UK lays out plans to test robots in full view of the public

It turns out that Brits are actually ruddy marvellous at robotics, especially in automotive, aerospace, medical and military applications. Not wanting to be usurped by incumbents from overseas, the groups in charge of leading robot innovation in the UK have drawn up their first official robotics strategy. RAS 2020 (Robotics and Autonomous Systems) is its name, and it’s designed to aid the development and testing of robots, not only in laboratories but also out in the wild. It envisages the creation of real-world test zones where machines of the future can be put through their paces in plain view of the public.

The document alludes to an increase in large corporations looking to conduct robotic testing in countries where regulations support public testing. The UK government has already said it intends to adapt road laws in order for domestic and foreign car makers (think Google) to test driverless cars on Britain’s roads, but that’s just one of the “defined and controlled spaces” where robots could be unleashed. Airports, hospitals, farms, production lines, refineries and nuclear plants are all mooted as other possible test spots.

If those sites were set up, the next step would involve “Grand Challenges.” It wouldn’t quite be Robot Wars but the idea is similar, and it’s one that we’ve already seen employed in the US. Competitions would be set up to encourage collaboration and include the public, allowing you to familiarise yourself with futuristic technologies before they hit the market.

Filed under: Robots

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Source: RAS2020

Russia’s new anti-extremism law targets online communications

What is “extremism”? That’s up to Russian president Vladimir Putin to decide, according to a new amendment to Russian law announced this week by the Kremlin. The law gives Putin more flexibility to punish what he deems as “extremist” behavior — on par with terrorism, legally — and it works hand-in-hand with a redefinition of online activity. Previously, Russia defined the it as, “international computer communications”; that definition was amended to also include, “information telecommunication through the internet.” This distinction is important, because it means not just websites, but also forms of online communication can be considered under Russia’s “extremist” label.

It’s yet to be seen how that redefinition applies to Russian citizens, but the amendment itself could cause a chilling effect on social media, comment sections, and other communicatory online services. Notably, these services are exactly the place where much of the “Arab Spring” protests were organized.

If someone is deemed an “extremist,” the punishment ranges from a hefty fine (approximately $8,500 – $15,000) to jail time (five to eight years, depending on the crime). Certainly more than enough to make you think twice about spreading political dissent, however tame it may be.

“Maybe I shouldn’t post that snarky political tweet, eh?”

Though the government claims the amendment is meant to crack down on “extremism” from edge groups (think: neo-Nazis), so far it’s mostly used such laws to crack down on dissent. For instance, it recently blocked opposition sites from several Putin critics, including forming chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov, after they called for protests.

And it’s impossible to not connect the amendment with the past several years of increasingly scrutinous legal challenges for protesters in Russia. The crackdown in 2013 drove many protesters online, and forced them to employ new methods of communication typically outside of Russian government surveillance. As The Washington Post reported back in May 2013, “[protesters] who haven’t been jailed or fled the country…communicate through more secure methods on the Internet.”

[Image credit: DMITRY SEREBRYAKOV/AFP/Getty Images]

Filed under: Internet

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Via: Kremlin

Source: Russian Federation

OUYA sells out of $59.99 All-Access plan

Ouya, the Android-powered gaming system born out of a Kickstarter project, has taken new measures to attract interest in the platform. Head to the company’s website yesterday and you have seen an “Ouya All-Access” option available for $59.99. The pilot subscription service is not unlike Netflix in that it’s a pass to play whatever you want over the course of a year. According to Ouya, this deal is worth $2,000 and applies to one-time purchases under $30. With 800 titles and growing, it breaks down to less than 8 cents per game.

After taking the Kickstarter world by storm nearly two years ago, Ouya has struggled to grab a foothold in the gaming industry. Things may only figure to get worse now that Android TV is coming down the road. Toss in some competition from players like Razer and Asus and you’ve got a soon-to-be crowded market occupied by bigger names.

The All-Access plan was offered for a limited time to new and existing Ouya users. It’s unclear if or when Ouya might open the doors up to additional gamers. It’s worth noting, however, that you can sign up to be notified when it comes back.

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British Airways needed a mood-sensing blanket to prove life is better in First Class

If you can blow £3,000 ($5,100) on a first-class ticket, you’re probably reasonably contented at how your life turned out. British Airways wanted to be sure you were enjoying your time in the air, so paired an EEG headset with a fiber-optic cloth to create the Happiness Blanket. The attention-grabbing project senses your mental state and changes color depending on your mood — showing red for annoyance and blue for contentment. Unsurprisingly, the “research” proved that a full-size bed, fresh food and unlimited champagne is enough to keep you happy on an eight-hour flight. Now imagine what the blankets would have been like if they’d tested this out in cattle class when someone’s elbow is trying to make a nest in your ribcage.

Filed under: Transportation

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Via: The Drum