Smart Robots

For the most part, I am completely unimpressed with the current evolution of robot development.  When I look at what the Japanese firms are doing, I tend to cringe because they keep putting "cute" plastics over not-very-sophisticated robotics.  I know they are leading the pack in fine robotics (humanoid features, like podologic and dextrous manipulators), but in the future, I just want a robot with a nice set of wheels.... so I don't really care about that other junk.

Wheels.... and brains.

This video is the most shocking I've seen.  These guys built an algorithm that allows for optimized decision making, based on specified formations.  Just watch.... it starts off a little slow..... but gets very interesting.  When you start thinking about the implications of this kind of technology on a larger scale -- or just within specific applications -- it can get pretty sci-fi.