Robot Teaches Itself Firing Accuracy
In a development that pushes the boundaries of sentient technology, researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology have designed a robotic system that can teach itself to hit a bull’s eye using a bow and arrow. The child-like machine named iCub has been programmed with a sophisticated learning algorithm -ARCHER (Augmented Reward Chained Regression) - that uses a camera to determine proper distance, force and trajectory to take aim. Through successive attempts, the robot is able to become increasingly accurate, theoretically improving its performance over time. iCub will be on display publicly this December at the 2010 Humanoids Conference in Tennessee.
And while we might not need to be preparing ourselves for an impending battle with machines anytime soon, this level of autonomous technology points to a future where our devices will take on greater utility in our lives through smarter navigation, recommendation and monitoring. A video of the iCub in action follows below.
Italian Institute of Technology
[via Wired UK]
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Scott Lachut is PSFK’s Director of Consulting, working with a team of global researchers to provide leading companies with insights on the trends and innovation that are shaping the marketplace from both a consumer and business standpoint. His previous jobs resemble multiple chapters from Studs Terkel's "Working." Away from the computer his interests skew towards cooking and lawn games.
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