I got the 30-day trial of this program, so there’s a bit of remodeling happening here. If you should spot any possible problems, improvements, or have any suggestions, by all means let me know, I still have plenty of time continue inventing, and to make adjustments.
Attempting to simplify Blinky into one brain cell may have been an oversimplification. I’ll be trying to apply some of the concepts from ‘Human Style AGI’ to the Blinky project. Right now, a design of 27 neuron cubes serving as Blinky’s brain seems like a good place to start. I’ve decided to simplify the eyes instead of the brain, using solar cells for both charging and sensing. Some edges have intentionally been left sharp and angular, because this keeps the part file size low, my computer is barely able to handle the main assembly as it is. The solution to that would be to merge/simplify more parts, which would mean a loss of properties/functionality, but at least the program won’t crash.
The cubes (2 x 2 in, 5 x 5 cm) are now hollow, mainly to avoid explosions in case a battery overheats, but a little weight reduction, and shock absorption resulted as a bonus too. I’ll still have to figure out a way to increase the heat transfer, but at least no explosions.
Speaking of which, virtual heat transfer might not be a bad starting principle for neural signaling and motor actuation. Same principle as the real thing, only sped up. Huh, another thought, if only I could make the signals analogue… It might allow a nervous system to fine tune itself to godlike levels of precision! In Blinky’s case it would only make him godlike at finding sunny spots. But still, it’s a thought.
The rubber tubes at the corners (seen in the image below) holding the electronics net (the black mesh with glowing red, green, blue, and white cubes) in the middle of each neuron cube, can vent exploded battery (just in case…), and can later double (with the addition of wires) as antennas, if that should become helpful or necessary.
I think I finally managed to imagine a good way of securing the springs to the magnets! As you can see in this cross-section, there are two magnets on each end of a spring. Since the thicker magnet is countersunk, that shape will hold the spring in place once I pour in some solder or resin. Ideally, I’d like to use solder, just to be extra sure everything is strong, resilient, and electrically connected.
But the hot metal may reduce magnetization, and could mess with the tempering of the spring. Instead, I could apply some conductive glue to the end of the spring, stick it to the back magnet, then carefully pour in some resin.
Most of the process looks like this, and involves solving little problems such as how to keep this ring magnet from detaching and falling in (instead of falling out) which was the previous issue.
If I do the obvious thing and embed it halfway in the neuron shell, how am I going to attach the parallel power distribution net? (That’s the red and blue rings and leaders on the inside of the cube.) Will I have to redesign the power net? Ok, but then it might prove difficult to manufacture... Eventually I’ll be walking my dog or something and suddenly exclaim ‘Eureka!’
The four, colored, glowing cubes (they represent 4 parts, but I temporarily added 8 for symmetry, to help in the assembly process) at the center of each artificial neuron, represent: Red - Signal Receiver, Green - Signal Emitter, Blue - Signal Modulator/Memorizer, White - Battery. I will need to research what’s available, and will probably add more components later.
A look at the parallel power distribution net: The idea appears to be working, and scalable! The neat thing about the power distribution net is, it allows you to connect the cubes in any orientation. By the amazingness of geometry, (provided there is a single, or multiple non-contradictory power inputs), intact neuron cubes won’t be able to short circuit.
The interior case, holding all the artificial neurons, will need ports for: Charging the batteries, individualized light detection from 6 solar cells, and individualized power outputs going to 12 motors.
I’d like to do all this without the need for external electronics. Meaning that no components will be required besides what is already in the neurons. Ideally, the robot will only need the solar cells, the outer case, the inner case, the neural net, and the motors/propellers.
With the exterior springs attached, and half of the interior case on: The completed internal case is a double of the same part, only flipped and rotated 90 degrees. The center of each face has 4 ports, which must somehow fulfill the three purposes of, charging, light detection signal conveyance, and motor actuation. The barely visible magnets imbedded in the corners are meant to hold the two halves together.
A look at the motor housing, on a piece of the exterior shell: This will be composed of 8 identical pieces. The groove on the bottom right fin is for wires going to the motor.
1/8th of outer shell with motors with propellers, plus how they will attach to the neural net case: The props are designed to work equally well clockwise and counter-clockwise. Again, the barely visible magnets (on the edge of the motor housing), should help to hold the outer shell together. I was also trying out some environment options, but didn't find an ocean environment. 'Old Warehouse' seemed like the next best thing.
A cross section view of the entire system: Everything fits together nicely! Except, perhaps the inner shell could be a little thinner for weight reasons. Blinky is meant to be aquatic, and sun feeding, so I’m aiming for slightly positive buoyancy.
The initial concept is completed!
Well there it is. The rough outline of the vessel which, I hope, will eventually be capable of containing, expressing, and sustaining, the coursing energies which will be Blinky. One day, little buddy, one day…