Superbots – Quantum Computing

SUPERBOTS – QUANTUM COMPUTING

In this video, Kaku talks about how separate modular units/robots can combine together to form a useful but potentially dangerous machine to perform complex tasks for humans. He mentioned the usage of a “quantum computer” to programme this superbot can create an unfriendly superorganism. (6) “Quantum computing” refers to a computer design that uses quantum physics to perform memory and processing tasks (1), it has greater computational power and performs calculations significantly faster than any silicon-based computer. (2)

This emerging field of quantum computing has been applied in medicine and space travel, and has attracted the interests of NASA and Google to further develop this technology to achieve greater objectives, and possibly turn this to a technological revolution. (5)

The power of this technology is confirmed by researchers from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and the University of Innsbruck (Austria). Their studies show that quantum machines respond faster and are able to adapt to different environments more effectively than conventional machines. This means that superbots are ultimately “intelligent learning agents” that are flexible and creative -- not only are they capable of performing specific tasks, they can perform multiple tasks by simply changing its form. (3) That is, a superbot can engage in shape shift – it can demonstrate self-assembly, where it can combine its modules to have two, four or six legs. It can also move like a robotic snake by using a slithering motion, and it can even form a rolling track to commute! (4)

CHALLENGES

I agree with Kaku’s concern that this scientific development can cause disastrous consequences. It causes various legal and ethical challenges – that is, superbots can be used by terrorists to engage in large scale terrorist attacks, and it can be used by a country’s military for war, raising international security concerns. Therefore, a universal guideline specifying the use of such technology should be in place, to avoid the misuse of superbots for unethical behaviour.

SIMILAR SCI-FI MOVIES

Science fiction movies that came to mind when I watched the video are “Transformers” and “Big Hero 6”. It is relevant to “Transformers” because the cars and trucks in the movie can also engage in shape shift, transforming into robots when certain condition arise. It is also relevant to “Big Hero 6”, where nanobots can combine to transform into different forms to serve different purposes. The difference between superbots and the movie’s nanobots is that nanobots in the movie were mentally controlled, which may inspire scientists today to develop similar features.

CONCLUSION

All in all, the use of quantum computing to develop this superbot is a step towards greater artificial intelligence, however, it poses challenges as people can manipulate the technology to serve their own interests, which can be dangerous and may lead to disastrous consequences.

1. Bonsor, K., Strickland, J. (2015), “How Quantum Computers Work”, How Stuff Works (Tech), accessed 8 April 2016,  
2. Jones, A. (2016), “What is a Quantum Computer?”, About Education, accessed 8 April 2016,
3. Sinc. (2014), “Pressing the accelerator on quantum robotics”, Sinc, accessed 8 April 2016,
4. Hsu, J. (2009), “Superbot: The Real Transformer”, Live Science, accessed 8 April 2016,
5. Cuthbertson, A. (2014), “Quantum Robotics will create artificial intelligence capable of creativity”, International Business Times, accessed 9 April 2016,
6. Kaku (2016), “Superbots”, Science Channel, accessed 9 April 2016,

FINDING LIGHT SABRE CRYSTALS:

Kaku talks about the possibility of creating a light sabre similar to those presented in Star Wars. He talks about the danger and difficulties in developing these weapons, and suggests that crystals may be the key to creating them. However, the ultimate challenge is in solidifying light to form a blade (1). Here, “light beam” refers to a column of light, or a directional projection of light energy originating from a source such as the sun or a lamp. (2)