IPhone “Intelligence” Enhancement and An Idea for Advanced Exoskeleton Training and Instant Skills

There is a new $1 iPhone application called CubeCheater which helps you solve the classic Rubik’s Cube puzzle toy using a mix of sophisticated algorithms and simple image-recognition technology.

You take six pictures of your mixed up Rubik’s Cube using the iPhone’s camera — one photo per side. If you have an iPod Touch, you can also tap in the color combos manually. CubeCheater is able to recognize the placement of each colored square and generate a map of your cube. It then figures out the quickest path to solving the puzzle and gives you a set of easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

The current guru of Rubik’s computer algorithms is Herbet Kociemba, creator of the open source Cube Explorer software program. Kociemba’s solver software is currently used by computer science students at universities to build cube-solving robots, some of which also use a camera and image-recognition tech to figure out the color patterns.

Rubik cube solution algorithms and instructions have been around almost as long as the cube. The algorithms have been improved over time. The breakthrough is using image recognition and a device and interfaces to make it far easier for people to use. The “human enhancement” is made more widely available and accessible and easy to implement.

There is also an ipod application for snipers. It is like a sniper caddy. It gives adjustments for wind and other conditions based on distance and direction to the target. This is the role of the sniper spotter when there are pairs of snipers.

Breakthroughs in training physical techniques such as martial arts (like in the Matrix – Neo: “I know kungfu”), dance, gymnastics, swimming etc… could come because of advanced exoskeleton, robotics and prosthetics. An exoskeleton that can guide a persons movements fairly precisely and provide some resistance could be used to accelerate developing proper form and muscle memory of the technique.

There is already motion capture training of robots to record and repeat tasks. Motion capture could be used and then loaded into robotic exoskeletons to provide human training assistance. A person could be moved like a puppet (go along for the ride) in performing the task.

Prosthetics are getting more advanced and connecting to the nerves and muscles of people.

The Global Positioning system and GPS navigation have a system which knows where most things are and is able to provide easy to follow driving directions. There is a lot of knowledge and skills that are being collected in information systems now. The sharing of skills and know how could be unlocked with better interfaces, exoskeletons and robotics.

Good exoskeletons may not just provide strength enhancement but dexterous exoskeletons can provide instant skills. The wearer would be able to cheat to know how to fly a helicopter or any other physical skill.

The Matrix like instant skills would not need to be downloaded into your brain. They could be loaded or stored in the exoskeleton computer which would be wearing and which guide and direct you and lead you precisely by directing your motion and muscles as much as is needed.

There will also be visualization training. This visualization speed up to training is already being developed by DARPA. This is using something like a holodeck to provide a faster training environment.

Wearable workstations with glasses that are your computer screen are already being integrated and tested this year.

Exoskeletons are also advancing rapidly.

All the collected skills and knowledge would be accessible for any individual to instantly have near mastery. Plus they would be able to far more rapidly learn and be able to incorporate a skill that wanted to be able to repeat and integrate directly into their own repertoire.