Thursday 16 July 2015

My best friend is a robot?! Into the future of the 21st century

   Robots have become a fascination for science-fiction writers all around the world. But what if these science-fiction stories were real and could potentially change our world we know?

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A self-driven mining truck in the outback of the land down under (Australia).

   Automated robots are seen in cars factories and other manufacturing companies and in the recent years we seen a steep incline of automated robots in mining and could also be a seed for jobs on the farm as well. A fleet of self-driven trucks are responsible for over half of Rio Tinto's total materials moved. Especially in Australia the dry, mountainous areas of the mining areas are harsh and dangerous. These trucks have been built to precisely travel on its programmed courses without fault. The human may sleep, eat and have some pleasure time to himself/herself while automated trucks can withstand the harsh environments of the Australian outback and others with enough ability to still work 24 hours a day.
   In addition, Codelco has installed IT systems which in fact operates both open mining pits and underground operations. Humans can take control of the robots up on land while the robots are underground also reducing poisonous gas leaks which will kill people instantly if inhaled.

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A steep increase of automated trucks will replace humans.

   Mining has now been able to operate at a much higher standard and efficiency. New terrains that were impossible to mine before the age of robots are now possible. One of these are the seafloor, a place rich in precious minerals. Amazing, long-term plans are being discussed about how robots could potentially travel to asteroids in space and collect their minerals. Wuh?

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An asteroid could potentially hold precious
minerals inside.

   New technology is not only increasing in mines but also on farms as well. These farm robots are now been in development for 20 or so years making them more affordable and complex. Facial recognition is a big leap in technology that requires face to face interaction and this has improved for software that use scanning and imaging technology to recognize and sort through the ripe or the unripe fruits and vegetables basically by colour detection. Even better complex programming can be used to let the robot 'learn' as they spend more time at the job. The robot's accuracy also cuts down the use of pesticides (around 80%) reducing environmental impacts. Estimates say that entire farms will be automated by the 2020s as this technology progresses.

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An artist's impression of a fully functional robot powerhouse.


Bibliography:
http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2016.htm#mining-automated
http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2016.htm#farm-robots

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Wednesday 15 July 2015

Are you being watched? You need privacy!

   Humans are curious beings. The meaning of life has a lot of attributes to it. One of these is purpose. What are we here for? What's the purpose? Well as the majority of people may say it is to explore and feed our curious minds. We develop technology to help other people in need and to explore our surroundings. But as this article goes have human beings gone too far in developing technology?

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New facial recognition could potentially destroy
our private lives.
   Recently, closed circuit television has improved over the course of years, changing from analogue to digital, some even have high-definition now. The main purpose of closed circuit televisions is to prevent crime and identify criminals and suspects. New technology such as facial recognition software are being urged to be used more commonly in CCTV footage all around the world. However this advance in CCTV footage also rises concerns and issues about privacy and civil rights.
   Keeping tabs on people's private life is becoming a real concern as the governments running them can prevent protests, free expression and assembly from people. Civil rights were introduced to stop governments and other higher class groups of people silencing protesters. The world we live in has a lot of free speech but this could change with the new facial recognition technology in CCTV.

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Governments are keeping tabs on people to stop them
from 'speaking out'.
   For example in the UK surveillance is the culture there; as many as 4.2 million CCTVs are in Britain alone. More than 300 times an average person is filmed on CCTV cameras in the UK. Currently there are 129 000 high definition cameras but this number is set to rise next year so more high-def cameras will become common. Even worse still facial-recognition software may also be added to the cameras. It is estimated that by 2016 there will be 3.6 millions HD cameras. But will this type of hurtful and extrovert technology ever be banned?




Bibliography
http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2016.htm#cctv

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First hotel in space? Russian company plans to build a hotel in space

   Ever wondered what Earth would be like from 200 miles up in space? If you have an extra million dollars lying around your house then this holiday will be the best time of your life! The first space hotel is going be launched in 2016 by Russian space group, Energiya with partnership with US firm Orbital technologies. It can house up to seven people or tourists and offers the best holiday of a lifetime with breathtaking views of space and Earth itself. A six-star hotel with 360 degree views of the Earth. Meal courses are also prepared for you down on Earth by professional and master chefs. But in case you are wondering to have a holiday this big you must do special training three months or so prior to the launch date.

Inside the in-progressed space station.

Still interested? What are the on-board activities to do?

   The 21st century is, no doubt, the age of advancing technology and space exploration. Space travel inspires so many people nowadays only the fittest, most intelligent astronauts and scientists can travel in space. However what are the activities aboard the Russian space hotel? Not much. Basically you're inside the space hotel will plenty of internet and satellite TV. So any of you planning a trip don't take the kids! They will get bored easily! There are also no showers although wet wipes are provided. Alcohol is also banned because of health and safety reasons.
   Although the hotel doesn't have that much recreational activities the Russian space station was also primarily built for stop-overs by manned circumlunar flights. Trips to the far side of moon will be day trips rather than week-long space-flights.

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The lobby of the space station.

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This is where you will be sleeping. Cosy... Hmm...

Big Cash for Russian Company

   The Russian company plans to operate this hotel next year, sending passengers and scientists up in space for trips to the International Space Station or stays at their hotel. The actual cost of it is unclear however estimates are about a million dollars. This money is planned to fund the Russian space exploration program. 
   Private flights and investments will be key to the project's success. The age of space tourism has started. So in case you have a million dollars lying around and you're not too busy book your next adventure now and have the trip of a lifetime!

The space station seen from 250 miles above the surface of the Earth.



Bibliography:
http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2016.htm#russia-space-hotel


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Tuesday 14 July 2015

Bulletproof Battery of a MacBook - Top 5 Fun Facts about Apple

   This is a short list of the 5 top interesting and fun facts about Apple; the multi-trillion dollar company that made the iPhone and revolutionized the entire phone market in the 21st century. These facts are very interesting indeed...

1.The battery of an Apple MacBook could save you from a gunshot wound; it's bulletproof!

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2.Apple is worth more than the entire Russian Stock market!

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3.In the first quarter of 2014 Apple earned more than Google, Facebook and Amazon combined!

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4.If you use iTunes you have agreed not to use Apple's products to create nuclear weapons!

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5.If you would have brought an iPhone in 1991, part by part it would have costed you US$3.65 million!


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Bibliography: