The rise of the Robots.
We have had robotic automation now for some time in aircraft, train, metro piloting systems, examples being auto-pilot and the London Docklands light rail system (DLR). This could be described as the first generation, along with military drones etc.
Now that the Honda Asimo and other similar humanoid robots have been created, we are perhaps moving into the second generation.
Has sci-fi becoming a reality?
These robots will help greatly in the care of older folks and the disabled in the ability to lift them. Currently the U.S. army has announced its first successful mechanical horse. This horse will move much faster than any natural animal, but also do the job of the mule or donkey in mountainous regions like Afghanistan/Pakistan. But what will the third generation of robots bring to humanity? Will there ever be a day when the machines take over, such as in the Terminator scenario of films?
Thursday 25 October 2012
Thursday 18 October 2012
The APC.
Armoured personnel Carriers.
Every army needs to have APC's to mover their troops around in battlefield conditions. The APC's were originally nothing more than an armoured truck or small car, but it was during the second world war that the demand for such vehicles came into their own right. The APC can be both tracked or wheeled, some were developed as half-tracks. It was during the Soviet era that we became familiarised with the BTR family, while the U.S. developed the M113 and a series of LVTP vehicles. Other countries over the years have each developed their own versions. Today examples like LAV and the Bradley can now be armed with a huge variety of guns and missile launchers..
Every army needs to have APC's to mover their troops around in battlefield conditions. The APC's were originally nothing more than an armoured truck or small car, but it was during the second world war that the demand for such vehicles came into their own right. The APC can be both tracked or wheeled, some were developed as half-tracks. It was during the Soviet era that we became familiarised with the BTR family, while the U.S. developed the M113 and a series of LVTP vehicles. Other countries over the years have each developed their own versions. Today examples like LAV and the Bradley can now be armed with a huge variety of guns and missile launchers..
Thursday 11 October 2012
Gliders..
Today gliding is a popular hobby for many people, but 70 years ago gliders were used as a cheap way of transporting cargo and troops to the European battle fields.
All of the powers involved in World War-II built their own versions. Horsa, Gotha. The idea was to use an aircraft without engines to replace engined aircraft desperately needed for bombing missions.
Meanwhile it perhaps was not a wise move, since many lives were lost in the mass crash landings of these aircraft.
All of the powers involved in World War-II built their own versions. Horsa, Gotha. The idea was to use an aircraft without engines to replace engined aircraft desperately needed for bombing missions.
Meanwhile it perhaps was not a wise move, since many lives were lost in the mass crash landings of these aircraft.
Thursday 4 October 2012
Star Ships.
Space the final frontier.
When are we going to build a real space ship? It is unlikely to be in the near future, but plans are underway to send a mission to Mars and the Asteroid belt within the next fifty-years. The development of some form of long-range endurance ship will have to be designed and constructed probably in space near to the ISS.
This space ship will not be as dramatic or spectacular as the ships of popular science-fiction, such as the Enterprise or Destiny in Star gate universe.
When are we going to build a real space ship? It is unlikely to be in the near future, but plans are underway to send a mission to Mars and the Asteroid belt within the next fifty-years. The development of some form of long-range endurance ship will have to be designed and constructed probably in space near to the ISS.
This space ship will not be as dramatic or spectacular as the ships of popular science-fiction, such as the Enterprise or Destiny in Star gate universe.
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