Robots of the future

Personally I believe that the growing industry of robotics is fascinating. With the growing interest around the country for this topic, I am certain that within the next twenty years we will have robots capable of accomplishing tasks that were originally too complex for a robot to take control of all on their own. For instance, the idea and development of the driverless car. A fantastic idea that could potentially, if developed and tested extensively, change the lives of every citizen within the country. This possibly could reduce the amount of car accidents caused every year from human error, such as, drunk driving, texting while driving, driving with a lack of sleep, road rage, lack of experience with car complications on the road, and multiple other possible areas of human error. Allowing for safer forms of transportation, and extra time to complete any other tasks before heading off to your destination while the car follows the predetermined route you instructed it to follow. If I could have the opportunity to obtain a driverless car, I would certainly take it. I personally, have a fear of driving around semi-trucks and in the middle lane of any highway or interstate that has more than three lanes. To avoid that level of fear would make the daily routines of my life involving travel to be more enjoyable and relaxing. I also believe that robots within twenty years will be knowledgeable, adaptive, responsive, self-aware, and interpretative enough to tutor or even teach people who need extra assistance. Robots may also be able to complete simple house hold chores, like cleaning the dishes, mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, trash removal, lawn care, moving furniture, taking care of pets, and much more. While a robot maid would be very beneficial to the majority of households across the country, there is one drawback that comes to mind. If a robot is doing all of the chores In the house, how will the younger kids experience what their parents are going to be blabbing about when the child says they want weekly allowance money. I however don’t believe that we as a society will have robots that will be capable of taking the places of soldiers on the battle field quite yet. I feel like that level of robotics is far ahead of our time even with the very promising and unique innovations that are being made today. I do believe that while these robots may not be fighting wars and saving mankind, I do see them making our daily lives easier, more productive, and simpler.

Topic Research Presentation Response

The topic research presentation by group 2 was over Big Data. They covered what Big Data is, who uses it, how they use it, the pros and cons, and how far it has come. The group seemed to have completed extensive research over their topic, due to the massive amount of information they compiled into their fifteen minute presentation. The entire presentation was organized and very detailed, making it easy to pay attention throughout the entire presentation. Though I was confused about one tactic the group decided to add to their presentation. I don’t exactly understand why the group decided to make it seem like a news team report at the beginning of the presentation, it didn’t fully sit with their actions and demeanor. While it was a little humorous, it personally distracted me from the entirety of the presentation. Other than the way the information was presented, the group did very well with covering the basics of big data. I learned a fair amount from the groups presentation, and learned how large businesses use big data to gain information on the market. I would have liked to see more possible uses of how big data can be implemented within corporations and within the field of science. To gain a better understanding of how useful this assortment of sourced data can be used, and what solutions can be taken from their findings. Also from their presentation I learned exactly that big data is, the massive amounts of data collected over time that are difficult to analyze and handle using common database management. I liked learning of the comparison between structured and unstructured data. It put into the perspective of how much data is trying to be processed and organized, and how much processing power is needed to sort all of the new data. My favorite portion of the presentation was seeing the debate between if it is violating privacy or if it is just a clever way to utilize uncollected data. It opens up a huge debate that can be argued in either direction. And how it can expand a company’s predictions over what groups of people would prefer a specific topic compared to another select group of people in a different area of the world. The presentation was overall a very informative and outstanding display of information over the topic of Big Data. I believe the group did very well.

Will AI Surpass Human Intelligence?

Will artificial intelligence someday surpass human intelligence? I do believe that artificial intelligence will someday will be just as intelligent as their human creators. I believe this to be true because of our already growing dependence on technology. From our constant hold on our smartphones and how at all times we are streaming data straight to our favorite electronics. We are hardly ever without these new forms of technology, and it’s because they make our lives easier. So what would stop us from developing a higher form of artificial intelligence if it could potentially make our lives even easier? These newly developed forms of artificial intelligence could help us in all aspects of our lives. Aspects like driving our cars without the guidance of a human, constructing buildings, manufacturing large quantities of products, taking the place of humans on the battlefield, home security, and various odd jobs. They could even help with entertaining us, for instance in the movie Real Steel, robot fighting. That would be a game changer. But with all of these new robots taking control of the more tedious and strenuous tasks this might make the human species less active and more dependent on technology, it will help us with refocusing our time to more important matter that would better help the world. A rise of these innovations are already becoming a reality in our society, for instant Google has been working on developing a car that utilizes Google Maps to drive and navigate a car. So these forms of artificial intelligence are already, in a way, are already present in our daily lives. Maybe in a near future, we will have fully autonomous robots that will be capable of giving us protection. An example of personal security provided by robots could be close to what we are able to see in the movie IRobot. As we have multiple different robotic companies producing new ground breaking developments, I don’t see why our society would not have the majority of these new forms of artificial intelligence in the next twenty years. I look forward to seeing robots being present in our daily lives, not only will they provide our society with additional help, but they can further provide our citizens with security. Regardless of artificial intelligence becoming smarter than human intelligence, as long as the robots do not come to a conclusion that we are no longer needed, I think the human race will be just fine.

Can video games teach?

While many parents may believe that their children are wasting their time sitting in front of a computer screen or television playing some of the newest video games on the market, it seems to be the exact opposite. According to Elisabeth Hayes from Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, “Game players often develop sophisticated technical and language skills that can lead to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. It’s a hidden opportunity for literacy that we could take advantage of as educators and parents.” Hays believes that video games are an undervalued tool that educators should take advantage of, and the benefits are more valuable than many people are lead to believe. It seems that not only do video games help develop certain skills in children, but it can also help bring families together and help develop a child’s social skills as well. “Video gaming can actually lead to rich, valuable communication between parents and children, and between peers," she says. Parents alike should also learn to take advantage of this new form of education. Instead of making young Jimmy go outside and play, why not help him problem solve through the levels in a puzzle solving game. Such as Portal, Portal 2, Trials, Limbo, or even Tetris. These are games that could possibly get the entire family involved and develop stronger ties within the family. Video games also help teach the users many life lessons that are else wise acquired from only learning from their mistakes in real life. In video games however, it allows the user to make those mistakes in game instead of in the real world, where it would cost them far more to recover than it would to recover in a game. These life lessons transfer to the real world and can help the player with real choices. For instance every gamer, wither they know it or not, know that perseverance is key to achieving anything. "It can have an effect on a child’s choices of classes, the interests they pursue and their choice of careers.” concludes Hays. She also goes on to state how “Games are not played in isolation. They’re often a hub for social interactions, and young people go to fan sites and create artwork and tutorials for each other. They talk and write about the games, modify the games and learn to problem-solve.” So to conclude I would say that video games do in fact teach.

Are we Too Reliant on Technology?

The only time I have not used the internet was while I was training in Fort Leonard Wood for Army basic training. That was the longest period of time I have ever gone without using the internet, and while I was unable to use it, I was always looking for ways to receive the same amount of information I was so accustomed to having. In my mind, having constant access to the internet and technology is a huge benefit to our society. I believe that we are as a society reliant on technology. And here’s why, without a constant access to technology we would be unable to provide correct information that could be used to improve upon our products. As a society we are the test subjects for technology, for instance the improvements needed for the Oculus Rift would be impossible to accomplish in the time they are moving at currently without the input from their users. It’s necessary for people to test out the newest technologies to see what’s beneficial to society and what can be discarded. Personally I wake up every single morning, roll over, and check my notifications. Too see what I’ve missed, and what I can expect to go on in the current day. Technology is an everyday use for the majority of the population, and there are some things that can still be improved upon. For instance wearable technology, this type of technology can only be improved with the constant stream of opinions and views of the customers. The applications that can be applied through this new popular form of technology is endless. With ideas such as smart glasses, interactive t-shirts, Bluetooth Gloves, interactive watches, and wearable sensors are all a part of the vastly developing wave of wearable tech. I personally do not know of anyone who has to use technology for medical purposes, but it’s easy to see how much it can help benefit an individual. For instance the LifeAlert button, without it countless old men and women alike would be plagued with not being able to reach their telephone in a dire situation. And at the simple click of a button, medical assistance is on the way. The technological innovations we are experiencing in our modern society are the foundations for the future. I cannot wait to see the new types of technology this generation will produce in the years to follow. 

Should Autonomous Weapons be Banned?

Should Autonomous Weapons be banned? It is not exactly an easy question to answer. There are multiple reasons to support both sides of this dilemma. For example one side of the conversation could support the use of autonomous weapons by saying how they would prevent the death of a country’s soldiers on the battlefield, while still being able to complete missions and help win the war for the country. This would also limit the use of humans in a battlefield, and usher a new age onto the battlefield. Leaving robots and drones alike to fulfill the missions and duties of the soldiers who would usually put their lives on the line in the same situations. This would more than likely become a very popular choice among the country, but what if the opposing country was to obtain the same information on how to produce these types of weaponry? Then it would essentially be a battle between machines, the only possible ending to a war of this caliber would be due to the limitations of the countries productions of such weapons. Leaving only the most technologically advanced countries to continue on with the wars. A reason to ban autonomous weapons would be due to their ability to decide on their own without the interactions of humans. Leaving them fully operational on the amount of programming they were instilled with. If one problem arises within the code, a misjudgment could result and cause a more significant problem than what it was supposed to solve. For example the autonomous weapons would be given the algorithms to decide if the initial target is truly a target, and if the program was mistyped, the wrong person or building could be compromised and a lot of people could die as a result. Which would be a major problem within the dependability of the machines. But in the long term of things these types of weapons are only limited to the amount of time we are willing to dedicate to improving upon and developing new forms of autonomous weaponry. If we abandon the idea of autonomous weapons, that leaves the chance for other rival nations to gain an upper hand. But at the same time, it’s only right to set up a list of regulations and expectations that each country must oblige by in order to continue on with the development of such weapons. In the end, these types of weapons will be produced without the consent of the public either way. The only thing the nations can do is vote on the regulations and laws that could potentially limit the growth or the use of the weapons.

How has the internet influenced you?

Ever since I can remember I have always had a computer within a close proximity where I was able to explore the many capabilities of the internet. I was constantly exposed to computers through my fathers work, which helped me learn from a young age what computers can do. From learning how to build a website to getting a understanding of how a computer operates were some of the first things I learned as a child. This exposure is essential in my development as a person who is born in a computer based society, it is crucial to be able to operate a computer in the modern world. It is a privilege that many people overlook, to be able to pull information from all over the world with just a single click of a mouse. Everywhere you look people are always connected to the internet, having the newest updates streamed directly to their smartphones and laptops every second. I personally use the internet every single day of my life. From getting the information I need for my college courses to looking at the most recent updates my friends post on social media. The internet allows us to stay interconnected with one another, helping us maintain constant access to the people involved in our lives. No matter what the distance might be, we are still able to keep close contact. We are allowed to do this through a multiple set of ways. A few being Email, Social Media, Online Games, Instant Messaging, and applications that provide face to face communication through a webcam. All of these ways of communication are all made possible through the use of the internet. Without the internet, our ways of communication would be much different from how they are now, and would affect the way that majority of us are already accustomed to living. Without the internet ideas wouldn't be able to be spread across a country that could provide the information for a break through in medicine or the next big thing in technology. While on a smaller scale it could limit how a family is able to make sure their child is safe when out in the world without their protection. The internet provides an unlimited amount of advantages for a person to exploit. From conducting research to updating a status. The internet gives everyone the power to cause a direct impact on the world.

Pattern on the Stone Review

The Pattern on the Stone, is the first book my computer science class assigned for us all to read. The book was written by W. Daniel Hillis, A very intelligent man. Throughout the entire book, he manages to explain the processes of how computers work in a incredibly easy and understandable format. For me personally I noticed how instead of over complicating the ideas that make computers work, simplified it down to its smallest form. While explaining how the certain idea helps run a computer and how each component works together to work as a single unit. Not once while reading this book was I not intrigued with the information, the format of the book helps keep the reader wanting to learn more. Simply because the author describes the general process of the idea, creating a desire to read and learn more. Intriguing the reader to expand their own research on the concepts. For example, at the beginning of the course I was interested with how algorithms operate, and help process information, and how they are guaranteed to complete any specific goal. Further finding out that while in some cases a specific algorithm can be the best choice for certain set of information, but could be the worst case for another set of information. Leaving it up to the programmer to interpret what would be the best case for the information. Now before I took this course, and before I even cracked open this book for the first time, I had no clue how a computer worked. Not even a clue, but with the help of this book I finally have obtained enough information to give me a general idea on how a computer works, and how code can influence a computer to do anything the writer tells it to preform.  The way he relates the processes a computer operates in to general objects and information that the reader can use to help better understand the process, makes the information in the book easier to retain. This book is perfect for any one who is even remotely interested in how computers operate, and how the language used can create anything imaginable. I would recommend this book to anyone who shows interest in this field, the entire reading process was easy and incredibly informative. Speaking for myself and my fellow classmates, this book has helped us beyond measure. And started what I believe is a great start to a promising year of computer science. 

Computer systems in daily life

A computer system that well all use in our daily lives, and manages to be consume our life, is the smart phone. The smart phone is a computer system due to its ability to perform multiple sets of instructions at a time and be able to retain all of the information inputted into the device. Though this device is limited by the amount of input and software it accepts, it still is a very useful system that is used by millions of people all around the globe. The first cell phone was developed in 1973, by a man named Martin Cooper. This system is so common in our daily lives that some elementary school students have mastered these devices and are taking their own parents to school over this new technology. The smart phone is easily personalized. Any user can find the setting that fits them best and utilize it within their phone, making their life easier. While the cell phone has been around for forty one years now, the smart phone technology has only been around since 1993. The first time a phone with smart phone capabilities showed up was in the IBM Simon Personal Communicator. Without the Smart phone system, life would change drastically. Individuals would probably socially interact with strangers in order to get to know one another over trying to send them a friend request through popular social media websites. Since a good majority of people prefer to text or send email over call, without the system people would have to actually get out and meet with one another in the real world versus the virtual reality that most of us all live in today. Even if we would hate to admit it, most of us are so attached to our beloved phones that we check them regularly. Most people check their phones every five to ten minutes, and use it as a way to get out of awkward social situations. With the use of smart phones and the availability of this product. It comes with a vast amount of privacy problems. People use their phones for everything, from messaging friends on social media to buying products on the internet. Uploading all this information to your personal device opens yourself up to potential cybercrime. A computer hacker can access anything in your phones storage. For example pictures, video, credit card numbers, schedules, bank account passwords, and plenty more. This leaves the vast majority of smart phone users to be cautious of what they decide is worth putting on their device. The whole world could get a hold of that information if that individual is not carful enough.

"Cell-ebration! 40 Years of Cellphone History [INFOGRAPHIC]." Mashable. Column Five, 03 Apr. 2013. Web. 29 Sept. 2014.

Algorithms

The way we live our life in our everyday activities and the process that we all unknowingly go through in a single day to complete easy tasks can be expressed with algorithms. From the way we go about making our favorite meals to how we decide what we should wear in the morning. For simple problems we encounter everyday we have devised a system we go about doing without even truly knowing it. These processes become second hand nature to us and we get to a point where we can preform these actions as if they were as simple as breathing. For example when some one wakes up in the morning to get ready for their day one of the first things they do is apply proper clothing for the day. This process can extend from five minutes to what may seem like a century if you're waiting on your significant other. But the main point of this relation is to describe how it would be if it was explained within an algorithm. So to start off the algorithm, first, you would want to take in the outside variables. Being the weather conditions. By first looking at what the weather is like in the world around you, you can then infer what type of clothing would best suit you. By using the first variable as the weather, it makes the selection of clothing more precise and accurate. The outside variable effects the entire process. The program could take information from the internet, pulling data from the local area's weather for the week. And put together a set of outfits that would be optimal for the user. Putting certain weather into different categories based off of the temperature, humidity, chance of rain, and wind. Then from there the program would preform the next step, which would consist of using the users patterns of clothing choice to put together a outfit that would best suit them in their own personal taste. By doing so it would make the chance of success increase. This program could easily be implemented into a computer. To log in the program what the user has available, the final program would include a input variable that would ask the user the brand, style, color, and best use of product for weather conditions. Then using the information the user provided, it would pull information from the internet and try to locate the image of the product and display it in the users profile. Keeping the data for later use. This would make a simple process that can take some prior planning into a matter of grab and go. 

Historical figure in computing

One of the most influential figures in entire history of computing is the one and only Charles Babbage. This gentlemen was born on December 26 in 1791. Charles Babbage is considered to be "The father of computing", because of all his time invested into making mechanisms that can compute. And due to his inventions and designs that stated off the age of computing. Charles Babbage was a very well known mathematician, philosopher, and inventor. Throughout his life he managed to produce some of the most influential thoughts, ideas, and processes to help create the initial spark for the computing age. Without his work, it would be hard to imagine where we would be today. With out Charles Babbage's work, as a society we would be a lot farther back in the development of computers and as a civilization we would be held back and wouldn't be able to accomplish what we have to date. If I personally had the first hand experience of meeting with Charles Babbage and given the opportunity to ask him anything, I would ask him with the development of the technology we have now, did he ever expect it to take the path it did? The main reason why I would want to see what his reaction would be and what he would reply with. Because since he is considered to be "The father of computing" I want to know how he feels about his "baby" being all grown up. And doing things that he himself couldn't even imagine it ever accomplishing. Another question I would ask Charles Babbage is if he could go back and get the amount of funding needed to finish his difference engine and be given enough time to complete the analytical engine,  would he do it? I would assume him being a renown  inventor it must be hard to give up on a project due to poor funding, so if he was given the chance to go back and recreate it. Would he do it? Or could it possibly be too much work and such a painstaking process that he just completely abandons it. If I was put in his position and the question was presented to me, I would easily go back and fix it and finally bring it to life. And I hope that he would do so himself. In his eighty years of life Charles Babbage accomplished so much. And with out him our civilization wouldn't be where it is today. He truly is "The father of computing".

http://www.biography.com/people/charles-babbage-9193834#synopsis 

http://www.computerhistory.org/babbage/history/

Personal biography

A little about myself, my full name is Andrew Richard Svoboda. My last name comes from Czech and when translated it means freedom. And since i'm in the military it fits me pretty well. I am eighteen years of age. I joined the Army National Guard on January 7th, 2014. So I have only been in for a short while but I plan on retiring in the military after twenty years of service, so I have a pretty long road ahead. I am only a Private as of right now but within the next couple of months I will be promoted up to the rank of Private First Class. A huge step up from what I am currently at. I have a great passion for skydiving, skateboarding and exploring. Skydiving is something that I have been wanting to do ever since I was fourteen and I was finally able to do that this summer, with a best friend I've had since the third grade. Sky diving is easily the most entertaining thing I have ever done, literally nothing else I have done in my life compares to the rush I experienced when I jumped out of that perfectly good airplane. The first thing I saw once I reopened my eyes was so astonishing that I will never forget. I found my self staring at the horizon just as the sun was dipping behind the horizon. As the sun set, it threw out an array of oranges and reds throughout the sky. Bouncing off of the thin wispy clouds that I was so far above. I remember falling through the clouds and finally seeing the open field I had originally taken off from. Seeing how extensive the tree line truly extended on throughout the land. I could see for what seemed like miles, gazing onto the nearby city off in the distance. The free fall lasted for what seemed like an hour, even though I know that in reality I was truly only falling for a brief forty seconds. That was one of the best days of my life. Now back to more of myself. I plan on majoring in computer science, with a minor in German. After I graduate from college I will go on active duty status in the Army for the remainder of my time I choose to serve. I will be switching my job or MOS to something a bit more fast paced like a combat engineer or a paratrooper. That's pretty much it.