Sunday, September 30, 2007

Less Artificial Intelligence, More Natural Flailing

{Ethan trades his ragdoll for a flailing robot}

My brother is a software engineer and notified me that there has been a breakthrough in the world of Artificial Intelligence. It is illustrated in the simulator “Sumotori Dreams.” This program utilizes a “self-balancing algorithm” in its “bi-pedal physics engine.” What I mean is, the computer will try and balance itself as you pelt it with rocks. This allows coded robots to move and react in a more human-like fashion, instead of falling down like Raggedy Andy (ragdoll physics). And don’t doubt the profoundness of this program’s code is lost on the general public! A quick google of the program indicates that the unwashed masses grasp the program’s true significance:

“Something about the way the characters move cracks me up”
“I can testify to how freaking hilarious this is to watch”

“This is awesomely hilarious… and it’s from Hungary”

“Friends don't let friends fight drunk

If you download the program, you can try out the self-balancing physics through a simulated sumo match, or unlock the secret mode by throwing blocks into the 2nd slot between the bars to the right of the menu and destroying the wall.