doing so.
Jordan Pollack argues that the ethical questions surrounding robotics -- should robots carry weapons, how closely should humans and robots be integrated, etc. -- should receive much more attention now before the robot revolution hits.
The use of robots around the home to mow lawns, vacuum floors and manage other chores will increase sevenfold by 2007 as more consumers snap up smart machines, the United Nations said.
An interview with Robotics expert, Kevin Warwick, on the threat that intelligent machines pose to the future survival of humanity.