Today Rubik’s Cubes….Tommorow the WORLD!
CBBC Scare:
I read the CBBC almost every day because it is really interesting and uses kid friendly language. On most weekday afternoons I happily enjoy my favorite snack, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (with the crust on), while catching up on the latest news. Many times I smile after reading about the bizarre news like “Choccy biscuits washed onto beach” or sit awe struck reading more serious news like “Police Worry About Missing Girl”. However, today while reading an article in the science and technology section, I literally drop my sandwich.
The CBBC had reported that scientists had invented a robot that could successfully solve a Rubik’s cube. The robot is officially called “RuBot II” but its amazing ( scary?) skills have given it the nickname “The Cubinator”. It may be hard to believe, but the robot can use amazing technology to solve a Rubik’s cube in under 51 seconds. However, its personal (or should I say “androidinal”) record is 21 seconds!
Robots Rule! Or will they… Rule the World?:
After reading the amazing news I wasn’t sure if I was really impressed or scared ( Maybe a bit of both?). Firstly, I was extremely amazed with the robot. After many years of trying, not even I can solve a Rubik’s cube. (I wish “The Cubinator” could help me out!) I don’t even think it’s humanly possibly to solve the puzzle in 21 seconds (That’s about the time it takes for you to sing “Mary Had a little Lamb“). To me, this amazing android is really a testimony to how far technology has come. I’m glad to say humans have come a long way since the telegraph in the 1800’s. I’m sure without advances in science this world would be a different place.
As much as I am fascinated by this new discovery, I have always feared that cyborgs would become too smart. While reading the article my mind raced to images of the Hollywood movie “The Terminator” and scenes from the novel “Invitation to The Game“. I shudder at the very thought of waking up one day in the not too distant future to work alongside my machine coworkers. I think about how much closer robot rule is to becoming reality as technology advances and humans become lazier. I for one love technology and think for the most part that it can be a helpful tool , but I fear one day that things may go too far. Technology really is a great power for the human race. But we must remember, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
What happens when the robots take control of the world and our jobs? Then we wouldn’t be living life just existing in it. We would merely by innocent bystanders watching as they take control.
Should we be scared about the future of robots?
or
Should we just shake off this theory and call it a figment of my overactive imagination?
For now, I’m just going to applaud the outstanding technological advances of science and continue trying to solve a Rubik’s cube without the help of robots.
~Anonymous Bob
Add comment February 24th, 2008
