Friday, May 15, 2020

Singapore's newest 4-legged safe distancing ambassador gives us Black Mirror vibes

PHOTO: Called Spot, the four-limbed innovation will be undergoing a two-week trial at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park from May 8 onwards along the 3km path at the River Plains section during peak hours.
GovTech
Picture posted by Si Jia, Geek Culture, Asiaone on 09 May 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfEJFi5Jt7NiGRBZ8yUThKcIk49iuCH8_jYFX1o_XOW-KINcgCKpU6PIPDqSmEN6Wmpaj-_Dh2IvfBL-gyhiwlLB2wgBzUFN4LSWRW-kBmrDjHkdpL84L5Viuds_WdxGdrTZHoE3RWws/s1600/singapore-robot-safe-distancing-1.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/original_images/May2020/singapore-robot-safe-distancing-1.jpg?itok=HXo-Cimt
https://www.asiaone.com/digital/singapores-newest-4-legged-safe-distancing-ambassador-gives-us-black-mirror-vibes


In another universe, robot surveillance would mean that androids are in power, leading to the extermination of rebellious, non-compliant human subjects. Fortunately, the real world isn’t half as terrifying, making use of robot technology to help out with safe-distancing measures amid the Covid-19 outbreak, and reducing the need for manpower in Singapore.

Called Spot, the four-limbed innovation will be undergoing a two-week trial at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park from May 8 onwards along the 3km path at the River Plains section during peak hours.


Making use of robot technology, Spot, is to help out with safe-distancing measures amid the Covid-19 outbreak, and reducing the need for manpower in Singapore.
PHOTO: Making use of robot technology, Spot, is to help out with safe-distancing measures amid the Covid-19 outbreak, and reducing the need for manpower in Singapore.
GovTech
Picture posted by Si Jia, Geek Culture, Asiaone on 09 May 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_lEoObt_RU30wNS5Q_Ot4D5lCR36I9odhaEUdnr3wEWk663Fb4-AL3dnTmeh-k_KJu4Otsi4OebYVpQqGlhJMcwgwSDzYfVJSVGdbQrxnQtNVjOUcKG1dhGskwDrTGJKp0NAnmq19ic/s1600/singapore-robot-safe-distancing.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/singapore-robot-safe-distancing.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/digital/singapores-newest-4-legged-safe-distancing-ambassador-gives-us-black-mirror-vibes


A recorded message is set to be broadcasted during that time, reminding visitors to observe safe distancing while exercising. Spot will also be equipped with cameras to keep track of the visiting numbers, but the authorities assured that there’ll be no Orwellian supervision happening – the technology doesn’t allow for facial recognition and personal data collection.


The four-limbed innovation will be undergoing a two-week trial at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park from May 8 onwards along the 3km path at the River Plains section during peak hours.
PHOTO: The four-limbed innovation will be undergoing a two-week trial at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park from May 8 onwards along the 3km path at the River Plains section during peak hours. A recorded message is set to be broadcasted during that time, reminding visitors to observe safe distancing while exercising. Spot will also be equipped with cameras to keep track of the visiting numbers, but the authorities assured that there’ll be no Orwellian supervision happening – the technology doesn’t allow for facial recognition and personal data collection.
Picture posted by Globa News
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODtv5Mf3e7GKsi_KFuqS_uuJxoH8NTKJE-yxOdXOJdm-HAESmmrx62Ug_XQkSt1R5N5-7jqmPF89Q40naawrb_NS5eitWCMF2U8pm5b93n8oGh9iEjz9XhlUkuxBgqRw7JI1JWoGDFxA/s1600/viuR7N6E2LA_1.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/media-youtube/viuR7N6E2LA.jpg
https://sg.glbnews.com/05-2020/CAIiEFtBhklh2Ce1H1Fg/


That’s good because we certainly don’t want to be hunted down by a relentless cyborg dog like in Black Mirror: Metalhead, which bears a scary resemblance to its real-life, yellow-bodied counterpart. Or the vice-versa, whatever.



Posted by Illustrated Fiction on 09 June 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM3GM299orc#action=share
 

We certainly don’t want to be hunted down by a relentless cyborg dog like in Black Mirror: Metalhead, which bears a scary resemblance to its real-life, yellow-bodied counterpart.
PHOTO: We certainly don’t want to be hunted down by a relentless cyborg dog like in Black Mirror: Metalhead, which bears a scary resemblance to its real-life, yellow-bodied counterpart.
Picture posted by Tyler Rogoway@Aviation_Intel on 22 April 2020 at 05:29 am - Black Mirror's robot 'dogs', scary, creepy. and preying on human beings.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6IK5o-MTG_TjdjgDiCJ_7MczRrq6XIkH_46bC_2fxHPg-UuxyIxUgMkRsyhhGNH9w_DjKfQ2gcwYFuuUl0kNnG2oJI7Pobj7UQCWnREWyzHbNWA3qI3cI0O24i11hiFkRK13UOsAxRs/s1600/EWKGEDLUMAATz1H_1.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EWKGEDLUMAATz1H?format=jpg&name=900x900
https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1252711179077554176/photo/1


Should the trial prove to be successful, more parts of Singapore can expect to see Spot deployed on the ground, such as Jurong Lake Gardens, during the morning and evening peak hours. At least one NParks officer is being assigned to the robot dog during the trial period, which also comes fitted with safety sensors for object and people detection within a one-metre proximity.


Should the trial prove to be successful, more parts of Singapore can expect to see Spot deployed on the ground, such as Jurong Lake Gardens, during the morning and evening peak hours.
PHOTO: Should the trial prove to be successful, more parts of Singapore can expect to see Spot deployed on the ground, such as Jurong Lake Gardens, during the morning and evening peak hours. At least one NParks officer is being assigned to the robot dog during the trial period, which also comes fitted with safety sensors for object and people detection within a one-metre proximity.
Picture posted by Si Jia, Geek Culture, Asiaone on 09 May 2020 - Spot, the distancing ambassadors robot
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGYQSRmBiroG5Nql-O-3x1Q0hxmE3qRcI2GoaQq6y6Ijfa-fNQNFCxtWWFsJPqQgP4daofOkf3PMl7BOC5VHgziWqGCcsgpnWw04Iez4K5YMWcPfLiR-mAUmM4DGtQUPPKaohV9nx3J8/s1600/Distancing_Robot_1.png
Distancing_Robot_1.png
https://www.asiaone.com/digital/singapores-newest-4-legged-safe-distancing-ambassador-gives-us-black-mirror-vibes


It’s times like these where we are reminded of just how fast technology has evolved over the years. Apart from safe-distancing use, Spot is put on trial at the Changi Exhibition Centre community isolation facility as well, where it’s programmed to ferry essential items like medicine to patients.


It’s times like these where we are reminded of just how fast technology has evolved over the years.
PHOTO: It’s times like these where we are reminded of just how fast technology has evolved over the years. Apart from safe-distancing use, Spot is put on trial at the Changi Exhibition Centre community isolation facility as well, where it’s programmed to ferry essential items like medicine to patients.
Picture posted by Globa News
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKOjsJL_DFuW6P69c6l5J_c6LjF4Wo1nWL2nBqJi9oP1dyKgJRzmMjNNUdj29ecsndzzmi1XgM-3b5Wp-IzkZcZU138aMlGSl_W02t_cRKEfsUHNYlJuX8yKFXffQlpGH6YILOdbsuf8/s1600/ddb981f0-911e-11ea-bfff-1a5a7913b2f5.jpg
https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/qb_.8oS1jv16NW0CFivxpQ--~B/aD0xMjgwO3c9MTkyMDtzbT0xO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2020-05/ddb981f0-911e-11ea-bfff-1a5a7913b2f5
https://sg.glbnews.com/05-2020/CAIiEFtBhklh2Ce1H1Fg/
 

In another universe, robot surveillance would mean that androids are in power, leading to the extermination of rebellious, non-compliant human subjects.
PHOTO: In another universe, robot surveillance would mean that androids are in power, leading to the extermination of rebellious, non-compliant human subjects. Fortunately, the real world isn’t half as terrifying, making use of robot technology to help out with safe-distancing measures amid the Covid-19 outbreak, and reducing the need for manpower in Singapore. Similar robots will be deployed at Pandan and MacRitchie reservoirs.
PHOTO: GIN TAY
Picture posted by Cheryl Tan, The Straits Times on 09 May 2020 at 5:00 am SGT - Curious park goers checking out Spot, a four-legged robot that started patrolling Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on May 8, 2020.ST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz2sm1EM7VNHes9NG2LXJMEwFLnYyU8Anvop8G6qdPSiD8sRvv-U4raHy6i5r28h_7pSTKCv-2WM2T-bgVryX8oWcpRRMd6dsyPoASkcI3hYS9QTQDcrm1H_YR1SFMwzWDznnl2ZVhcQ/s1600/ST_20200509_VNROBOTWLS5_5655073.jpg
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/meet-spot-the-safe-distancing-robot-on-trial-in-bishan-amk-park


Spot Launch

Posted by Boston Dynamics on 24 September 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlkCQXHEgjA&feature=youtu.be
 

The rise of the robots, AI and a biblical view of idolatry
The rise of the robots, AI and a biblical view of idolatry
PHOTO: The rise of the robots, AI and a biblical view of idolatry [2]
Of all the weirder (if not disturbing) developments in AI, is a growing belief that it can cure all of humanity’s problems. AI, it’s claimed, is the very thing that ushers in the techno-utopia of the future.

I know enough history to know that utopian visions, no matter how ideal or lofty, rarely turn out the way dreamers want it to. Fallen humanity always gets in the way and messes up the dream. Technology brings good things for sure, but it also changes us in unforeseen ways and creates new problems. The internet is the most significant development of the last few decades but do you wish you were less attached to your phone or wasted less time on your favourite social media platform? Technology is a mixed blessing and will always create as many problems as solutions. I have no doubt that AI and developments in robotics will be just the same.

But maybe you’re a true believer and technology is your god. In fact, the claim of Anthony Levandowski is just that. Recent media reports (former Google engineer is developing an AI god) have stated that a new religion called Way of the Future has the aim of creating an AI deity that will improve society. It will have such omniscience that people will worship it.

Well, the Bible has a view on that. The oldest and most common sin to humanity is that of idolatry. We just can’t seem to escape the trap of creating God substitutes, objects, desires, deities that we seek to control. But instead, they really control us. It’s not surprising that a 21st Century ‘golden calf’ looks like the thing we fetishize most, technology.

Machines are created to serve humans rather than humans serve machines. And we need to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. The Bible states that humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This is one of the greatest and most important statements ever written. I believe it’s the cornerstone of our civilization because it affirms the intrinsic value of every human life. Without that, morality and how we treat each other is defined by those with the power. Now is the time to get our theology thought through and our Christian ethics solid.

Powerful AI could be “either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity”. Given humanity’s messy past experience with powerful technologies, It's not overly optimistic. [2]
Picture posted by Leonard Ng Keok Poh, Ramboll - Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
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https://ramboll.com/-/media/images/rde/environment/abc/bishan_1360x765.jpg
https://ramboll.com/projects/singapore/bishan-park

By Si Jia, Geek Culture, Asiaone, 09 May 2020
This article was first published in Geek Culture






Reference
[1] Si Jia, Geek Culture, Asiaone, Singapore's newest 4-legged safe distancing ambassador gives us Black Mirror vibes, posted on 09 May 2020, https://www.asiaone.com/digital/singapores-newest-4-legged-safe-distancing-ambassador-gives-us-black-mirror-vibes

[2] Not Only Sundays, A Christian survival guide to the rise of the robots, posted on 20 October 2017, http://www.notonlysundays.com/christianity-robots/


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