Touch and Feel delivered via 3D Modeling

I was discussing a topic with a colleague which I cannot longer remember even thought the discussion took place less than 24 hours ago. But today I read this story, it describe the use of robotics and technology where researchers are in the mist of creating a system that could allow people to feel textures and shapes of 3-D designs created on computers -- without any kind of mechanical equipment.

"Carnegie Mellon University researchers announced that it could soon be possible to feel objects created on computers through a touch-based, or haptic, interface, without using gloves, similar equipment, or force feedback. One lightweight moving part floats on magnetic fields and simulates various sensations people experience when they touch real objects."

"We believe this device provides the most realistic sense of touch of any haptic interface in the world today," Ralph Hollis, a research professor in Carnegie Mellon's robotics institute, said in a news announcement.

The philosophical question comes into place when it comes to the design aspects of the device. Does this mean that the pimply nerd can design the girl of his dreams and then feel her up? Does it mean we no longer need to keep pets captive as the unit will allow us to pet one thereby securing the comfort of the animal?

The bottom line is that sometimes we stretch and push technologies past their limits. Why are we able to create sensations, design 3d elements, have a robotic companion at home, but we still cannot cure cancer, prevent viruses such as AIDS, or design a world where children don't go hungry?

Independent Robots

A while back I remember watching Robin Williams portray the part of a robot in the film Artificial Intelligence and thinking that someday technology would get there.

Well that day is not yet today, but China has gotten closer. A new breed of robots have been produced that not only clean your house, but are capable of charging their own batteries once they reach their threshold. This self service robot measuring but 14.3 inches in width and 4.8 inches in height was developed by Harbin University in the northern province of Heilongjiang, China.

The part vacuum, part mobile robot, which is expected to be mass produced within the next few years, will retail for approximately $200.

The intelligence of the machine has been designed and developed to be far superior and smarter than any other in the market today therefore allowing the robot to be very agile and perform its job avoiding all obstacle found in the traditional home.

With such a competitive price and ability I would not be surprise to see this unit produced sooner and see higher demands than that of a roomba. We may even find the market in a frenzy for the little guy surpassing that of tickle me Elmo a few years back.