Scientists developing carnivorous robots

[scr4]

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996366
To survive without human help, a robot needs to be able to generate its own energy. So Chris Melhuish and his team of robotics experts at the University of the West of England in Bristol are developing a robot that catches flies and digests them in a special reactor cell that generates electricity.

So what is the downside? The robot will most likely have to attract the hapless flies by using a stinking lure concocted from human excrement.
:eek:

[Jenaroph]

All right, who the hell thought this was a GOOD idea? I mean, c'mon, does anyone think they'll stay satisfied with FLIES?

Years from now, when vicious gangs of carnivorous robots with scary red LED eyes roam the streets hunting down the last hapless stray humans, I'll be there saying "I told you so!" At least, I hope I will, because I'm right now drawing plans for a carnivorous-robot-proof bunker.

[CalMeacham]

Why go straight to carnivorous? why not start with vegetarian robots? After all, grass doesn't move very fast, and you can culture microorganisms to digest the cellulose to generate methane, or whatever. I'd bet you'd get more energy from a spoonful of honey that a spoonful of flies. Less waste, too.

And why would a fly-catcher have to be baited with excrement smell? Pitcher Plants and Venus Fly-Traps don't have to use that.

[Rufus Xavier]

According to the linked story, the robot's top speed is 10 centimeters per hour.

(Sniff, sniff)"What's that horrible stench? Oh, no! The carnivorous robot is coming for us! What do we do?"

"Walk away! Walk away!" :)

[scr4]

Why go straight to carnivorous?
They probably decided a passive fly collector is easier and simpler than a grass harvesting device. Fewer moving parts.

What I want to know is - why human excrement? :dubious:

[NoClueBoy]

Halt!

Halt!

Obey! Or you will be exterminated!

[Ethilrist]

Good heavens, didn't these people read Calvin and Hobbes?? What were they thinking?

[Eonwe]

Fish, plankton, sea greens, protein from the sea!

[Ludovic]

I for one welcome our new carnivorous robotic overlords.

[cmkeller]

What, we don't do a good enough job eating meat ourselves, that we need robots to help us?

[MacTech]

*Somebody* had to do it ;) (http://www.robotcombat.com/video_oldglory_hi.html)

[LeeshaJoy]

No less of an authority than Bob the Angry Flower (http://www.angryflower.com/alight.gif) has weighed in on this topic.

[Colophon]

why not start with vegetarian robots? After all, grass doesn't move very fast, and you can culture microorganisms to digest the cellulose to generate methane, or whatever.

Yeah, we could have a self-propelling lawnmower that is powered by its own clippings. Cool.

Better yet, we could engineer it to grow a fibre on its outer surface, that we could collect and spin into yarn with which to make clothes! Hang on...