Which Colossal Death Robot are you?

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You can now buy a flame-throwing robot dog for under $10,000
Thermonator, the first "flamethrower-wielding robot dog," is completely legal in 48 US states.
BENJ EDWARDS - 4/23/2024, 2:27 PM


The Thermonator robot flamethrower dog.
Throwflame

If you've been wondering when you'll be able to order the flame-throwing robot that Ohio-based Throwflame first announced last summer, that day has finally arrived. The Thermonator, what Throwflame bills as "the first-ever flamethrower-wielding robot dog" is now available for purchase. The price? $9,420.

Thermonator is a quadruped robot with an ARC flamethrower mounted to its back, fueled by gasoline or napalm. It features a one-hour battery, a 30-foot flame-throwing range, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote control through a smartphone.

It also includes a LIDAR sensor for mapping and obstacle avoidance, laser sighting, and first-person view (FPV) navigation through an onboard camera. The product appears to integrate a version of the Unitree Go2 robot quadruped that retails alone for $1,600 in its base configuration.


The Robot Dog With A Flamethrower | Thermonator
The company lists possible applications of the new robot as "wildfire control and prevention," "agricultural management," "ecological conservation," "snow and ice removal," and "entertainment and SFX." But most of all, it sets things on fire in a variety of real-world scenarios.

Back in 2018, Elon Musk made the news for offering an official Boring Company flamethrower that reportedly sold 10,000 units in 48 hours. It sparked some controversy because flamethrowers can also double as weapons or potentially start wildfires.

Flamethrowers are not specifically regulated in 48 US states, although general product liability and criminal laws may still apply to their use and sale. They are not considered firearms by federal agencies. Specific restrictions exist in Maryland, where flamethrowers require a Federal Firearms License to own, and California, where the range of flamethrowers cannot exceed 10 feet.

Even so, to state the obvious, flamethrowers can easily burn both things and people, starting fires and wreaking havoc if not used safely. Accordingly, the Thermonator might be one Christmas present you should skip for little Johnny this year.

This can't end well...

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Researchers craft smiling robot face from living human skin cells
Human cells isolated from juvenile foreskin are flexible enough to grin when moved.

BENJ EDWARDS - 6/28/2024, 8:14 AM


Enlarge / A movable robotic face covered with living human skin cells.
Takeuchi et al.

In a new study, researchers from the University of Tokyo, Harvard University, and the International Research Center for Neurointelligence have unveiled a technique for creating lifelike robotic skin using living human cells. As a proof of concept, the team engineered a small robotic face capable of smiling, covered entirely with a layer of pink living tissue.

The researchers note that using living skin tissue as a robot covering has benefits, as it's flexible enough to convey emotions and can potentially repair itself. "As the role of robots continues to evolve, the materials used to cover social robots need to exhibit lifelike functions, such as self-healing," wrote the researchers in the study.

Shoji Takeuchi, Michio Kawai, Minghao Nie, and Haruka Oda authored the study, titled "Perforation-type anchors inspired by skin ligament for robotic face covered with living skin," which is due for July publication in Cell Reports Physical Science. We learned of the study from a report published earlier this week by New Scientist.

The study describes a novel method for attaching cultured skin to robotic surfaces using "perforation-type anchors" inspired by natural skin ligaments. These tiny v-shaped cavities in the robot's structure allow living tissue to infiltrate and create a secure bond, mimicking how human skin attaches to underlying tissues.

To demonstrate the skin's capabilities, the team engineered a palm-sized robotic face able to form a convincing smile. Actuators connected to the base allowed the face to move, with the living skin flexing. The researchers also covered a static 3D-printed head shape with the engineered skin.


Enlarge / "Demonstration of the perforation-type anchors to cover the facial device with skin equivalent."
Takeuchi et al.
Takeuchi et al. created their robotic face by first 3D-printing a resin base embedded with the perforation-type anchors. They then applied a mixture of human skin cells in a collagen scaffold, allowing the living tissue to grow into the anchors.

Real human skin cells

So whose skin did the researchers use? As it turns out, living human skin cells are readily available for purchase, and the cells came from a large number of anonymous human donors.

In their experiments, the researchers used commercially available human cells, purchasing what are called Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDFs) and Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEKs) that were isolated from either juvenile foreskin or different skin locations from adult donors by a company called PromoCell GmbH.

A fibroblast is a special type of structural cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue. And Keratinocytes represent "the major cell type of the epidermis, the outermost of the layers of the skin, making up about 90 percent of the cells there," according to PromoCell's website.


Enlarge / "Conceptual illustration of the tissue-fixation method using perforation-type anchor."
Takeuchi et al.
After obtaining the cells, the researchers then cultured them in specialized growth media to create the living skin layer. To keep the skin cells alive, the researchers used a special growth media supplemented with some antibiotics to keep bacteria at bay. The paper states that "Fibroblast growth medium (DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, 1% penicillin-streptomycin, and 70 mg/mL L-ascorbic acid phosphate magnesium salt n-hydrate)" was used for the dermal fibroblasts. For the epidermal keratinocytes, the researchers used "keratinocyte growth medium (Keratinocyte Growth Medium 3 Kit supplemented with 1% penicillin-streptomycin)."

The researchers also note that "for both NHDFs and NHEKs, media were refurbished once every 2 days." This regular refreshing of the growth media provided the necessary nutrients to keep the cells alive during the experiment.

Potentially useful for testing

While ethical questions inevitably arise from using real human skin cells, the researchers state that their goal is to improve human-robot communication and advance tissue engineering. They hope their techniques will find applications not just in robotics but in fields like reconstructive medicine and drug testing. Instead of using real human test subjects, experimenters could grow artificial skin layers from real cells.

Beyond improving robotic interfaces, the research team believes their technique could have applications in cosmetics testing. By repeatedly actuating their smiling robot face over time, they observed the formation of expression lines analogous to human wrinkles.

The paper notes: "One significant next step in this research is to leverage this model to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying wrinkle formation. Moreover, applying this knowledge to recreate such expressions on a chip could find applications in the cosmetics industry and the orthopedic surgery industry."


Enlarge / "The smiling robotic face covered with dermis equivalent demonstrating actuation of the dermis equivalent via the perforation-type anchors."
Takeuchi et al.
However, the researchers caution that significant hurdles remain before the technology can be applied to full-scale humanoid robots. The engineered skin currently lacks sensory capabilities and requires constant nutrient supply, limiting its lifespan in open air. To address these issues, the researchers hope to incorporate new mechanisms that will help the skin survive over longer periods of time.

With continued refinement, living robotic skin could create machine coverings that are not just lifelike but literally alive. Eventually, they may even live long enough to see attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. Or watch C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. But we're hoping those moments will not be lost in time—like tears in rain.




BENJ EDWARDS
Benj Edwards is Ars Technica's Senior AI Reporter. In his free time, he writes and records music, collects vintage computers, and enjoys nature. He lives in Raleigh, NC.

Nightmare fuel...

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Sotheby’s Will Auction First Artwork Made by Humanoid Robot Ai-Da Using AI Algorithms

By Karen K. Ho

October 22, 2024 11:27am

Ai-Da Robot pictured during the UN Global Summit on AI for Good on July 07, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images for Aidan Meller
Sotheby’s will auction its first artwork made by a humanoid robot using artificial intelligence algorithms.

On October 31, the auction house will sell A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing (2024) by the humanoid robot artist Ai-Da. The portrait of mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing was created using Ai-Da Robot’s AI algorithms.

U.K.-based art dealer and gallery owner Aidan Meller created the Ai-Da humanoid robot, depicted as a woman with a black bob and dressed in a t-shirt and denim overalls. The robot draws and paints through a combination of cameras in its eyes, AI algorithms and a robotic arm.

The 64-inch by 90-inch mixed media on canvas has an estimate of $120,000 to $180,000, with a third-party guarantee.


Ai-Da Robot (Aidan Meller), A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing, 2024. Courtesy of Sotheby’s.
“What makes this work of art different from other AI-generated works is that with Ai-Da there is a physical manifestation, and this is the first time a work from a robot of this type has ever come to auction,” Meller told CBS MoneyWatch, which first reported the news of the sale.

Meller also said the Sotheby’s auction of A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing highlights the rise and benefits of AI.

“There is a lot of innovation happening — a huge number of robots are coming forward — and they will eventually do all sorts of different tasks. Art is a way of discussing the incredible changes in society that are happening because of technology,” Meller told CBS, noting the proceeds of the sale will be reinvested in the project, which is expensive to power.

“There may be limited public record to assess the market for singular works like ‘A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing‘ by Ai-Da, but after extensive conversations with prominent collectors at the intersection of art and technology—particularly in the realm of AI—it became clear that demand for this piece is strong,” Sotheby’s vice president and head of digital art Michael Bouhanna said in a statement to ARTnews. “The enthusiasm and interest from these collectors, combined with their conviction in the importance of this work within the AI art space, directly influenced my decision to position the pre-sale estimate at a level that reflects its anticipated desirability and market potential.”

A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing was exhibited at the AI for Good Global Summit at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this year in May “as part of a five paneled Polyptych.”

In addition to the portrait by the humanoid robot, Sotheby’s digital art sale on October 31 will include works by Refik Anadol, PAK, Xcopy, DesLucrece, and other digital artists.

Update, October 22, 2024: Added statement and artwork image from Sotheby’s.

That painting is pretty good.

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Which-Colossal-Death-Robot-are-you
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[Rebeccayao]

Robot sex dolls are revolutionizing the way people experience companionship, offering a unique blend of technology, comfort, and intimacy. Among the leaders in this industry, BestRealDoll stands out for its innovation and commitment to creating highly realistic and durable products. One of the key advantages of robot sex dolls is their advanced functionality. Unlike traditional silicone sex dolls, robot sex dolls are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), enabling them to engage in basic conversations, respond to touch, and simulate more realistic interactions.

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The reason BestRealDoll's robot sex dolls will "never die" is rooted in their constant innovation. With ongoing improvements in AI, materials, and customization, these dolls continue to evolve, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly advancing technological landscape. As societal acceptance grows and technological advances continue, robot sex dolls are positioned to provide lasting companionship, revolutionizing the future of human intimacy.

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hMore on Ai-Da

Humanoid Robot, Ai-Da, Sold Its Painting for Over $1 Million in Auction as a First for Machines
Humanoid robot -1; humans - zero.
By Isaiah Richard
Nov 11 2024, 11:00 AM EST

AIDAN MILLER/AI-DA ROBOT
It is now rare for a painting to sell for around or more than $1 million unless it was from a culturally significant or deceased artist, but the humanoid robot, Ai-Da, has recently shocked the world with her auctioned artwork. This painting by Ai-Da was regarded as the "first" painting created by a humanoid robot, and it grew significantly popular in the auction when it was introduced by Sotheby's.

Now, the robot earned accolades with its first artwork that is now owned by a wealthy collector, getting a historical painting from the renowned humanoid robot, as well as owning a million-dollar art piece.

First Humanoid Robot Painting by Ai-Da Sold For Over $1M

There is now a shocking development over at Sotheby's after Ai-Da, the humanoid robot powered by artificial intelligence, officially debuted and sold its first painting at an auction for over $1 million. Ai-Da's artwork called "A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing" started at around a bidding of $120,000 to $180,000, but by the time the lot was closed, the robot saw its piece skyrocketing to almost tenfold.

In its first artist debut, the robot shocked the world with its piece that depicted the renowned mathematician and "father of modern computer science," Alan Turing, who is known for his contributions based on AI.

According to the Art Newspaper, Ai-Da attracted as many as 27 bids when the lot was opened, and by the time it ended, there was one collector who was able to win the auction by paying more than $1 million for the piece.

Is it an Artwork? Ai-Da Created Its Masterpiece on its Own

Many may debate if what Ai-Da created was art, particularly as its artificial intelligence was trained on data that is already available online, best known for being created by humans. However, the website Ai-Da argued that the robot can create drawings and paintings using its "cameras in her eyes, AI algorithms, and robotic arm."

Its latest piece, "AI God," has made a record-breaking sale in Sotheby's auction house in New York, marking history for contemporary art, the AI industry, and the global art market.

Humanoid Robots are Ramping Up in Development

Aidan Miller's robot, Ai-Da, is one of the most famous humanoid robots in existence, as this synthetic person-like machine spent years shocking the world with her capabilities, including her vast knowledge powered by artificial intelligence. Two years ago, Ai-Da made a groundbreaking debut when it spoke amidst the United Kingdom's House of Lords, addressing the "threat and opportunity of AI" while touting her artwork on the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Robotics developers and companies have since flirted around the idea of 'humanoid robots' to be out and about in the world, with many speculating that this will be the world's future where people and machines will co-exist. Hong Kong's NetDragon Websoft previously introduced Ms. Tang Yu, an AI-powered humanoid robot that was appointed as its latest CEO, despite being a young technology.

That being said, these humanoid bots came before the time of OpenAI's generative AI revolution, as well as renowned Big Tech companies offering their AI developments to the world, including NVIDIA's systems for training these androids. The robot who claimed that one of its talents is focusing on the arts has now made its debut as an artist, successfully auctioning off its first piece that sold for well over $1 million.