Page 57 - Introduction to AI Robotics

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1 From Teleoperation To Autonomy
forums, where his sartorial style (he always wears a bow tie) and verbal style (stri-
dently pro-robotics, and that his company should get more money) make him easily
recognizable.
Science fiction and robotics
For science fiction enthusiasts, take a look at Clute, John, and Nicholls, Peter, “Grolier
Science Fiction: The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Science Fiction,” Grolier Electronic
Publishing, Danbury, CT, 1995. This entertaining CD provides a very detailed, cross-
referenced look at robots as a theme in science fiction and a lengthy list (and review)
of movies and books with robots in them. One of the most technically accurate movies
about robots is Silent Running. It was directed by Douglas Trumbull who gained fame
for his work in special effects, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters of the
Third Kind, and Blade Runner. The bulk of the movie concerns the day to day life of
Bruce Dern and three waist-high robots. The robots and how they interact with Dern
and their environment are very realistic and consistent with AI robotics. The only
downside is a laughably ecologically correct plot (written in part by Steven Bochco
and Michael Cimino) complete with songs by Joan Baez. Well worth watching for the
‘bots, especially if the audience is curious about the hippie movement.
Robot name trivia
Marvin, the mail robot, may be named after the cantankerous robot Marvin in The
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. That Marvin is widely assumed to be named after the
cantankerous AI researcher, Dr. Marvin Minksy, at MIT.

Have Spacesuit, Will Travel.
John Blitch brought to my attention the difficulty the Apollo astronauts had in accom-
plishing simple tasks due to the bulky space suits.