I came across the TweenBots project on AdverBlog. And what is a tweenbot, you ask?
Tweenbots are human-dependent robots that navigate the city with the help of pedestrians they encounter. Rolling at a constant speed, in a straight line, Tweenbots have a destination displayed on a flag, and rely on people they meet to read this flag and to aim them in the right direction to reach their goal.
And they're cute too:
I like this project on a variety of levels. First, it gets creativity points for just thinking of the idea. Second, I find it restores a bit of faith in society - people aren't so self absorbed that they won't take a few minutes to help the little bot on its way. Finally, the practical side of me thinks this human assisted technology is an interesting model. Rather than make an especially complex device, make a simple device with an easy way for people to correct it.
I wonder when they'll start rolling around Arlington?
we should definitely try this.... we live close enough but I wonder what the Pentagon would think about one of there running down Army-Navy Drive?
ReplyDeleteYeah, the Pentagon would either want to blow it up, or use it for themselves.
ReplyDelete-Ben