u/tree_based_society

Most advanced humanoids use massive digital neural networks (Nvidia chips, etc.) for control, but we still see robots dropping cups or crushing eggs due to latency. Given that biological reflex loops are analog and asynchronous, is digital brute force fundamentally limited here? How many companies are actually working on mixed-signal or neuromorphic hardware for hands vs. just scaling software?

Could human “wadging” of leaves have a place in permaculture?

I’ve been thinking about an unusual food idea inspired by how some tropical leaf-eating animals, including monkeys and our close relatives such as chimpanzees and gorillas, process fibrous plant foods.

By “wadging,” I mean chewing leaves very thoroughly, extracting the liquid and nutrients, forming the remaining fibrous material into a compact wad, and eventually spitting out the dry pulp.

This makes me wonder:

Could humans potentially use a similar technique with safe, edible leaves?

For example, could a mulberry plantation be used as a highly productive source of leafy biomass? Mulberry grows vigorously, can be repeatedly pruned/coppiced, and its leaves are already used as animal feed.

I'm particularly interested in whether this could have applications for low-cost food production, where people have limited access to conventional vegetables.

Some questions I have:

Has anyone observed or experimented with similar leaf-chewing/wadging behavior?

Would humans actually extract a meaningful amount of nutrients from leaves by this method?

Would cooking or blending the leaves be much more efficient?

Could mulberry or other perennial edible-leaf plants be suitable?

What would be the major nutritional limitations?

Are there any plants that should definitely not be used because of toxins or antinutritional compounds?

I'm not suggesting this is a proven human dietary or diabetes treatment. I'm interested in whether the underlying concept could be investigated from a permaculture/food-system perspective.

What do you think — interesting idea, impractical, or worth experimenting with?

​

What if future quantum computers become powerful enough to model every neuron, every memory, and every connection in the human brain?

Some people speculate that one day it may be possible to create a complete digital copy of a person's mind. Others go even further and ask whether consciousness—or what many traditions call the "soul"—could somehow exist in a digital form.

This raises fascinating questions:

• Is consciousness just information processing, or is it something more?

• Would a digital copy actually be you, or simply a perfect replica with your memories?

• If the biological body dies, has immortality truly been achieved?

• Could quantum mechanics play a role in consciousness, or is that idea unsupported by current evidence?

At present, there is no scientific evidence that quantum computers can upload, transfer, or preserve a human soul. The concept remains speculative and belongs more to philosophy, neuroscience, and science fiction than established science.

Still, exploring these ideas can help us think about the future of AI, quantum computing, and the nature of consciousness.

What do you think?

Could digital immortality ever become reality, or is consciousness forever tied to our biological brains?

Can cold weather (atmosphere) make humanoid robot hands faster? 🤖❄️

I was reading about Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators, such as Nitinol, which are often described as artificial muscles.

My understanding is:

Electricity heats the SMA wire, causing it to contract and move a robotic finger.

Before the next movement, the wire has to cool down.

In a cooler environment, the wire should cool faster, allowing the actuator to cycle more quickly.

However, if the environment is too cold, it may take more energy to heat the wire back to its activation temperature.

So it seems there could be an optimal temperature range where SMA-powered robotic hands perform best.

Question for the community:

Is ambient cooling a meaningful advantage for SMA actuators, or is it relatively minor compared with forced-air or liquid cooling?

Are there any humanoid robots that already use SMA actuators extensively in their hands?

Could improvements in SMA materials and thermal management make them a serious alternative to electric motors for robotic hands in the future?

I'd love to hear from anyone working with SMA actuators or robotics.