I thought it was worth mentioning that she will now be working at google!

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/03/dugan-darpa-google/

I really like this lady! "It may be a bit warm" lol!

Yes, because developing military systems that can reach any point on this planet in less than sixty minutes while carrying "more payload than just a camera" is the perfect answer to her question what should be your ultimate goal to work on if you knew you couldn't fail. What about world peace? ;-) I know, i'm some sort of hippie...

Nevertheless: One of the best TED talks i've seen so far and besides the military agenda a great motivator. Should be shown in schools to encourage young minds to keep an open mind towards engineering and science careers instead of just focusing on business and management positions.

"...her agency has created by not worrying that they might fail."

Well, that is completely contrary to what I know about defense research funding.

>> ^rychan:

"...her agency has created by not worrying that they might fail."
Well, that is completely contrary to what I know about defense research funding.


That is why DARPA exists.

I was most curious about the gecko-like sticky pad. Too bad I got no questions about that. I also liked the image of the internet. I would love to work there as I have some unique insights and stuff I'd like to try.

Cynical Brit is cynical.

One might imagine a similar presentation at a Cyberdyne Systems Engineers recruiting operation.

This entire speech is undermined by the fact we the taxpayers fund DARPA. Of course they're not afraid to fail, they never get fired or lose their money.

Irony is tax dollars paying for development of an IRS hummingbird drone

Actually, I want my vote back, please.

Mach 20 glider, mach 20 thermonuclear missile.
You say potato, I say potato.
Remote control hummingbirds are neato,
Running cheetah-bots are scary.
Let's skynet the whole thing off.