Massachusetts
Robots with weapons? Bill would make that illegal in Massachusetts
Modern “dog” visits MA state house to promote ethical use of robots
Makers of SPOT, the robotic dog, are teaming up with legislators to urge passage of a bill that would prohibit the weaponizing of robots
BOSTON — It was a special “dog” that captured the attention of legislators, state workers and even tourists at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday; it responded to commands: Stay! Go! and even Down! But the commands were sent electronically through a joy stick and the dog, dubbed Spot, was robotic.
A flame-throwing robotic dog, like the Thermonator, for sale to the general public for $9,500, it is not.
The robot dog, created by Boston Dynamics, was at the State House to encourage legislators to support a bill that would prohibit the weaponization of robots. Sponsored by Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, the bill advocates for the responsible, ethical and safe use of advanced robotic technology.
Among other things, the bill would make it illegal for anyone, including a law enforcement agent, to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer or operate a robotic device or drone that is equipped with a weapon; or to use such a device to physically restrain a person.
“We have an ethics policy,” said David Robert, director of human/robot interaction for Boston Dynamics, the maker of Spot. “We are creating robots to be friendly and useful, not harm or hurt people or animals.”
The Boston Dynamics device, has been sold in 40 different countries; its primary use is to replace humans in tedious or dangerous tasks, such as disposing of explosive or suspected explosive devices.
“We can send in the robot to places that are too dangerous for humans,” Robert said. A Canadian power plant purchased a Spot to throw a switch that would arc every time it was engaged. Workers were too uncomfortable to accomplish the task, so the company called in Spot. “Spot can help keep humans out of harm’s way.”
The New York City Fire Department has one, dubbed Bergh, after the founder of the ASPCA, and it is painted to look like a Dalmatian.
The device is teachable, Robert said, explaining that Spot can be taught, or programed, to perform tasks without human supervision. It can record a route, a sequence of events and perform those without supervision as well.
“The robot is doing the work automatically but with the ability to have a human override its program,” Robert said.
Transparency is part of the company’s philosophy: the device is not encased in a furry substance; does not have a head or a tail, and doesn’t even, really, look like a dog. That’s on purpose, Robert said, explaining that the company’s aim is to create public trust with robotic devices in anticipation of them being in people’s homes.
Hannah Rossi, a field application specialist, was at the controls Tuesday, demonstrating Spot’s moves.
The Spot at the State House was fitted with a retractable lever that functions similar to a hand. Other devices that can be attached including mapping tools, cameras and at the shop employees have created a Margarita mixer attachment.
“That’s the fun part,” Robert said.
MELROSE, MA — Two people have been transported to the hospital in the aftermath of a house fire early Tuesday morning, according to the Melrose Fire Department.
Crews responded to the scene on 65 Heywood Ave. at approximately 2:25 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames emanating from the single-floor, single family residence. According to Fire Chief John White, the two residents were awoken by alarms in their home and have been hospitalized for smoke inhalation treatment. No other injuries have been reported.
The nine firefighters who responded to the two-alarm blaze had the flames knocked down by 4:40 a.m. The Saugus, Wakefield, Stoneham, and Malden Fire Departments provided mutual aid assistance on scene. The cause of the fire is now being investigated by Melrose Fire Prevention as well as the state fire marshal’s office.
Massachusetts paused Monday to mark Memorial Day.
Somber remembrances and celebrations of servicemembers took place across the Bay State.
“Our great nation is made possible by their sacrifice,” said Gov. Maura Healey.
From the Tewksbury Memorial Day Parade to the Puerto Rican Veterans’ Memorial in Boston, Massachusetts paid tribute to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I hear the stories of our residents who have served. Their names are on our heroes’ squares, they’re also etched in our hearts,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
A solemn tribute was made Friday to Massachusetts servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“All that we cherish, all that we hold dear,” said Healey. “Our freedoms, our rights, our property, our dreams, they gave their lives for it.”
Congressman Seth Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, shared who he thinks about when Memorial Day comes around.
“There’s not just one, unfortunately. There’s a number that I served with that didn’t come home, and there are others who have died from their wounds since coming back,” he said.
While reflection remains the focus, Memorial Day also serves as a reminder of the life that we get to enjoy as Americans — taking pleasure in the little things and thanking those that make it possible in the first place.
“My dad was in the military for 30 years, so it’s a great way to celebrate those that have served,” said Tewksbury resident Laura Clymer.
“Everything, that’s our freedom,” said Tewksbury resident Ellen Naughton.
“It’s why we’re here, and we can enjoy the things we have,” said Tewksbury resident Mike Chapman.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll also spoke at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on Monday. The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne held a ceremony, as well.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Monday is National Wine Day, where wine lovers are pouring a glass of their favorite wine to celebrate.
This alcoholic beverage is made from fermented grapes or other fruits, where yeast consumes the sugars in the grapes making it into alcohol during the fermentation process, according to the National Day Calendar. Different grapes produce different types of wine, and wine that is made from fruit or honey is often named according to the different fruits used.
It’s not the color of the grapes that gives the wine its color. It’s the tannins in the grape skins that color wine red and also the flavor. White wines are typically sweeter than red wines and are best served chilled, but most red wines are served at room temperature. However, a sweet red should also be chilled for the best flavor.
Top wineries in western Massachusetts
Yelp has put together a list of the top wineries in western Massachusetts:
- Silver Bear Distillery– 63 Flansburg Avenue, Dalton
- Mineral Hills Winery– 592 Sylvester Road, Godard’s Red Hen Farm, Florence
- Glendale Ridge Vineyard– 155 Glendale Road, Southampton
- Black Birch Vineyard– 108 Straits Road, Hatfield
- Sunset Meadow of Massachusetts– 296 South Main Street, Sheffield
- Cameron’s Winery– 1046 Millers Falls Road, Northfield
- Brimfield Winery– 35 Main Street, Brimfield
- Raven Hollow Winery – 436 Russellville Road, Westfield
- Hardwick Winery – 3305 Greenwich Road, Ware
- Echo Hill Orchards & Winery– 101 Wilbraham Road, Monson
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
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