Stem News: New robot has a human touch

A group from Cornell University has recently published a research paper explaining new innovations for soft robotic hands. The group, lead by a Robert Shepard, believes that using stretchable optical waveguides to act like force sensors. This will help robotic hands be able to apply the same amount of force that a human might on an item. Now unlike most robots that have sensors outside their “bodies”, this hand will have sensors inside the structure. While this won’t affect me personally, I know of several people missing hands and arms that would benefit from this if it later becomes possible to implant functioning cybernetics like in “Star Wars”. I believe that this research is important and should be expanded.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161212134605.htm

Learning Reflection: Binary Code

     This week in my Exploring Computer Science class we went over Binary Code. Binary Code is a base two number system that uses the numbers 0 and 1, similar to how we use our base ten number system for most math (0,1,2,3...). Computers use binary code for just about everything from calculations to producing the words you see on your screen right now. Understanding binary code is essential to anyone wanting to be involved in computer science as it is the core universal language that all computers share and use to make your digital dreams a reality. Though it may seem complicated at first, once you understand the basics then rest is very easy to pick up.

Learning Reflection: Artificial Intelligence

     For the week, my class has been learning about AI or Artificial Intelligence. AI is a computer programmed to learn and adapt like a human. Some examples of AI include Apple's Siri helper or the famous chatbot, Cleverbot. Eventually, many computer scientists plan to be able to create AI that are indistinguishable from humans. Of course the "rise of the machines" theory is a concern but a part of making AI more human is to make them with a human like feelings and reasoning. But regardless, it's unlikely that we'll have HAL for some time.