Research creates robot colonies – turning science fiction into science fact

I went along to the Robotics Intelligence Laboratory at Newport’s University to see researchers there working on the creation of a colony of mini-robots able to communicate with each other so they can perform tasks both individually and as and a group.

It was amazing stuff. The team, led by Torbjorn Dahl currently have eight mini-robots and soon hope to increase this to 30, making it the biggest collection of mini-robots in the UK. Torbjorn and his team are programming the mini robots – which one the researchers described as being “the size of muffins” - to exist together as a self-regulating society.

The aim is to get the robots to simulate the behaviour of ants in a colony so that they become a self-organising community that functions without top-down control. They will have built-in behavioural patterns that enable them to not only do tasks set them but also realise what else needs to be done, as worker ants do. Each robot learns how to work in a way that improves the group by filling the roles of others as well as the role they are assigned to do. It’s all amazing stuff that could impact upon the organisation of towns, villages and cities, as well as improving automation in manufacturing. Check out the video I made whilst there…

True Life Spy Drama at the Dolman Theatre

Imagine finding out that your close friends and neighbours are spies. That’s the real life story behind ‘Pack of Lies’ which Newport Playgoers are presenting at the Dolman Theatre next week (Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 January).

Set in a London suburb in the early ‘60s, this chilling cold war drama opens with the Jackson family greeting their good friends and neighbours, the Krogers. However, events take an unexpected turn when a mysterious stranger called Stewart turns up and tells them there may be Russian spies on their doorstep.

PHOTO: Alex Wilson as the mysterious spy-catcher Stewart with Dominique Flook as the innocent girl caught up in a web of espionage and intrigue in Newport Playgoers’ production of ‘Pack of Lies’.

“The Jacksons are quickly thrust into the middle of an investigation that involves secret agents keeping watch from their daughter’s bedroom,” said Alex Wilson, who plays the role of the MI5 spy-catcher Stewart.

“Suddenly, even innocent actions take on sinister meanings as the family struggle with deception and lies - and choosing between loyalty to their country or to their friends. Hugh Whitemore’s drama, which deals with the role of the ordinary citizen in society, is a captivating story about extraordinary events in a seemingly ordinary setting,” he added.

‘Pack of Lies’ by Hugh Whitemore is at the Dolman Theatre from 20 - 24 January at 7.15pm with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets are available by telephoning the theatre box office on 01633 263670 or 01633 656757. For information about joining Newport Playgoers Society phone or visit http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/