Personal Robots

In the growing field of Personal Robots, things are moving ahead rapidly. There are many developments as a considerable number of companies who are making investments in research and design of such robots. Some examples are:

The VGo Telepresence Robot is basically a computer screen on wheels. It stands about five feet tall with wheels on the base and a computer screen on the top front. It is controlled the the user’s computer. It is simple to use. The person controlling the robot points the mouse and the VGo moves in that direction. It uses both audio and and visual allowing the robot to hold a conversation between the user and another person(s). Or, it can be used to speak a pre-recorded message when the robot comes in contact with humans. Further, it can take photos and videos.

Possible uses for the robot are many. It can be used in a hospital setting by the doctor, hospital personnel, or visitors. The robot can be used in education for visiting homebound students by allowing them to participate in classroom activities and socializing with fellow students. Businesses can use the robot over long distances to provide instructions. listen to problems, and manage activities remotely.

Another Robot is Walker, a Chinese developed humanoid robot, which stands a little over four feet tall. It can perform a variety of tasks such as pouring drinks, playing the piano, and teaching yoga.

A third robot, named Pepper, for use in the field of education was developed by Softbanks Robotics. It can work as a receptionist, teacher assistant, or even a nanny. It can teach certain computer subjects by helping students learn coding, which can then be usde to create software to control the robot in terms of movement and speaking.

Bitcoin/Blockchain

The big question in 2021 about Bitcoin/Blockchain or any other cryptocurrency is whether they will continue to develop and, if so, when will they become an accepted, usable currency throughout the world. According to Deloitte’s 2021 Global Blockchain Survey of more than 1,200 executives, 76% if respondents agreed that physical money will no longer be used within ten years’ time. Instead the prediction is that it will be replaced by various forms of cryptocurrency using blockchain.

The survey seems to indicate that cryptocurrency is here to stay and it is only a matter of time until it replaces physical money. Prediction of when the changeover will happen is not determined; however, there is a definite sense that it will happen in the near future. A big question is whether Bitcoin, as it presently exists, will be the primary form of cryptocurrency. Although Bitcoin/Blockchain has existed since 2008, it has encountered a series of issues that resulted in it not developing as rapidly as was initially thought. However, alternative cryptocurrencies may solve the problems engendered with Bitcoin, which remains to be seen.

Although Bitcoin/Blockchain was initially thought to be a financial method that regulated itself and did not need external regulations, that is proving not to be the case. Most likely some regulations will be developed to eliminate the risks, whatever they may be, in present day cryptocurrencies. The United State Senate recently passed and infrastructure bill that contained an amendment proposing research into the need for regulations. So far, that bill has not passed the United States House of Representatives. Stay tuned.