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This isn't really a robot, more of just a remote-controlled boat. Still cool and a great idea for helping people who are drowning, of course. But seems misleadi
by marcellus23 2y ago
This isn't really a robot, more of just a remote-controlled boat. Still cool and a great idea for helping people who are drowning, of course. But seems misleading to call it a "robot", which (to me at least) implies some level of autonomy and more tech than you'd find in toy RC cars from 30 years ago.
- MengerSponge 2y agoIndustrial "robots" often (generally?) have very little autonomy. It's helpful to not be constrained to the human form. What is a robot? An automated laborer.
- nine_k 2y agoIndustrial robots are autonomous: they do not require an operator. An RC car requires one.
- MengerSponge 2y agoMany follow a sequence of predefined triggers. They're as autonomous as a belt-fed machine gun, or an internal combustion engine. ROVs are piloted. https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explainers/technology.html https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explainers/technology.html UAVs? Also robots. Even if they're piloted. Bomb Disposal... Robot. An RC car? Probably a robot.
- lawlessone 2y agoi thought was just a backpack until it took off
- chankstein38 2y agoThe price tag also seems like the people want it to be marketed as a robot. You could strap a motor and RC controller to a floatation device and waterproof it for less than a couple hundred dollars. Why do things that are meant for safety always have to be insanely priced?
- zardo 2y ago> Why do things that are meant for safety always have to be insanely priced? When your product fails you may be liable for an injury or death.
- NegativeLatency 2y agoYou could also put the operator on a jetski directly
- tnel77 2y agoWhile greed is surely some of the answer, I’d imagine liability also plays a part. If your device fails to save someone, you could be a target for litigation.
- RobotToaster 2y agoYeah, if you look at the photos it's just just an RC boat with some stuff strapped to the top.