Robot Dolphins By William Lama, Ph.D.
Robot Dolphins
By William Lama, Ph.D.
In February, I described my knee replacement. The delicate surgery was assisted by a robotic arm that helped guide the surgeon. I am happy to report that the procedure was a success and I’m almost fully recovered. Robots Are Great by William Lama, Ph.D. — Palos Verdes Pulse
I mentioned the new robot dolphins that may take the place of captive dolphins in marine parks of the future. An animatronic dolphin may be the harbinger of a new era for aquariums that rely on marine mammals for entertainment - ASME
The robot dolphin from Edge Innovations is so real the company hopes to replace actual marine life at theme parks and aquariums. Android dolphins explained by Edge Innovations' Walt Conti and Roger Holzberg (syfy.com)
Edge Innovations’ robot dolphin is 8.5-feet long and weighs 550lbs. It has realistic skin made of medical-grade silicone. It can swim 8-10 hours on a single battery charge. And it “shows impressively dolphin-like behavior in everything from its curiosity when it encounters an object of interest to its movement and tendency to surface four times a minute in order to breathe.”
Animatronic dolphin. Edge Innovations
Imagine a high-tech theme park, “a robotic version of SeaWorld, filled with dozens of intelligent (or, at least, artificially intelligent) marine mammals, from dolphins to orcas, that look and act just like their ocean-dwelling counterparts.” The personalized experience is breathtaking.
“When a child is less than two feet from a dolphin and asks their new friend if she's afraid of sharks too, and the dolphin looks that child in the eyes and slowly nods yes, you have created a memory for life.”
Robo-Dolphins Are Paving the Way for Animatronic Aquariums | Digital Trends
Dr. William Lama has a PhD in physics from the University of Rochester. Taught physics in college and worked at Xerox as a principle scientist and engineering manager. Upon retiring, joined the PVIC docents; served on the board of the RPV Council of Home Owners Associations; served as a PV Library trustee for eight years; served on the PV school district Measure M oversight committee; was president of the Malaga Cove Homeowner's Association. Writes about science, technology and politics, mostly for his friends.
email: wlama2605@gmail.com