>> ^oohlalasassoon:

Undeniably cool from a mechanical/robotic engineering standpoint, as is Honda's Asimo, and I applaud the abilities of those able to pull this off, but I can't see past the obvious: this is an unnecessarily-complex and unreliable mode of motion and these humans be ego-trippin about they legs.


It could be useful for carrying heavy loads up stairs and through narrow corridors where wheels or quadrupeds would be less practical. It will be interesting to see what it can do once they get it working on uneven terrain.

On the other hand, if we get brain-computer interfaces working a little better then maybe a future version of these could replace wheelchairs.

One day there will be a device the size of a hearing aid, controlled by thinking, which works as a computer headset, hands-free cell phone, mp3 player, and digital radio, all in one.

They managed to control the new iPod shuffle with only 1 button, plus 2 for volume. Distinguishing between 3-4 different signals in a brain-computer interface is already old technology.

I'm not a fan of the idea of the spoken word being a primary input device. It doesn't make most tasks any easier.

Now, voice recognition combined with some rudimentary AI (Confabulation Theory type stuff) that allowed the computer to understand context could definitely help augment the experience. But I'm not going to play a computer game or surf the web using that technology. "Scroll down. Scroll down. Click Reply."

BCIs (Brain Computer Interfaces) is where the real research energy needs to be directed.

Looks Totally -- F'ing -- Annoying to me. Give me my mouse and keyboard, because for over a decade the A,W and S keys, and full mouselook, has been wiring my neurons appropriately.

We dont think about our brain/computer interface at all when playing anymore, it's fully natural.

Look -- it's like he's rowing a real boat!! Except its a little stick of plastic, nothing like an oar, with no drag from water! Look -- it's like he's steering a car! Except he's forced to suspend these items in front of his body and there is no feedback whatsoever.

Neat-O, the kids (and I) will love swinging swords and tennis rackets for the novelty. But leave the serious gaming to the computer, I know we will.

Cross platform gaming would be fun though, it would be great to meet someone thrashing about with their Wii while the 1000dpi Microsoft Laser Mouse puts a laser dot on their forehead.