Japan vs. the US in - Robotics

Years ago, there was a race between Russia and the US to see who could get to the moon first. Thus putting Nasa on the map, making the US one of the dominant leaders in technology. Today its a little different. Japan is the leader, and the new race is "who can make the best Smart Phone". That topic is in no way impressive or interesting to me. Instead I decided to share how the United States and Japan, progress in Technology with Robotics (notice my header, and user icon). The videos below may make you laugh and give you nightmares.

Japan:
Honda, Toyata, and Sony, are the big names in Robotics in Japan. Sony has actually released a robotic dog named "AIBO" years back. It went on sale for few grand. As a result you had a K9 companion you didnt have to feed or pick up poop after. Sony has been successful in robotics because of its knowledge of weight, balance, and pressure engineering. "Qrio" (a bipedal humanoid robot) was Sony's attempt at showing off Robot movement and intelligence. In the video below you will see not only a demonstration of the movement of "Qrio" but also the amazing A.I. that syncs it to other robots, and.....the beat of the music playing in the background.

Sony robotics technology + Music = Dancing Midget Robots




America:
The Us does not take the same approach to technology as japan. While Japan focuses on the fun and economic aspect of robotics, the US concentrates on Power (in weapons). Most robotics are tested at NASA and the US Military. Below is a video by Boston Dynamics. They are the creators of "BIGDOG". As stupid as the name is, the robot is the opposite. Because of this video....I had nightmares about robots chasing me (kinda like Metal Gear). Why? Well you will have to view it for yourself. "BIGDOG" is a robotic....dog that can travel through almost ANY terrain. The video is VERY impressive and towered the end, you'll even see the thing jump! Boston Dynamics is currently developing "BIGDOG" for the US Military.

US military + Dogs = nightmares



There are tons of videos demonstrating how far technology has gotten with robotics. The race to creating to most realistic moving robot is almost over. But the race to create a perfect learning and growing A.I. is just starting (Ill post about that another time). Heres hoping that we dont end up like John Conner in the movie Terminator. Long live Skynet!...I mean Humans.