Category Archives: Technology

Robots and Essential Service Monopolies

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Scott Alexander says “Laborers and soldiers believe in democratic rule, and if the would-be tyrant gets too blatantly undemocratic, the laborers and soldiers will rise up to remove them.”.

He then asks what happens if robots are doing those roles, instead of humans, as they have begun to do. Because someone makes them, operates them, services them, programs them and owns them. And someone suddenly has a huge amount of power.

Now would be an excellent time to accept that inevitable future and build laws and processes to stop any individual or corporation having to much control.

  1. Governments can never outsource the operation of robots. That has to be the role of staff under democratically chosen leaders.
  2. Treat critical robot systems as essential infrastructure. If a robot fleet is necessary for electricity, water, health, transport, or emergency services, its potential failure or withdrawal should be treated like a critical-infrastructure risk.
  3. Require interoperability and data portability. Public contracts should mandate open APIs, standard diagnostics, exportable operational data, and the ability to switch fleet-management providers without replacing every robot.
  4. Separate layers where possible. Keep robot hardware, AI software, network connectivity, and service operation contestable rather than allowing one vendor to own the entire stack.
  5. Use procurement as leverage. Governments should buy modular, multi-vendor systems and retain rights to data, source-code escrow, maintenance documentation, and continuity plans.

Underlying all of that is a primary principle – cheapest isn’t best. Non-corporation control has value. A vendor can be chosen who is the cheapest, but only if all the principles above are adhered to. No exceptions.

A very different approach is to keep humans in the mix. Every robot that is not in a fixed spot (like a car factory or a monorail) – meaning there are choices in where they go and what they do – has a human keeper. They can be remote, and not have to do much, buy they must approve of any actions that might have moral issues. They can order the robot to not comply. In return these keepers get a stipend. Very hard to have a robot coup if the keepers say no.

The Always On Phone

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We like visual information. Until smart glasses take off, we will be using our phone – something with a screen.

Meanwhile, we are more often wanting very quick interactions with our phone. Especially AI chatbots. And this involves unlocking the phone. It isn’t too slow or difficult, but it is a hindrance.

Phones are locked for clear reasons – we use them for banking for example. They know our passwords.

The concept:

  • Lightweight phone
  • Electronic Ink display
  • Low power usage = small battery = cheaper, lighter, less recharging
  • No NFC
  • No financial apps
  • No video!
  • No games!
  • Is a phone with messages and calls
  • Connects to headphones if you want

The screen is always on. AI chatbots can always be listening.

No security concerns.

No endless scrolling and playing games.

It can hang on a lanyard for quick access, or be strapped to your forearm.

It is for people who want efficiency, not fun. Pragmatic. It is visible and tells the world you are that type of person. Not a loser addicted to their phone.

And it will be cheap!

Downside – needs its own OS, and own app store. Apps need to be suited to e-ink.

The AK-47 of Drones

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Drone wars have begun. With Mexican drug cartels now using them to smuggle product into the US (along with submarines), the Americans are now setting up lasers to shoot them down. This is surely just the beginning, because drones can be useful for all sorts of crimes. Surveillance (of others or your surroundings), delivery, and as a weapon.

Which will lead to the end of hobby drones and stronger regulation.

Which will lead to an underground black market for drones, just like guns. Unlike guns (3D guns aren’t that useful), drones can be made by hobbyists, that is where they originated.

Once that happens, two drones, same model everywhere, will emerge. One for surveillance and one for delivery. People in garages will churn them out. The needs are minimal:

  • Frame (3D‑printed, CNC’d, or hand‑made)
  • 4 motors (brushless for serious builds; coreless for tiny/cheap ones)
  • 4 propellers matched to the motors
  • Flight controller (with gyro/accel)
  • ESCs (or an AIO board that combines FC + ESCs + sometimes VTX/RX)
  • Radio receiver or Wi‑Fi/ESP32 module for control
  • Battery (LiPo) and connector
  • Soldering tools and basic hand tool

Pervert AR Meta Apple Snap Glasses

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The future of this is painfully obvious.

It is guaranteed that a large portion of society will soon wear AR glasses, that will augment our world in so many ways – identifying people and places and birds and things, navigation, offers and discounts nearby… All of these will require a camera that is on, so that has to happen.

99% of the time we will use the camera but not be recording. So the default is the expectation that systems and AI are using the camera input, but nothing is store or shared. That can be set in place legally, with layers of safeguards in place, including trusted 3rd parties.

If the video is being recorded, then a visible indicator light, at the front, is a simple requirement. For single image shots, the light needs to remain on for perhaps 10 seconds.

The final piece of the puzzle is the least likely to succeed, and won’t happen everywhere. It might only happen on a voluntary basis from a major player. Bluetooth broadcasting to indicate to people nearby that you are recording. It will appear on their device, and say who you are and the system you are using. Possibly relative location as well, if the tech can do that.

You will be filmed. We are already filmed all the time anyway. It will be normalised and as safe as we can make it

Inner Voice App

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Without a doubt, we will all soon have a device that records everything we do. Because some aspects will be too compelling, like where did I put my keys, or did I really say that to her?

So, given that exists, we will also have the option of real-time help. Having an argument with someone at the pub and it chimes in with supporting evidence, if you want it.

I’m suggesting that this app can be pre-programmed, by you, to be your inner voice. You can say, I don’t want to eat cheese. And when you go to the fridge and reach for the cheese, your app will remind you that you don’t want to do that. Your voice, your stated choice.

The TV Ad Stack

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Coming soon, the “TV ad stack” will be something we are all aware of. The native TV OS will have ads. Any 3rd party device (Amazon, Google, Apple) will have its own ads. And the apps themselves will have ads, and within the shows there might be ads.

All balanced out by higher prices and subscription costs.

Someone who controls the whole stack can make it better and less messy. That means Apple making televisions?

Curated 17 Dial

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The concept is for private booths in bars, but people with money can get it at home.

The UI is simple, there is a dial like an old rotary phone, with 17 positions. Not numbered, but could be, or use esoteric symbols. The idea is you change channel until you find something you like. The output is sound + video projected onto the wall. Yes, projected. People can get in the way.

Variety is important but the curated aspect is what you pay for.

For example a couple of channels will be sport, but they will be the most exciting live sport happening in the world right now. Could be lawn bowls or UFC. Could be in Scotland or Algeria.

Live feeds of public spaces. Again, curated. Where it is happening.

News service, but the most interesting that is live right now.

Throw in a classic movie, and some music channels – one could be a global what is hot in weird countries…

Steampunk access to the world at large. Aimed at open and adventurous minds.

Getting the Home Robot Just Right

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Just some thoughts, from imagining my ideal at home intelligent robotic assistant.

  • It will be on wheels, with enough tech to help it get out of being stuck (or ask for help)
  • Height is between coffee table and dinner table
  • The top is essentially a tray, for example serving drinks
  • The “face” is a large screen, sufficient for watching videos on
  • Very loud speaker system, for parties but also security
  • Patrols the home
  • Is reachable by app and intercom
  • Has a personality
  • You will talk to it instead of a AI chatbot. Making it seem more real
  • Thin arms with 3 joints and a very sensitive hand
  • Cameras all over it, and integrates with security cameras throughout the home, if you want
  • Lidar?
  • Arms are very dexterous but not strong. They exist to grab and deliver
  • Arms can put food in and out of microwaves
  • Arms can water plants
  • Arms can feed pets
  • It can be customised with clothing

It is primarily an AI chatbot companion on wheels. It hangs out with you, it is available to chat, and give answers and advice. The LLM is trained on your own data as well as having separate external AI info.

But also, it can do minor household tasks, with a strong focus on dealing with things when you are not there. Answering the door and accepting a package (placed on the top tray). Feeding pets and plants. AND looking after your kids. It is your proxy when you are not there.

And of course it will do daft random things, the Furby Factor.

But ultimately it is your buddy for watching sport at home. It brings you snacks and drinks without you needing to get off the couch. You can ask it who will win. You can make bets just by telling it. It will vibrate and sing when your team scores. It will screen calls from your girlfriend during the game.

Oh yeah, it is your at home Personal Assistant. Reminds you to put the bins out, or pay bills. Tells you to wake up, gives advice on how to dress, tells you off if you have eaten the wrong thing too much (you set the parameters), screens calls, books restaurants, operates the smart home. Next to you, with you, transparent.

Hey, show me the back yard.
Call work and tell them I am sick today
Go out the front door and see how windy it is
Throw a ball for the puppy
Yell out if my toddler goes near the kitchen

State-Controlled Tech

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It used to be the dictatorships and communist lands where high technology wasn’t purely a capitalist thing. But as time has gone by, and the power of cheap technology grows rapidly the direction is clear – all tech will end up being state-run. Everywhere. One way or another.

Russia and India can switch of communications (mobile phones and internet) and one day countries like the US will make an argument for such a kill switch, for emergency security reasons.

Countries who are not long-term peaceful partners are distrusting each other’s operating systems, productivity suites, data centers, cloud storage, drones and surveillance devices. Soon that will include cars.

Military is becoming more electronic and less mechanical. Expect missiles encrypted so only those with permission can use them.

Every country making their own versions of everything isn’t feasible. So we will have Asia and Africa having Russian and Chinese tech, Europe AU/NZ/Canada and the rest of the Americas having theirs, and the US all by themselves.

Governments will have at least partial control of every tech business, from TVs and phones to toys and robots, to cars and drones. Anything on the spectrum that starts with certification and ends with complete ownership.

Within 5 years – the change will be rapid. A new cold war in terms of not wanting to be spied on.

Reversing Some Tech – It is Happening!

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We are aware that hackers are huge problem in the modern world, although for most people it is someone else’s problem. But the more we hear of it, the more wary we become. There are trends towards mitigating the risk by removing aspects of technology. This was in the news today:

Hong Kong’s banks have a new weapon against scams: Accounts that require customers to visit a branch to access their funds.

The territory’s Monetary Authority calls these accounts a “Money Safe.”

…Hong Kong’s government will now promote Money Safe with advertising and other tactics, and is already encouraging residents to use the accounts to store any cash they don’t intend to spend in the near future.

Presuming that the in-person verification cannot be thwarted, I love this. True peace of mind in a digital world. Many people otherwise can and do store cash secretly at home…

Similar measures are taking place in other areas.

Australian Defence has signed a multi-year Deed of Standing Offer with Google Australia to deliver enhanced, secure and air-gapped hyperscale cloud capability for Defence’s ICT Environment. It is confusing considering the entire idea of cloud computing was originally to be distributed across multiple locations, but this is an instance without connections to the outside world, especially useful for portable computation. It cannot be hacked remotely.

Also in Australia, the government just made it mandatory for supermarkets and gas stations to take cash. Which means cash is sticking around, and cash in your wallet cannot be hacked.

People with modern cars are resorting to old-school methods to protect them from theft, because it is easy to clone a digital key. Expect more and more physical keys returning as an option (at least) for vehicles.

And Tesla is in trouble because someone died in a burning car because electrical failure meant the doors wouldn’t open the usual way. Hopefully we return to mechanical doors, and more knobs and dials for things like air con.

And finally, smart homes haven’t really taken off, except for HVAC in the US. And door bells / security. I sense a trend towards more self-reliance, like backup power supplies and generators, and tech-free defence.