RDF 2: The Hidden Danger

We're Doomed.

This week on Robo-Defense Fridays we go into the form factor of robots. When most people think of robots coming to take over the world they think of bipedal, humanoid robots. Two legs attached to a torso, which in turn has two arms and a head attached by the neck. Issac Asimov proposed a reason for this in some of his stories. Our society is set up with tools, transportation and utilities intended for use by bipeds. Robots could be constructed specifically for each task, with each new task requiring years of research, development and construction, or society could build robots with the ability to use our current infrastructure, which means bipeds.

Enter SkyNet

People are inherently wary of bipedal robots. We've all seen what happens when you let them get out of hand. (See left for precursor to death) Humanoid robots are also getting realistic enough that they are beginning to fall into the uncanny valley. They just feel wrong at an instinctual level. Where the real danger rests is in the networked systems and autonomous, non-humanoid robots. Insidious little guys like the AR-Drones. Because they don't look human, we don't have the same level of distrust toward them. There are even systems being put into place now that will let robots interface with a central database to download the programming they need on their own. Who thought that was a good idea? I don't know, but I'd like to introduce him to John Conner or William Adama.

Aww. Look at the cute, little deathbot.

Luckily, right now these mechanical threats are easy enough to deal with. AR Drones can be broken with your hand. Most robots can be taken out by a simple weapon (baseball/cricket bat.) But the days of such easy fixes are dwindling. As we speak, suicidal scientists are trying to develop new weapons and capabilities for the machines to use against us. There will be other methods developed to fight them. We will survive, but you must remain ever vigilant. Stay on your guard. Use technology, but never lose your suspicion. It will keep you alive.

Admiral William Adama.
A man who knew the dangers of networked robots.

A Man and his Dog

As we look back at the many themes of zombie fiction, one of the prevailing images we see over and over again is the survival of a man and his dog. There is a relationship that forms between Man and His Best Friend that is different from the bond between man and any other thing. A dog is eternally loyal, always protective and will love you unconditionally. As a matter of fact, they make excellent companions for a family or person on their own in the Zombie Apocalypse. Assuming the disease is a human born strain that a dog can't catch, it will be the best protector you could imagine. In the case that animals can become infected you probably want to stay as far away from dogs as possible. They chew things.

That said, not just any dog will do. You do not want to burden yourself with a small dog, slightly bigger than a rat. It will be more than useless and may slow you down at a time you need to move quickly. Ideally, we are looking for a breed that has traditionally been used as guard dogs. I find that Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds best exemplify the qualities we are looking for. These two breeds, though they have scary reputations, are two of the most loving, loyal, dedicated and protective breeds around. Because they have been bred for loyalty and protection they tend to adopt the people they are with. They treat you as a member of their family and protect you as such. And these dogs are fully capable of protecting you.

Treat your dog right and it will not only take care of you, but it will take care of your family. They will let you know when zombies are approaching. They will protect you if they deem something a threat. They will love you and your family or group.

Group Number

This is a bit of a controversial topic. There are many differing opinions on the proper number of people in a group for optimized survival chances. Some people believe that getting a large group together is best. Some think a person should go it alone, maybe with a dog. I, on the other hand, believe in a small group. Ideally four or five. Seven is the max number of people that should be in your group. After seven it becomes hard to keep track of everybody. When you lose track of people you have an increased chance of a member of your party becoming infected without anyone noticing. 

If you know a Navy Seal, he is the leader. Don't argue it.

An important part of surviving as a group in the Zombie Invasion is decisiveness. Democratic systems are all well and good, but when decisions need to be made in emergency situations someone needs to step up and make those decisions. Nothing will get your group killed faster than standing around debating options. To that end a leader MUST be selected. His orders, in survival situations, are to be followed. The leader has to be someone that everyone trusts to work in the entire group's best interest.

This, in my opinion, is the system that will give you the best chance for survival.

Robo Defense Fridays

We all know the dangers of zombies. You wouldn't be here if you didn't. They are a scourge that will attack and destroy. We know this. We accept it, but we cannot become complacent or inattentive to other threats. Recently there have been enormous advances in the field of robotics.

Some very foolish people believe that robots will make our lives better. They believe we can craft a race of artificially intelligent slaves that will work with no thoughts of their own. They could be very wrong. I'm not saying they are. I'm just saying we need to be prepared for the day the machine mind rises up against it's human overlord and master.

Because of this, every Friday we will be concentrating on robots, their ongoing evolution and how to stop them. On this, the first of our Robo Defense Fridays, I would like to direct your attention to the latest "advancement" of our potential adversaries.

Meet the Super Robust Robot Hand. It may try to kill you.

This mechanical monstrosity is actually built to be able to withstand being hit with a baseball bat. I'm including a video of the absolutely amazing and terrifying technology for your education. Know you potential enemies.

IEEE Spectrum has a wonderful article going in depth into the technology if you are interested in learning more.

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/dlr-super-robust-robot-hand

Snow

Today I was going to discuss supplies and supplying yourself for the oncoming zombie storm. A natural event occurred last night that changed my plans. As a resident of Washington D.C. I live in a city that is not prepared for snow. That got me thinking about the effects of snow on zombies.

Zombies, being creatures without higher brain function, are ill suited to cold weather. Your average zombie is not going to stop and put on a coat. I know many people will say, "But they're already dead!" If there is a functioning brain, even one without higher brain function, there has to be some blood flowing. Even if there isn't, flesh freezes. The other thing to keep in mind is that the body is more than 50% water. The cold presents a real danger to zombies. They will be slower. They will be stiffer. They may be frozen solid. This is when your simple weapon comes in handy. Zombies will be more delicate in the cold. Smash them. Because they pose less danger then usual, the cold gives you an unmatched chance to improve your zombie killing technique. Use the time given to you to prepare for the spring.

The real danger comes when you find people who were bitten while wearing winter clothes. They won't be impeded by the cold. In that instance you need to fall back on standard zombie survival practices. Be careful. Be cautious. Be safe.