Power to the People [KT]

Back at the beginning of January, Larro sent me some photos:

I was visiting the local WallyWorld this afternoon, attempting to head off a powerful thirst (grab a 12-pack to restock the fridge).

I was minding my own business, perusing the isles for nuggets of nourishment, when I was accosted by what appears to be Tom Servo's step brother. He cut me off at the pass, and I had to follow in behind him. What surprised me was there appeared to be no visible human handler ... this made feel very uneasy. What if this device attempted to accost me? I wasn't worried too much, as I had on my size 14 steel toed boots . . . But I wondered just how effective this mutant could be. Please watch out for one near you!

I am wondering why I haven't heard more about robots since all this quarantine business got going.

I guess it is scanning inventory to determine replenishment logistics.

Robots don't have to wear masks at work. Have you heard any new robot news? Any robot/unemployment musings?

There IS some robot news from Singapore. There are cleaning robots that can wink and joke.

Or how about some spy robots? Gavin Newsom could maybe use some reinforcements at California beaches.

For those who feel like the coronavirus is something out of a sci-fi movie, meet O-R3. In Singapore, this motorized bot roams parks and heavily populated areas to remind everyone to keep a safe distance. "Stay safe, say home," it says in a flat robotic tone in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Singapore's Public Utilities Board uses this robot to make sure there are no large gatherings happening in public spaces, which gives off major "Big Brother is watching you" vibes. What's more, O-R3 shares data with public health officers collected through its 360-degree surveillance camera.

Meanwhile, robots in Singapore are disinfecting hospitals with UV light. And then there are the new facilities built to treat young COVID-positive migrant workers:

At the new Changi isolation center, each room has blood-pressure monitors and other medical equipment for patients to conduct their own health checks three times daily, while remote-controlled robots provide meals and teleconferencing services to reduce contact.

Authorities are also trialing a four-legged robot dog built by Boston Dynamics at the facility, which they said could be used to deliver medicines to patients or take their temperature.

Medical robot dogs. Friendly. Don't get infected with viruses, other than electronic viruses.

Do you see robot dogs in America's future?

Power to the People

Over at Chicago Boyz, David Foster has an unusual post on the beginnings of the machine age and the history of steam, electrical and other forms of power.

A variety of interesting topics at the link above, but this might be a bit bracing in this age of centralization:

Interestingly, only about half the power consumed in factories in 1930 was in the form of purchased electricity...the rest was self-generated, in the form of either self-generated electricity or of direct mechanical drive. One type of reciprocating steam engine...the Uniflow..is seen as having a continuing applicability in horsepowers too low for efficient use of the steam turbine.

Indeed, the advertising section at the back of the magazine contains an ad from the Skinner Engine Company noting that the newly-built New Yorker Hotel had chosen five Uniflow engines to generate electricity for the hotel rather than purchasing power from a utility. They claim that hundreds of engines have been installed in stores, office building, hospitals, and factories, and that the savings over utility power has proved so great that the engines brought greater returns on money invested and on floor space than any other department in the business.

Off-topic? Malls

Sgt. Mom also posted a Lament for a Mall that I found to be insightful at Chicago Boyz. In the comments, David Foster noted that:

Simon Property Group, a major operator of malls (including for example Lenox Square near Atlanta) plans to reopen 49 malls across the country next week. Will be interesting to see how it goes.

Yes. The timing seems a bit odd to me.

Music

Retro: From the Musical Box Society International.

I think it's great that there is a Musical Box Society International.

This is the Thread before the Gardening Thread.

Early start on puttering today. Thinking about buying a generator?

Hope you have a great weekend.

posted by Open Blogger at 11:19 AM

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