Vegetarian Robots Are on Our Side

Posted at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

armybase / CC

Robotic Technology Inc. (RTI) is designing a "biomass-eating" robot for the Pentagon, and it's got some people in a tizzy. Because of some questionable news reports, word has been spreading that the Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot—the, ahem, "EATR"—might go marauding across the landscape, feasting upon the carcasses of animals unfortunate enough to have wandered into the metal monster's path.

RTI was quick to release a statement in which it clarified, "Despite the far-reaching reports that this includes 'human bodies,' the public can be assured that the engine … runs on fuel no scarier than twigs, grass clippings and wood chips—small, plant-based items for which RTI's robotic technology is designed to forage."

In other words, don't worry. Unlike some machines, these robots are vegetarians.

Since most vegetarians are willing to fight for all living creatures, I feel safer already just knowing that these foraging bots are on our side.

Posted by Amanda Schinke

Comments

These robots will not kill tiny sentient creatures. This is encouraging and solacing news.

Posted by: Brien Comerford | July 21, 2009 07:51 PM

Man, who moderates the comments at the link at 'Unlike some machines'? They didn't do a very good job!

Posted by: Jacob | July 22, 2009 01:56 AM

There are some wild comments on the link to "Unlike Some Machines," but then I spied Brien Comerford's comment and there, as here, he had something insightful and intellegent to say.

Sometimes he keeps the entire topic from degenerating into an argument.

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | July 22, 2009 06:12 PM

"These robots will not kill ant tiny sentient creatures" What a joke. Famrming machines kill plenty of 'tiny sentient creatures" to bring you your "cuelty free meals".
I know you won't post this, because I am not a one of your sheep.

Posted by: Steve | July 23, 2009 11:56 AM

Steve,

According to the USDA, growing the crops necessary to feed farmed animals requires nearly half of the United States' water supply and 80% of its agricultural land. Additionally, animals raised for food in the U.S. consume 90% of the soy crop, 80% of the corn crop, and a total of 70% of its grain.

In other words, if you meat you contribute far more to the collateral kill of field animals by harvesting machines than you would if you pursued a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | July 23, 2009 01:37 PM

Dude... wtf? "Vegetarian" robots??? Robots dont even eat!!!

Posted by: Felix | July 26, 2009 08:15 AM