FEDOR Is a Gunslinging Robot That’s Just a Skin Suit Away From Westworld – Futurism

In BriefRussia's FEDOR humanoid robot can now shoot guns, leadingcritics of artificial intelligence to express concerns over thepotential danger it poses. The Russian government, however, wasquick to point out that the exercise isn't meant to create a"Terminator." No Terminator, No SkyNet

A number of experts have already warnedthat artificial intelligence (AI)could lead to the end of humanity. While these warnings havent entirely fallen on deaf ears, the development of systems that would no doubt be considered questionable by AI-naysayers has persisted. Russias highly capable robot FEDOR is one such system.

FEDOR short for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research is a humanoid robot developed by Android Technics and the Advanced Research Fund. The multi-talented bot can drive a car, use various tools (including keys), screw in lightbulbs, and even do pushups. It has also proven capable of working in extreme conditions.

Now, Russias deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin showed via Twitter that FEDOR has added shooting handguns to its skill set. Robot platform F.E.D.O.R. showed shooting skills with two hands, one tweet read. Rogozin also posted a video of FEDOR actually firing guns along with the tweet.

Naturally, such a display of gunslinging skills by a robot bothered some people. Rogozin, however, was quick to assure them that theres nothing to fear. We are not creating a Terminator, but artificial intelligence that will be of great practical significance in various fields, he explained in another tweet.

When FEDOR was first introduced, its purpose was quite clear the robot was designed to be used for rescue work. However, as its abilities have expanded, its purpose has been augmented to include space exploration.

By 2021, FEDOR is expected to be space-bound as the sole passenger on the Russian Federatsiya spacecraft, or it could be used as part of Russias planned 2031 Moon missions. This thing can work without a space suit, live not only in a crew vehicle, but even outside it, Rogozin previously said about FEDOR.

As for shooting guns, Rogozin explained that the exercise was meant to improve FEDORs decision-making algorithms and fine motor skills. Of course, potential military uses for the android have been suggested in the past, according to a report by The Independent, andFEDOR wouldnt be the first robot designed for combat.

Concerns over AIspotentially damaging effects arent limited to just physical harm. Several experts believe that a more concrete and imminent effect would be job displacement,which may already be happening. Of course,some see automation in a morepositive light, suggesting that it could actuallyimprove humanitys place in the workforce.

In any case, intelligent robots and machines will clearly change society,and they neednt be carrying guns to do so.

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FEDOR Is a Gunslinging Robot That's Just a Skin Suit Away From Westworld - Futurism