Construction Mini Robots could be Way of the Future

In the future, the world's tallest building could be built by termite inspired robots that similar to the insect, are programmed to react directly to its environment and operate individually instead of with a chain of command like we complete our big projects. In this article, these worker drones can allow humans to take a backseat on the dangerous jobs so humans do not have to needlessly risk their lives. The robots are not big measuring to a height of 4.7 inches, with a footprint of 4 x 7 inches. They operate by using their whegs, or wheel-legs, these hook onto the surface allowing them to traverse the surface of the construction project with ease. Unlike science fiction however, these bees are not connected to a hive mind. According to Jason Werfel of the Wyss institute for Biologically inspired Engineering "They do all of their coordination indirectly, by changing their shared environment." This means that they communicate by changing the environment around them and the other robots will react by altering what they come across as well. Thus building in the style of Termites.

These robots might have one really useful ability that would save us time and money and that is building in space. These robots could make repairs on the international space station allowing astronauts and mission control to observe their progress from safety. The robots could also be used to repair rovers or a potential station on another planet such as Mars.  Also by not having a centralized chain of command if one or more robots are damaged and are inoperable the rest of the "colony" will continue to complete the project with ease. This eases the logistical concerns of humans supervising these workers from a distance. These robots could usher in a new age where robots are able to complete the most dangerous and difficult assignments without the risk of losing human life. I am very interested in these robots and am curious to see what other robotic technology is ushered in after these amazing little workers.

The Google Glass Revolution?

By: William Harper-1/28/14

Google has been trying to diversify it's portfolio throughout the last decade and their new innovation is Google Glass. Google Glass is an attempt to take smart technology that is being used for phones and applying it to eye wear. Google is now trying to adapt to consumer needs by adding prescription lens and collaborating with third-party companies. There have been rumors that Google could be partnering with hip eye-wear retailer Warby Parker to add style to this clunky invention. This is indicating that Google has confidence in it's product and are willing to invest time and money into making Glass a success. 

Going forward, Google anticipates the consumer will not want to wear regular eye-wear because it won't be able to do a task that would be desirable and expected. "We're going reach some day, hopefully it will be soon, where people will wonder 'why would i want traditional glasses? They don't do X, Y, or Z'" said Google Glass Product Director Steve Lee. This view expressed by Mr. Lee expresses Google's desire to take over the market and to perhaps to extend their reach into other smart technologies. The company has already made inroads into smart car technologies and innovations that will potentially remove the need to drive as our cars will be driven together by a smart device, similar to a school of fish. These future projects point to the future of Google as a titan of industry.  

It will be interesting to see how Google progresses into this new age of technology with their array of smart devices and technologies that will continue to revolutionize the way we live our daily lives. The Google Glass as well as the Smartwatch will indicate the success of this smart device trend. Also, how will these endeavors affect other interests in the industry such as smart clothing being produced by athletic companies such as Nike and Under Armor? Whatever the answers to these questions it will be enlightening to see how Google finds it's way.