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  • Author Author: Eavesdropper
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Olympic torch to be carried by a robot in 2012

Eavesdropper
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A robot named iCub is to carry the London 2012 Olympic torch during the torch relay. Aberystwyth University computer scientist James Law made the nomination in honor of Alan Turing, an influential contributor to modern computing. Visiting professor in the Control Systems Centre at Manchester John Gray said, "It's a tremendous coup to have the iCub here in Manchester - this is the first time it has been seen publicly in the UK."
 
James Law continued, "2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alan Turing, the founder of computer science and a figurehead for the code-breaking  efforts of WWII. A robot torch bearer would be a fitting tribute to Alan Turing, and an inspiration to future generations of scientists and engineers." 
 
One of the great things about the iCub is it is an open systems platform. The bot is part if the "IM-CLeVeR" project, short for Intrinsically Motivated Cumulative Learning Versatile Robot. Users and developers in all disciplines, from psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and developmental robotics, can use it and customize it freely. The university is focusing the bot's development in studying methods of robotic learning. The iCub robot can walk, crawl and grasp things just like a three-year-old human toddler.
 
Olympic torch bearers need to be at least 12 years of age and live in the hosting country. The bot, unfortunately, is not 12 years old. It is suspect that the Olympic committee may disqualify the bot based on that one rule. I will keep you updated.
 
Eavesdropper
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  • I like the idea of honoring Alan Turing.  His accomplishments seem to get lost in most discussions about the pioneers of an automated society.  His ground breaking work in finding code keys saved a lot of lives during the second World War.  His theories and prototypes for automation led the way to our current level of technology.

     

    Just think about what he could have done with semiconductors or microcontrollers.  He was a truly brilliant engineer.

     

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    It is a shame what happened to Alan Turing in his later years. Convicted on performing homosexual acts in the UK in January of 1952, he was forced to undergo hormonal treatment to reduce his libido. He was also forced to be chemically castrated via oestrogen hormone injections. Why? Homosexuality was a crime in the UK at the time.

     

    In 1954 Turning was found dead from cyanide poisoning. Biographer Andrew Hodges believes it was a suicide. David Leavitt said Turing's favourite fairy tale was Snow White, and the poisoning was an re-enactment. Turing was found with a half eaten apple by his bedside. Turning's mother denies the suicide claims. We will never truly know.

     

    It is a shame indeed. Alen Turning was a hero.

     

    E

  • in reply to Eavesdropper

    If you get the chance, PBS had a very good biography on Alan played by Derek Jacoby.  It was supposedly based on his life both in college, through the war and the problems he encountered after the war.  It was very well done.

     

    DAB

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