Robotic Squirrels and Lizards

We tend to focus on trends and technologies that will impact small business over the next 3-5 years.  But we also follow longer term trends, and robotics is a trend that is increasingly showing up on our radar screens.  The last couple of weeks there have been several interesting robotics stories in the press.

The Associated Press has an article on robotic animals being used by scientists in animal behavior studies.  From the article :

"Rocky (the robotic squirrel) is among many robotic critters worldwide helping researchers observe animals in their natural environments rather than in labs. The research could let scientists better understand how animals work in groups, court, intimidate rivals and warn allies of danger."

I'm no expert on animal behavior, but it seems to me that if the other squirrels are willing to court Rocky the robotic squirrel they are pretty dumb.

Ecommerce News has an article on broader uses of robotic technology called Ready for the Robot Revolution.  The article focuses on using robotic assistants to help care for senior citizens:

"Robots can remind us to take our medication. Robots can carry things for us. Robots can keep us better connected with our families and caregivers. Robots can even entertain us," said Trower. "And the cost of the robots to do this will be far cheaper than human assisted care."

Robots are increasingly being used to carry out dangerous tasks or missions.  The folks at iRobot, who make the well known Roomba robotic vacum cleaner, also make a line of warfighting and first responder robots. 

Robots are already popular with hobbyists and kids.  Over 1500 teams and 20,000 kids and coaches competed at the recent First Robotics Championships.   Lego Mindstorms robotic kits and products are driving a lot of interest in this space.

And, of course, the book Love+Sex with Robots got a lot of attention earlier this year with its prediction that within 50 years people will be falling in love and having sex with robots.  Hmmm... maybe squirrels aren't so dumb.  Maybe they are just ahead of their time.