Korean Scientist Creates Genie at Computers

``We created artificial chromosomes and implanted Rity with them, enabling thereby 77 behavior patterns and as many different reactions to outside stimuli,’’ Kim said.

``We found no two Ritys react the same way to the same external environment, just as no two human beings do. In that sense, the creation can be categorized as an artificial creature,’’ the 49-year-old said.

A software robot inside a personal digital assistant

However, the codes are modeled on human DNA, and Kim seeks to eventually mimic the complex double helix of real chromosomes with complementary pairs.

``Technically, we’ve already finished feasibility tests and are ready to incorporate double-helix codes into sobots, but we are hesitant to do so since we have yet to learn what a double helix would means for a sobot,’’ Kim said.

With its single-strand 14 chromosomes, a Rity now can produce offspring by mating with another Rity. Through the process, they pass on their traits to the next generation.

Kim said crossovers and mutations_ the genetic operators of evolution _ sometimes occur.

All the ideas may sound crazy, Kim admits, but he is not a crank. The professor is responsible for the robot football world cup, which he launched about a decade ago.

The annual event has become one of the most popular ways for robotics researchers to measure their progress against rivals from around the world.

The Origin of Artificial Species

Kim thinks the software robots are the origin of an artificial species and he has incorporated them into physical mobile platforms _ this work will be unveiled next month.

He noted that the diverse behavior patterns of software robots’ specific personalities are precisely translated into actions just as the brain rules the body.

``The physical platform is to a human body what the software robot is to a brain,’’ Kim said. The ``scientists’ goal of making bio robots will be a mix of both.’’

Kim categorizes the ubiquitous robots outfitted with software robots, embedded robots and mobile robots as the third-generation (3G) of robots en route to achieving the grand scheme of creating the ultimate bio robots.

``The world is today working on 2G personal robots after gaining considerable know-how and information on 1G industrial robots over the past few decades,’’ Kim said.

Software robot "Ritys" living in a computer

Then, an inevitable question arises _ there is no guarantee that a smart and strong bio robot will not attack people, as demonstrated in the 2004 blockbuster ``I, Robot,’’ where the NS-5 attacked people.

In response, Kim said he did not think the robotic evolution would be a threat to the human race.

``If we design the chromosomes safely by obliterating ones which can attack human beings, the self-reproducing robots will not pose a threat to us,’’ Kim said.

Cramming Sobots Into Mobile Phones

The commercial application of software robots is not far away, which Kim is currently proving by incorporating them into the foremost consumer gadgets _ cell phones.

Kim and his associates started the project together with Samsung Electronics, the world’s third-largest cell phone maker, in early 2005, and they have made considerable progress.

The professor gave a glimpse of what is in store _ a three-dimensional avatar will be inside the cell phone and adjust itself to the characteristics of the cell phone owner.

``It would be just like a sophisticated creature living inside a mobile phone,’’ Kim said. ``An owner will be allowed to set its first personality through defining the underlying DNA.’’

``However, it is up to the avatar how its personality develops in tune with responses of the owner. Its personality can head either way _ getting better or worse _ depending on how people treat it.’’

For example, Kim said people will be able to deal with loneliness felt by the avatar, which will pop up on the phone monitor, by gently touching pre-set buttons.

Should the owner refuse to respond to the signal, the avatar will change its behavior either to express such feelings more often and overtly or just become depressed, according to Kim.

The compelling avatar, which will be available in the not-so-distant future, corresponds to the original idea of Kim _ the genie that folks can conjure up at any time and at any place.

More : http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/tech/200609/kt2006091815551811780.htm