Futurelawyer

Hell Freezes Over - FutureLawyer Posts A Cat Video

Not really. I like cats. I just prefer dogs. Cats make me sneeze and my nose run. And, if I see one more cute cat video online, I might (well, you know). So, I give you my kind of cat video. Meet Nybble:

A Robot In Every Home - What Could Go Wrong?

'Robots for everyone' in 5 years, says Japan's most valuable tech startup - CNET.In case you thought that we lawyers were an endangered species, you haven't been listening. In 5 years, this developer says there will be robots in every home, and they will take over the mundane house cleaning tasks that are the bane of our existence. However, what happens when they go rogue, and start throwing pots and pans around? No, I'm not talking about your spouse. Lawyers will be spending a lot of time litigating robot negligence and product liability. Was it the manufacturer's fault? Was there contributory negligence by the homeowner. Was the robot properly maintained and serviced? And, that doesn't even cover the army of lawyers required to write the warranty disclaimers and liability waivers required to purchase one of these domestic goddesses. I can't wait until I get my first robot product liability case. I will be using artificial intelligent research to quickly get to the relevant issues. At what point will I be litigating whether a robot has individual rights? And you thought you were going to live in a utopia without lawyers. Get over it. 

Don't Fear The Terminator - Fear The Little Guys

If you are a fan of the Jurassic Park movie franchise, you know that the dinosaurs you should really fear are the Velociraptors, which hunt in packs, and attack en masse. Similarly, the robots you need to fear in the future are small, frog-like devices that can be equipped with poison darts or other lethal equipment. Imagine dozens of these programmed to attack you. Sweet dreams.

 

I'm A Robot. So What? You Still Want Me.

Want to convince someone you're not a robot? Use the word 'poop' - CNET. In the future, will we be able to tell the robots from the humans? Will we care? Of course, if all robots look like the ones in the movies, we probably won't; at least, until they start killing us. But, if you still want to know, or if you have to prove you are human, use words like "poop", or "soul", or "love". This assumes, of course, that the concepts aren't programmed into the future Terminators. It does seem like overkill to create a robot that "poops". But, some people are just sticklers for detail. Poop on, human.

LG's 'wearable robot' Makes Lifting Fun

LG's 'wearable robot' will transform the proletariat into unstoppable machines - CNET. While I get the industrial uses for an exoskeleton that amplifies leg and back strength in humans, I think the medical uses are far more interesting. Spine injuries, back injuries, and all sorts of medical problems can be helped by this technology. How great would it be for someone who can't walk to be able to put one of these on, and instantly become mobile again? In addition, they really look cool. 

AI Doesn't Kill People - People Kill People

AI cyberattacks: Artificial intelligence threatens cybersecurity. Killer drones, robots that attack, smart bombs; our modern computer technology is filled with scare stories about what danger AI poses for humankind. Lost in the talk about tech, however, is the fact that these machines are created by people. As in times past, weapons are made and used by human beings. We are the greatest risk to ourselves. Any balanced view of history must conclude that technology has been, by far, more benefit to mankind than danger. So, let's stop demonizing robots, and start working on creating a world that is free from risk caused by bad human beings. Jeez.

Robotics And AI Are A Good Thing

Rather than focus on the dangers of AI and robotics for our future, let's spend a moment and discuss the human enhancing possibilities of computer technology making life better for millions of human beings facing physical and mental challenges. Physical disabilities will become much less disabling in a future where technology creates robotic assistants and parts that make humans better able to navigate the physical world. This short film on robotic arms and limbs that respond to the user's mind control are a great example. Of course, such technology will also make able bodied humans more physically powerful; and, it is safe to assume that governments will use it for military purposes. But, that is not a reason to deny the benefits of the technology to those who need it to live better. I, for one, welcome our robotic assistants and co-workers to a future that enhances all human beings.

Rolls Royce's Robotic Insects For Engine Inspection - Still Creepy

Robot Insects Rolls Royce is creating robotic snakes containing robotic insects to inspect the insides of engines. This animation shows how it works; but, am I the only one who sees very creepy implications from this technology? What happens when one of the nanobots decides not to come home?

 

Monday Morning Creepy Robot Science

Scientists study jumping spiders to create agile robots. And now, for something to get your Monday morning going. Not satisfied with creating creepy flying robots that mimic flies, or scary 4 legged robots that walk and climb like dogs, scientists are now studying 8 legged spider motion. The only thing creepier than actual spiders jumping around are spiders that are equipped with surveillance cameras or poison darts. Sometimes, I am glad that I am an old man. 

 

Google AI - StarTrek Is Here

Google AI Blog: Google Duplex: An AI System for Accomplishing Real-World Tasks Over the Phone. Need your mind blown today? Check out these real phone calls from a Google AI computer to a hair salon and a restaurant. The clueless human on the other end of these calls has no idea they are talking to a computer. This seductive technology is like a flame. Don't get too close. You might get burned.