4 ms·
I vaguely recall that when the BD acquisition was announced there was speculation that Google might use these for package delivery, but not sure whether that ca
by jfoster 12y ago
I vaguely recall that when the BD acquisition was announced there was speculation that Google might use these for package delivery, but not sure whether that came directly from Google or not.
What are the simplest applications of these? Has it been made known what direction(s) Google intend to take this in?
- mkempe 12y agoThe most obvious application is military.
- melling 12y agoNah, you're just highly open to suggestions from previous discussions. The U.S. economy is almost $17 trillion. Plenty of uses... mining, construction, oil and gas, etc.
- jfoster 12y agoWhat kinds of applications in those industries?
- eitally 12y agoTo go anywhere people can't, or shouldn't.
- JoeAltmaier 12y agopack animal in rough country
- Cthulhu_ 12y agoTBF it seems a highly inefficient way to move packages in its current form. I'd sooner see an automated truck move around that honks when it's in front of its destination. Or just standardized package dropboxes placed in central locations (on the street in neighbourhoods, in front of apartment buildings, etc).
- qznc 12y agoYes, anthropomorphic or zoomorphic robots are probably not the most efficient form. If you want to move boxes around, a moving plate is enough. Kiva Systems Warehouse Automation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UxZDJ1HiPE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UxZDJ1HiPE Moving through public space might require more than a plate for safety and mobility reasons.
- jfoster 12y agoAgreed, which is why I'm asking what the simplest applications of it might be. It feels like it will be incredibly useful technology, but possibly a long way off any compelling application aside from the military ones that they're pulling out of. Best I can think of for this is in the area of mobility. Watching it get up stairs and hills makes me think that (with some changes to the form factor) it stands a chance of significantly improving the lives of people who are currently bound to wheelchairs.
- AndrewKemendo 12y agoAutomated search and rescue, or really anything that needs a higher resolution search/delivery than overhead can provide in inhospitable areas.
- yellowapple 12y agoThat niche is already covered by organic dogs, though; perhaps these robotic dogs are meant to be a replacement that requires less training expenditures?
- AndrewKemendo 12y agoI mean most niche's that have been automated were covered by organic capabilities previously. The idea is reducing costs and removing those organic capabilities from dangerous or fatigue inducing situations.
- deleted 12y ago[deleted]
- xxxyy 12y agoIf I were both rich and paraplegic I would like to have such a robot for myself to take me on hiking trips with friends. The noise could be an issue, but come on - these are just prototypes.
- orbifold 12y agoOr you could ride a pony :).
- yellowapple 12y agoThey're getting quieter anyway. I'd personally love to have one to help me carry my groceries and such. Or perhaps as my wingman (wingbot?) when I'm out on the town drinking. That would be cool.
- TeMPOraL 12y agoIt might not be the part of Google's vision at all. During BD acquisition, Google stated that they will honor BD's existing military contracts, they will just not take new ones.
- rasz_pl 12y ago>package delivery in Afghan mountains, or jungles of Ecuador, not city down town ...