Academic-Capital

Human intelligence takes a heightened position in the modern age as the use of robotic rescue equipment offers emerging opportunities to enhance military capabilities. Human intelligence matched with robotic equipment creates stronger interfaces between the two that extends human capabilities. Petrisor, et. al. (2013) discusses how e-learning in a digitized battlefield creates cooperation between human and artificial intelligence in obtaining higher performance.  The idea for developing learning and adapting machines was first introduced in the 1950’s by BF Skinner who wrote The Science of Learning and the Art of Teaching as well as Teaching Machines . As a behavioral psychologist he developed a machine that not only was intrinsically rewarding to students but also rewarded them externally for correct answers.  The use of machines as well as the platform by which students learn has radically improved. Online learning can do much more than Skinner’s early experiments and n

A Patriot Breeze by Dr. M. Abel Technology is here to stay while the development of higher levels of skill to effectively handle that technology is important.   A paper by Eparu & Atanasiu (2014) discusses the need to raise technological abilities through online training by encouraging higher levels of military systems development. The human ability to develop strategy and make political decisions is enhanced through proper systems and technological knowledge that allow for a more collaborative response to threats.  The nature of the battlefield has changed. Data and information can be drawn from thousands of data points to understand the situation and the potential for threat. Understanding how data can lead to better conclusions of current and future activities is important for improved performance.  The far majority of militaries are simply not prepared to measure, collect and properly use new information effectively. Misinterpretations of the data, improper mea

Researchers from the University of California Berkeley believe they can develop artificial muscle that is one thousand times stronger than human muscle ( 1 ). They are creating the material from vanadium dioxide at the micro-level. As the material heats up to 67 degrees it becomes an extremely strong structure that has wide application. The new artificial muscle may someday be used in Prosthetics or other medical procedures ( 2 ).   Controlled by a sensor similar to human muscles it may function and work nearly identical to human limbs. Researchers hope that such developments will lead to a new era of medicine and robotics. The Sci-Fi is nearly here!  The team works for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and are astounded at the strength ( 3 ). Prior robotics is slower and less agile than human tissue. This new discovery may offer a new wave of development.   Building a suit of such material will allow someone to lift up a small car

Google is making moves to acquire robotics firms to develop higher capabilities and products. Their purchase of Boston Dynamics and seven other companies indicate that they have made their way into the military market ( 1 ). The program is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that seeks to create a new generation of robots. Combining the knowledge of multiple agencies through acquisition raises Google’s stature in this field. The goal for the time being is to develop robots that mimic things in nature. It is likely that someday they will try and put different capabilities into the same robot. At present some of the interesting stuff includes a 28 mph running cheetah, SquishBot which changes shape to get in tight areas, and Petman which mimics human abilities ( 2 ). Each of these robots takes significant research, designing, and software.   Google has developed the Android service, plenty of applications, and has satellites that map the world. They are in a

According to the journal Marine Environmental Research San Diego sea lions also react to underwater sonar. Younger sea lions react even more heavily to sonar sounds. According to the study, 15 captive sea lions reacted in varying ways. As they were swimming across the pool to hit a paddle the bursts of sonar forced them to change their heart rate, stay deeper underwater or jump out and stay on land. Some simply refused to finish their routes or participate anymore.  The Navy is seeking to collect and understand more about the sparse information available about wildlife as it relates to military activities. In this case, the sonar test is helping them understand both the capabilities as well as the impact of underwater sound waves. So far the use of tactical sonar signal (1 s duration, 3250–3450 Hz) has a noticeable impact on this species.  What is the benefit of this research? Certainly it is nice to know if there is a damaging impact on sea life and if adjusting