Can machines come up with more creative solutions to our problems than we can?

Can machines come up with more creative solutions to our problems than we can?

David Thomasson is the principal research engineer for strategic innovations at Autodesk, the company that creates 3D design software for manufacturing, entertainment, engineering, infrastructure and construction. Thomasson is part of Autodesk’s five-person robotics lab team, which is looking at the future of robotics and design. So far he’s worked on robotic film-making and 3D printing a metal bridge, and has just taught a robot how to draw, paint and tune into his facial expressions.

The article discusses some amazing things that computers, AI and robots will be able to do; and perhaps sooner than you think!

In the future, to make a bridge you will say to the computer that the bridge needs to connect to the ground on this side and on that side and it needs to hold a particular weight, now go and give us a few options that satisfy those requirements.  The computer will then present thousands of different options for suitable bridge designs. You can sort through that in terms of the look that you prefer or various other parameters that satisfy the need. It comes up with something that no human could possibly have imagined in the first place.

The article also describes a project to 3D print a metal bridge, and discusses the future design and construction of cities.

Innovation Future Specialist