What is Intelligence?
We generally refer to Intelligence as a trait like height, speed or strength, but things can get a little fuzzy when we really try to define it.
For a simple human (caveman), Intelligence is a mechanism to solve problems, such as staying alive, which involves finding food and shelter (and sometimes even fighting off sexual competitors).
Today, we know that Intelligence is not limited to a single thing. It includes such abilities as (A) gathering knowledge, (B) learning, (C) forming strategies, & (D) engaging in critical thinking. A more primitive output of an "intelligent processing" could also be a response derived from hardwired or instinct-like reactions to a different range of inputs.
When talking about Artificial intelligence, it is a technology that involves simulating intelligence that occurs in humans or other living things through machines/Robots.
Did you know:
The modern term robot derives from the Czech word robota ("forced labour" or "serf"), used in Karel Čapek's play R.U.R. (1920). The Robot in the play were synthetic human created with organic material & capable of thinking & reasoning.
Spoiler Alert: Unfortunately these Robot (or more precisely Android) were heartlessly exploited by factory owners until they revolted and ultimately destroyed humanity.
Idea of CockroachBot:
In 2012, North Carolina State University researchers successfully steered a cockroach by attaching electrodes to their antennae. (Yes... it raises a bunch of ethical questions).
The whole idea is for these little critters to bring along a backpack consisting of wirelessly connected sensors. Think of the potential of using them to seek out survivors under unstable rubbles during a natural (or unnatural) disaster!
It even has a microphone on board, allowing victims to communicate with the rescue team.
2nd Robot Project:
In this Module B, we will progressively build up our version of CockroachBot. So it is crucial that you are not too lost along the way.
We will start with making our robotic base from Module A capable of being controlled via the NEC IR remote controller. Then, over the following few chapters, we will gradually add elements to make our CockroachBot IoT capable. Finally, we will wrap up by giving you a taste of A.I. using a "hive-based" (Cloud) intelligence.
