Is there a difference between Science Fiction and Science Fact?
Well in most cases there are, however as technology relentlessly moves forward the line between them becomes increasingly blurred.
Take for example the new film Monsters of Man released 8 December 2020 – genre Sci-fi. Not a bad film but definately worth watching as it explores a military robots’ exploration of its own self awareness, learning exponentially, and the consequences. Interestingly Boston Dynamics have created inivative Robots that would of been considered science fiction 10 years ago. One particular robot named ATLAS a “Research platform” is simply phenomal technology. It can amongst many things, dance fluidly, pick up, jump, somersault (literally), climb obstacles, adjust to unknown events such as being pushed or nudged and much much more. But lets step back a moment from the marvel of this tech and consider the longer term consequences. Apart from the noble uses such as operating in inhospitable areas humans could not exist in, manufacteuring or space travel etc. Lets consider for a moment if you were in a war zone and your’e faced with a weaponised version of Atlas – would it show mercy? would it know the difference between civilians and soldiers? what level of autonomy be used? would AI (Artificial intelligence) be introduced or will it be operated remotely? Im sure you’ve come up with questions of your own. The film Monsters of Man, should it be considered science fiction or science fact, you decide. Incidentally Hyundai has become a partner with Boston Dynamics.
Something to consider: During the time of COVID there are many that have taken the eye off the ball so to speak in terms of technological advancement. Heard of the STARLINK global satelite network currently being created? The biggest investors in the global network are Google and the Military oddly enough. The “aim” of this project is for everyone on the planet to be able to access broadband internet – anywhere, whether your the middle of the atlantic or in a desert. Approx 800 satellites have been launched so far out of the required 12000 – yep you heard right.
Its good to be curious and attentive about what’s going on around you – for me, i have a passion for tech but also weary of motives. Lets be honest most of the old tech came through military advancements such as GPS. Did you know new GPS satellites have a positioning accuracy of 1cm? So what kind of accuracy are we expecting from STARLINK (12000 satellites), if we can currently achieve with 16 satellites (normally for drone positioning) a fairly accurate positioning?!
Stay Curious
Credit: Article by HelixUAV.com, Images: Starlink and Boston Dynamics
