Mackenzie's (Un) Common Sense Blog

Simulating a dog's sense of smell to collaborate with canines: Building artificial noses to sense threatening odors  Surely you're aware of a dogs powerful sense of smell, and you might know that our noses pale in comparison,  but have you ever wondered how strong a dogs nose really is? More importantly, wouldn't you like to experience that sense of smell for yourself? What if this supreme sense of olfaction could be replicated and implemented into industries where sensing smell is a top priority? This simulation, or biomimicry, could improve our technologies and even increase our overall security.  The K-9 is one of natures best chemical detectors.  To put it in perspective, these loyal companions' noses that are about 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. Even on the low end of this spectrum, this is the visual equivalent of seeing 3000 miles in any direction with clarity! [1] Photo: When a dog breathes in, the air separates into d...

Creating a true artificial consciousness with neural network sensors Photo: Theodore, the main character from the movie "Her" in the middle of a thoughtful conversation with Samantha, a conscious IOS system.  In the 2013 film "Her", Theodore — a middle-aged, sensitive and introspective individual struggling with his marriage — becomes interested in an commercial IOS technology with human-like linguistic capabilities named "OS1". The system is marketed as a true "consciousness", capable of holding a dialogue of any kind via a simulated male or female voice. Theodore quickly takes an interest in the female version of OS1, Samantha, and over time their connection matures into a form of love. Upon realizing his emotions, Theodore finds himself as a moral crossroads struggling with the thought of loving the OS. His emotional response to Samantha is the accumulation of the OS' ability to converse fluidly with Theodore, thus masking the tru...