tools – Impact Lab

AI, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Science & Technology News

A robot has figured out how to use tools

April 22, 2019

In a startling demonstration, the machine drew on experimentation, data, and observation of humans to learn how simple implements could help it achieve a task.

Learning to use tools played a crucial role in the evolution of human intelligence. It may yet prove vital to the emergence of smarter, more capable robots, too.

New research shows that robots can figure out at least the rudiments of tool use, through a combination of experimenting and observing people.

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3D Printer, Engineering, New Discoveries, New Inventions, Science & Technology News, Space

Scientists use Martian dust to 3D print tools

May 3, 2017

Food and transportation aren’t the only aspects of a mission to Mars scientists must consider. Limited cargo space means to obtain tools or similar items, astronauts may need to make use of resources available on the red planet – like dirt. Four Northwestern University researchers were recently able to utilize a Martian dust simulant to 3D print building blocks and tools.

NASA started looking into space 3D printers back in 2013 to manufacture repair parts or tools. Now Northwestern scientists have used lunar and Martian dust simulants approved by NASA to 3D print tools in a process the university described as simple, scalable, and sustainable.

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Internet, Science & Technology News, Twitter

101 Twitter tools for 2013

January 21, 2013

There have been several blog posts on Socialable about Twitter tools. Here is the first in a series of 101 top social media and blogging tools starting with Twitter. Twitter generates 50% of the traffic to Socialable.

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Analysis, Animals, New Discoveries, Science & Technology News, Sealife

Tool-using dolphins have been found to socialize in cliques

August 1, 2012

Dolphins that use marine sponges to forage for food have been found to socialize in cliques.

In the first definitive example of subculture in animals, Australian bottlenose dolphins that use marine sponges to forage for food have been found to socialize in cliques.

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