Chess too easy; can computers beat humans at Go?

Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe A new world record in Go established by PRACE prototype and French software: "After the victory of IBM's Deep Blue against Garry Kasparov, the game of Go has replaced chess as a test bed for research in artificial intelligence (AI). Go is one of the last board games where humans are still able to easily win against AI. Although there has been quite some research in the Go domain for 40 years, the progress in Computer Go has been slow. However, researchers have discovered new performing algorithms and computers are catching up really fast. Since 2006, when a new algorithm called Monte-Carlo Tree Search was proposed, the level of Go programs has improved drastically. The application 'MoGo TITAN', developed by INRIA France and Maastricht University, runs on the Dutch national supercomputer Huygens, which is one of the PRACE prototypes."

The First Virtual Reality Technology to let you See, Hear, Smell, Taste and Touch

The First Virtual Reality Technology to let you See, Hear, Smell, Taste and Touch: "The first virtual reality headset that can stimulate all five senses will be unveiled at a major science event in London on March 4th.

What was it really like to live in Ancient Egypt? What did the streets there actually look, sound and smell like? For decades, Virtual Reality has held out the hope that, one day, we might be able visit all kinds of places and periods as ‘virtual’ tourists."

"Professor David Howard of the University of York, lead scientist on the initiative, says: “Virtual Reality projects have typically only focused on one or two of the five senses – usually sight and hearing. We’re not aware of any other research group anywhere else in the world doing what we plan to do.

“Smell will be generated electronically via a new technique being pioneered by Alan Chalmers and his team at Warwick which will deliver a pre-determined smell recipe on-demand. Taste and smell are closely linked but we intend to provide a texture sensation relating to something being in the mouth. Tactile devices will provide touch.”

"A key objective will be to optimise the way all five senses interact, as in real life. The team also aim to make the Virtual Cocoon much lighter, more comfortable and less expensive than existing devices, as a result of the improved computing and electronics they develop.

Robots of Doom: Funny or scary

A light take on a serious subject! Daily Show Roombas of Doom

Why robots can't be trusted with weapons - tech - 03 March 2009 - New Scientist

Why robots can't be trusted with weapons - tech - 03 March 2009 - New Scientist: "THE idea that robots might one day be able to tell friend from foe is deeply flawed, says roboticist Noel Sharkey of the University of Sheffield in the UK. He was commenting on a report calling for weapon-wielding military robots to be programmed with the same ethical rules of engagement as human soldiers.

The report (www.tinyurl.com/roboshoot), which was funded by the Pentagon, says firms rushing to fulfil the requirement for one-third of US forces to be uncrewed by 2015 risk leaving ethical concerns by the wayside. 'Fully autonomous systems are in place right now,' warns Patrick Lin, the study's author at California State Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo. 'The US navy's Phalanx system, for instance, can identify, target, and shoot down missiles without human authorisation.'"