User blogs

Ahoy Cap!

You have taught me a lot. I love how you parse situations. I thought of you while this was happening but am not sure I played it right…what do you think? Edit if you need, I know it’s long.

I am a chronically single geeky cishet woman in my 30s coming out of a several years’ bout of depression and anxiety. A few months ago, I got up the guts to turn on my dating profile. I am always stressed when dating, as I constantly worry I’m doing it wrong and in my awkwardness and low self-esteem will get myself into a situation I’m actually not happy in. It’s hard to envision myself in a relationship; I don’t know what I’d be like in one. But I figured I could not conquer this unknown without trying. 

Happily, I quickly began chatting with a clever, funny, geeky guy a few years older than me. We met for a first date, and I actually had butterflies! We chatted for three hours easily. I was nervous, but excited. 

Second date a week later, he wanted to meet me at his place and then go out for dinner. This made me a little uncomfortable, as for safety reasons I don’t want to be alone with someone in their home until I know them well, but I felt it would be impolite to wait outside his door and instead hurried us to dinner. The conversation was different this time. I felt like every third minute he was giving me ridiculously exaggerated but heartfelt compliments, to the point I became uncomfortable. I finally said something like, “If I’m the most interesting person you’ve met in years, you need to meet more people!” But he laughed it off and kept going. After dinner, he wanted to go back to his place and watch a movie. Now, important note: I want to save sex for marriage, this was clear on my profile, and he claimed he did too. What he wanted to do at his apartment was kiss me (that was welcome,) cuddle (I squirmed away and said I wasn’t comfortable with that,) and then give me a foot massage (I definitely wasn’t comfortable with that, especially since he asked by just grabbing my foot.) I was disoriented and discovered around that time that I needed to leave. 

By the time I got home, I had my head on straight again, so I texted him that while I appreciated the gesture, cuddling and foot massages were too intimate for me to feel comfortable with at this point. I paid close attention to his response: without a trace of pouting or guilting me, he apologized and asked what I was and wasn’t comfortable with. Since he had responded well, I decided to give him another date.

Third date a week later lasted a full day, again full of compliments and vague, maybe-not-literal (?) hints that he would like to buy me expensive presents or take me on trips. But nothing at his place and no attempted nonconsensual massages. I was trying to walk the line of being kind and appreciative of the very real effort he was putting forth without enticing anything further, as I felt he was moving very fast. He told a story about how he was making so much effort because he thought that’s what a woman deserved and to tell him if it was too much. I agreed that it was on me to tell him if it was too much. We did both agree that we had no desire to see other people going forward.

A week later, I requested we just get breakfast instead of spending the full day together, as I was becoming very exhausted and drained from all this and needed a weekend off. He was disappointed but agreed. At breakfast, he again started with the compliments, requested again that I tell him if this was all too much, and then said he really wanted to treat me right and not scare me off because he knew what he wanted, I was it, he loved me.

As soon as he said “love,” the first thought that went through my mind was: “shit, there goes that.” After breakfast, I stalked angrily through the grocery store having imaginary arguments with him about how he didn’t know me near well enough to know if he loved me. I called him later that day to break up with him. I told him that I was concerned not that he had strong emotions, but that he was not questioning these emotions and instead was rushing to judgement and action instead of reflecting critically. 

He was miserable. He did not try to guilt me but expressed that he wished he hadn’t told me he loved me. He expressed doubt that it was such a big deal to say “love”, as “love” to him just means “like a lot”. He asked if I could keep seeing him knowing that he just meant to communicate that he “liked me a lot”.

I said no. This man was older than me, claimed to be experienced with relationships, and had lived in the U.S. (where I am) for 30 years. I don’t know how he could get the idea saying “I love you” just means “I like you a lot” to your average American; it seemed either a last-ditch deception or a strong indication that his social skills were even worse than mine. I said I couldn’t imagine how we could move forward while both keeping our heads now that I knew he had such strong feelings. I would feel pressured to move faster than I wanted, and he would feel resentful of my delay. He promised he would go at any pace I wanted and would not in fact resent it, but I said I couldn’t risk it. He ended by saying that I didn’t have much relationship experience, and one day perhaps I will change my mind. If so, he would be ready. 

In the months since then, he has occasionally sent little notes and texts – not any discussion of what happened, but funny, flirty things like he sent before. I haven’t responded.

I felt gutted but decided about my choice to end this until one friend I told did a very bad job disguising her disagreement. While she was trying to be supportive, her questions clearly signaled she thought I was self-sabotaging by breaking up with a man for…liking me. She questioned whether the early L-word use might be cultural (his family immigrated here) or else a honest mistake by a socially awkward, fallible human. She seems to think I have massively overreacted out of my anxiety around relationships. It was enough to kick off my self-doubt vicious cycle. It now grates on me for hours every time he texts. Each time I remind myself I shouldn’t text back, I feel like I’m sucker-punching the sweet small town guy in the Hallmark movie that only wants to be good to the bitchy, cold-hearted big city lady.

What do you think? Did I gut punch Brayden? Or, alternatively, do you have any ideas of how I could have played this better so I can learn from the experience?

-Not a Lawyer, but that would be cool

Dear Not A Lawyer:

Your “readiness” for *a* relationship is not the issue with why this particular relationship didn’t blossom, and it’s not something you need to “work” on. Realizing that you are not on the same page with someone during the early stages of dating is not a failure. It’s what the early stages of dating are for!

Let’s review: You had a pretty good first date which did its job, which was to give you enough information to know whether you’d like a second date. The second date was incredibly Not Good. You felt cornered and coerced. After you squirmed away from him all night and told him you how uncomfortable he’d made you, he decided that for your third date, nothing remained for him but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of his affection. When “I love you” did not have the desired results, he tried to both walk it back and blame your “lack of experience” for your rejection of his “love,” while also promising to wait for you.  Yikes on trikes on pikes near dykes! And your friend not only fell for this blatant ‘negging’ but tried to double down? No likes!

If you go on three dates with someone and each date is successively less enjoyable, that’s a great reason to not go on any more dates. If someone declares that they’re in love with you, and your gut instincts say “ohhhhhhh noooooooo,” that’s not a sign that you need to work on yourself until your feelings rhyme with theirs. It’s a sign that you need to stop trying to talk yourself into developing feelings for someone whose texts make you flinch and feel annoyed for days at a time. You gave guy multiple chances, and everything you described about his attempts to escalate intimacy well beyond your stated desires and boundaries made me flinch for you. ( I actually yelled “NO!” when he pounced on your unsuspecting foot.) “I flinch from your touch….and also your words…and also whenever I’m reminded that you exist” is an incredibly good reason to not date someone or be friends with them. The only script or explanation you need is, “Sorry, I’m just not feeling it.”

Good job tuning out your friend’s shitty advice and her excuses for this guy’s cloying behavior! If he’s so great, she can date him (I don’t advise it, but she certainly can.) Good job spotting red flags, sticking to your boundaries, and recognizing that this guy is “in love with you” the way Pepé le Peu is “in love” with the poor cat he’s mistaken for a skunk. He wants to be in love so bad that the closest being that sort of fits his template will do, and he’s trotting out his strategems* for “how to treat women” instead of listening to you about how to treat you. 

*Exhaust them, mostly.

This skunk has chased you long enough, I think, and you owe him nothing. I recommend that you block his number, block him on all the apps, and see if you can preemptively block him from being able to follow or see any social media accounts you have. Do not attempt to notify, explain, or apologize, and do not reply to *anything* he says or does to get around the blocks. Blocking someone after they declare their love, get dumped, and keep right on texting despite receiving no response is not an unclear or mysterious move. It means: “I don’t want this. Stop.”

If you are indeed worried that a lack of dating experience is holding you back in some ways, it has never been easier to go on more low-stakes first dates with more nice people and see if something clicks. Meeting more people will give you more information about what you like. It sounds like what you like is someone who treats you like a friend with the possibility of romance, and you don’t like surprise feet stuff or people who come on strong with boilerplate romantic declarations. (Hard same, honestly!) We are all flawed beings, but please get out of the mindset that your flaws mean you have to put up with stuff that gives you the ick. Feelings aren’t fair, and everything about your story is a reason to be more discerning (“picky”) about who you spend time with, not less. So continue to move at your own pace, and pay attention to reciprocity, safety, and your own enjoyment, and trust that the right people for you will not make you feel like you’re being chased. And remember, someone can be very nice, very into you, and do everything technically right, and still not be your person.

Thank you for your letter. Please allow me to build a general 2025 precept, akin to “Do Less Work” upon it:

Feelings are information. Stop talking yourself into or out of your feelings. Especially stop beating yourself up for not feeling what you think you should feel, and start listening to what your actual feelings are trying to tell you. Not every feeling is helpful or needs to be acted upon, but good news, you can decide what you want to do about your feelings later, as its own separate step! Just, it’s very hard to both make good decisions about a feeling and talk yourself out of having that feeling at the same time.

In the rapidly evolving world of robotics, one of the most remarkable innovations is the development of quadruped robots. These robots, designed to walk on four legs, are inspired by the movement of animals and are capable of navigating complex and uneven terrains with agility and precision. Their design has opened up new possibilities for robots to perform tasks in environments that are challenging for traditional wheeled robots or drones. This article explores the evolution, functionality, applications, and future potential of quadruped robots.>>

The global quadruped robot market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies. These robots, often designed with four legs for mobility, are being increasingly deployed across various industries including defense, healthcare, logistics, and research. The unique design of quadruped robots allows them to navigate rough terrains, providing enhanced stability and versatility compared to traditional wheeled robots. Their ability to perform complex tasks such as surveillance, search and rescue operations, and autonomous delivery has contributed to their rising adoption across multiple sectors.>>

What Are Quadruped Robots?>>

A quadruped robot is a type of legged robot that moves using four legs. Unlike wheeled robots, which depend on wheels for locomotion, quadruped robots rely on a combination of actuators, sensors, and advanced algorithms to mimic the natural movement of four-legged animals. This design allows quadruped robots to achieve greater stability, mobility, and dexterity, enabling them to traverse rough terrain, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles.>>

These robots are equipped with multiple sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, gyroscopes, and force sensors, which provide them with a detailed understanding of their environment. Artificial intelligence (AI) processes the data from these sensors to adjust the robot's gait and movement in real-time, ensuring that the robot maintains balance and adapts to changing conditions.>>

The Evolution of Quadruped Robots>>

The concept of quadruped robots has been around for several decades, but significant progress has only been made in recent years. Early quadruped robots, such as the BigDog developed by Boston Dynamics, were designed primarily for military applications. BigDog, funded by the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), was built to carry heavy loads across rugged terrain, a task that was too challenging for wheeled vehicles.>>

Since then, quadruped robots have evolved from bulky, cumbersome machines into agile, lightweight robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Spot, a more advanced version of BigDog, was introduced by Boston Dynamics in 2015. Spot is smaller, faster, and more versatile, capable of performing complex maneuvers and navigating obstacles with ease. Other companies, such as ANYbotics and Ghost Robotics, have also developed their own quadruped robots, contributing to the growing popularity of this technology.>>

Key Features of Quadruped Robots>>

Several features distinguish quadruped robots from other types of robots, making them highly effective in a variety of applications:>>

Legged Locomotion: Quadruped robots use four legs to move, which allows them to maintain balance and stability on uneven or rough terrain. The legs are typically designed to resemble the biomechanics of animal limbs, with joints like hips, knees, and ankles to provide fluid movement.>>

Agility and Versatility: Unlike wheeled robots, quadruped robots can climb stairs, jump, and navigate through difficult environments. Their ability to change direction quickly and adjust their gait based on the terrain makes them ideal for tasks that require adaptability.>>

Advanced Sensors and Perception: Quadruped robots are equipped with a variety of sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), and force sensors. These sensors enable the robot to perceive its surroundings, detect obstacles, and maintain its balance during movement.>>

Artificial Intelligence: AI plays a crucial role in controlling the robot’s movements. Machine learning algorithms help quadruped robots learn from their environment and adapt to new situations. For example, the robot can improve its walking gait over time or learn how to overcome unexpected obstacles.>>

Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is an important consideration for quadruped robots. They use a combination of electric motors or hydraulic actuators to move their legs, and engineers work to optimize these systems to ensure the robots can perform tasks for extended periods without running out of power.>>

Applications of Quadruped Robots>>

Quadruped robots are being used in a variety of fields, demonstrating their versatility and potential. Some of the most notable applications include:>>

Search and Rescue: Quadruped robots are highly effective in search and rescue operations, especially in disaster-stricken areas such as collapsed buildings, earthquake zones, or wildfires. Their ability to navigate challenging terrain and carry sensors to detect heat signatures or toxic gases makes them invaluable for locating survivors and assessing hazardous environments.>>

Military and Defense: The military has long been interested in quadruped robots, primarily for logistics and reconnaissance missions. Robots like BigDog and Spot have been tested for transporting supplies across difficult terrain, providing soldiers with a valuable tool to carry out operations in remote or hazardous environments.>>

Industrial Inspection and Maintenance: Quadruped robots are used in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and power generation to perform inspections in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas. They can be equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor equipment, detect leaks, and ensure that systems are functioning properly.>>

Agriculture: In agriculture, quadruped robots are being tested for tasks such as crop monitoring, soil analysis, and even planting. Their ability to traverse fields and navigate around obstacles allows them to perform these tasks more efficiently than traditional machinery.>>

Entertainment and Research: Quadruped robots are also being used for promotional purposes, art installations, and research. For example, robots like Spot have been used in videos, events, and live performances, showcasing their mobility and capabilities. In research, quadruped robots are used to study animal biomechanics and human-robot interaction.>>

Challenges and Future Directions>>

Despite their potential, quadruped robots face several challenges:>>

Cost: The complexity of quadruped robots, coupled with the advanced sensors and actuators required for their operation, makes them expensive to produce. Reducing the cost of manufacturing these robots is crucial for their widespread adoption.>>

Energy Consumption: Quadruped robots consume a significant amount of energy, especially during tasks that require rapid movement or long-duration missions. Finding more efficient power sources, such as advanced batteries or energy harvesting systems, is essential for improving their performance.>>

Environmental Adaptability: Quadruped robots are highly adaptable, but extreme environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or heavy rain, can impact their performance. Continued research into weather-resistant materials and designs will be necessary to ensure the robots can operate in a variety of climates.>>

Human-Robot Interaction: As quadruped robots become more integrated into human-centric environments, ensuring safe and effective interaction with people is important. Researchers are focusing on improving the ability of robots to understand human commands and respond appropriately in social contexts.>>

In the rapidly evolving world of robotics, one of the most remarkable innovations is the development of quadruped robots. These robots, designed to walk on four legs, are inspired by the movement of animals and are capable of navigating complex and uneven terrains with agility and precision. Their design has opened up new possibilities for robots to perform tasks in environments that are challenging for traditional wheeled robots or drones. This article explores the evolution, functionality, applications, and future potential of quadruped robots.>>

The global quadruped robot market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies. These robots, often designed with four legs for mobility, are being increasingly deployed across various industries including defense, healthcare, logistics, and research. The unique design of quadruped robots allows them to navigate rough terrains, providing enhanced stability and versatility compared to traditional wheeled robots. Their ability to perform complex tasks such as surveillance, search and rescue operations, and autonomous delivery has contributed to their rising adoption across multiple sectors.>>

What Are Quadruped Robots?>>

A quadruped robot is a type of legged robot that moves using four legs. Unlike wheeled robots, which depend on wheels for locomotion, quadruped robots rely on a combination of actuators, sensors, and advanced algorithms to mimic the natural movement of four-legged animals. This design allows quadruped robots to achieve greater stability, mobility, and dexterity, enabling them to traverse rough terrain, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles.>>

These robots are equipped with multiple sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, gyroscopes, and force sensors, which provide them with a detailed understanding of their environment. Artificial intelligence (AI) processes the data from these sensors to adjust the robot's gait and movement in real-time, ensuring that the robot maintains balance and adapts to changing conditions.>>

The Evolution of Quadruped Robots>>

The concept of quadruped robots has been around for several decades, but significant progress has only been made in recent years. Early quadruped robots, such as the BigDog developed by Boston Dynamics, were designed primarily for military applications. BigDog, funded by the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), was built to carry heavy loads across rugged terrain, a task that was too challenging for wheeled vehicles.>>

Since then, quadruped robots have evolved from bulky, cumbersome machines into agile, lightweight robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Spot, a more advanced version of BigDog, was introduced by Boston Dynamics in 2015. Spot is smaller, faster, and more versatile, capable of performing complex maneuvers and navigating obstacles with ease. Other companies, such as ANYbotics and Ghost Robotics, have also developed their own quadruped robots, contributing to the growing popularity of this technology.>>

Key Features of Quadruped Robots>>

Several features distinguish quadruped robots from other types of robots, making them highly effective in a variety of applications:>>

Legged Locomotion: Quadruped robots use four legs to move, which allows them to maintain balance and stability on uneven or rough terrain. The legs are typically designed to resemble the biomechanics of animal limbs, with joints like hips, knees, and ankles to provide fluid movement.>>

Agility and Versatility: Unlike wheeled robots, quadruped robots can climb stairs, jump, and navigate through difficult environments. Their ability to change direction quickly and adjust their gait based on the terrain makes them ideal for tasks that require adaptability.>>

Advanced Sensors and Perception: Quadruped robots are equipped with a variety of sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), and force sensors. These sensors enable the robot to perceive its surroundings, detect obstacles, and maintain its balance during movement.>>

Artificial Intelligence: AI plays a crucial role in controlling the robot’s movements. Machine learning algorithms help quadruped robots learn from their environment and adapt to new situations. For example, the robot can improve its walking gait over time or learn how to overcome unexpected obstacles.>>

Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is an important consideration for quadruped robots. They use a combination of electric motors or hydraulic actuators to move their legs, and engineers work to optimize these systems to ensure the robots can perform tasks for extended periods without running out of power.>>

Applications of Quadruped Robots>>

Quadruped robots are being used in a variety of fields, demonstrating their versatility and potential. Some of the most notable applications include:>>

Search and Rescue: Quadruped robots are highly effective in search and rescue operations, especially in disaster-stricken areas such as collapsed buildings, earthquake zones, or wildfires. Their ability to navigate challenging terrain and carry sensors to detect heat signatures or toxic gases makes them invaluable for locating survivors and assessing hazardous environments.>>

Military and Defense: The military has long been interested in quadruped robots, primarily for logistics and reconnaissance missions. Robots like BigDog and Spot have been tested for transporting supplies across difficult terrain, providing soldiers with a valuable tool to carry out operations in remote or hazardous environments.>>

Industrial Inspection and Maintenance: Quadruped robots are used in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and power generation to perform inspections in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas. They can be equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor equipment, detect leaks, and ensure that systems are functioning properly.>>

Agriculture: In agriculture, quadruped robots are being tested for tasks such as crop monitoring, soil analysis, and even planting. Their ability to traverse fields and navigate around obstacles allows them to perform these tasks more efficiently than traditional machinery.>>

Entertainment and Research: Quadruped robots are also being used for promotional purposes, art installations, and research. For example, robots like Spot have been used in videos, events, and live performances, showcasing their mobility and capabilities. In research, quadruped robots are used to study animal biomechanics and human-robot interaction.>>

Challenges and Future Directions>>

Despite their potential, quadruped robots face several challenges:>>

Cost: The complexity of quadruped robots, coupled with the advanced sensors and actuators required for their operation, makes them expensive to produce. Reducing the cost of manufacturing these robots is crucial for their widespread adoption.>>

Energy Consumption: Quadruped robots consume a significant amount of energy, especially during tasks that require rapid movement or long-duration missions. Finding more efficient power sources, such as advanced batteries or energy harvesting systems, is essential for improving their performance.>>

Environmental Adaptability: Quadruped robots are highly adaptable, but extreme environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or heavy rain, can impact their performance. Continued research into weather-resistant materials and designs will be necessary to ensure the robots can operate in a variety of climates.>>

Human-Robot Interaction: As quadruped robots become more integrated into human-centric environments, ensuring safe and effective interaction with people is important. Researchers are focusing on improving the ability of robots to understand human commands and respond appropriately in social contexts.>>

In the rapidly evolving world of robotics, one of the most remarkable innovations is the development of quadruped robots. These robots, designed to walk on four legs, are inspired by the movement of animals and are capable of navigating complex and uneven terrains with agility and precision. Their design has opened up new possibilities for robots to perform tasks in environments that are challenging for traditional wheeled robots or drones. This article explores the evolution, functionality, applications, and future potential of quadruped robots.>>

The global quadruped robot market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies. These robots, often designed with four legs for mobility, are being increasingly deployed across various industries including defense, healthcare, logistics, and research. The unique design of quadruped robots allows them to navigate rough terrains, providing enhanced stability and versatility compared to traditional wheeled robots. Their ability to perform complex tasks such as surveillance, search and rescue operations, and autonomous delivery has contributed to their rising adoption across multiple sectors.>>

What Are Quadruped Robots?>>

A quadruped robot is a type of legged robot that moves using four legs. Unlike wheeled robots, which depend on wheels for locomotion, quadruped robots rely on a combination of actuators, sensors, and advanced algorithms to mimic the natural movement of four-legged animals. This design allows quadruped robots to achieve greater stability, mobility, and dexterity, enabling them to traverse rough terrain, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles.>>

These robots are equipped with multiple sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, gyroscopes, and force sensors, which provide them with a detailed understanding of their environment. Artificial intelligence (AI) processes the data from these sensors to adjust the robot's gait and movement in real-time, ensuring that the robot maintains balance and adapts to changing conditions.>>

The Evolution of Quadruped Robots>>

The concept of quadruped robots has been around for several decades, but significant progress has only been made in recent years. Early quadruped robots, such as the BigDog developed by Boston Dynamics, were designed primarily for military applications. BigDog, funded by the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), was built to carry heavy loads across rugged terrain, a task that was too challenging for wheeled vehicles.>>

Since then, quadruped robots have evolved from bulky, cumbersome machines into agile, lightweight robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Spot, a more advanced version of BigDog, was introduced by Boston Dynamics in 2015. Spot is smaller, faster, and more versatile, capable of performing complex maneuvers and navigating obstacles with ease. Other companies, such as ANYbotics and Ghost Robotics, have also developed their own quadruped robots, contributing to the growing popularity of this technology.>>

Key Features of Quadruped Robots>>

Several features distinguish quadruped robots from other types of robots, making them highly effective in a variety of applications:>>

Legged Locomotion: Quadruped robots use four legs to move, which allows them to maintain balance and stability on uneven or rough terrain. The legs are typically designed to resemble the biomechanics of animal limbs, with joints like hips, knees, and ankles to provide fluid movement.>>

Agility and Versatility: Unlike wheeled robots, quadruped robots can climb stairs, jump, and navigate through difficult environments. Their ability to change direction quickly and adjust their gait based on the terrain makes them ideal for tasks that require adaptability.>>

Advanced Sensors and Perception: Quadruped robots are equipped with a variety of sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), and force sensors. These sensors enable the robot to perceive its surroundings, detect obstacles, and maintain its balance during movement.>>

Artificial Intelligence: AI plays a crucial role in controlling the robot’s movements. Machine learning algorithms help quadruped robots learn from their environment and adapt to new situations. For example, the robot can improve its walking gait over time or learn how to overcome unexpected obstacles.>>

Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is an important consideration for quadruped robots. They use a combination of electric motors or hydraulic actuators to move their legs, and engineers work to optimize these systems to ensure the robots can perform tasks for extended periods without running out of power.>>

Applications of Quadruped Robots>>

Quadruped robots are being used in a variety of fields, demonstrating their versatility and potential. Some of the most notable applications include:>>

Search and Rescue: Quadruped robots are highly effective in search and rescue operations, especially in disaster-stricken areas such as collapsed buildings, earthquake zones, or wildfires. Their ability to navigate challenging terrain and carry sensors to detect heat signatures or toxic gases makes them invaluable for locating survivors and assessing hazardous environments.>>

Military and Defense: The military has long been interested in quadruped robots, primarily for logistics and reconnaissance missions. Robots like BigDog and Spot have been tested for transporting supplies across difficult terrain, providing soldiers with a valuable tool to carry out operations in remote or hazardous environments.>>

Industrial Inspection and Maintenance: Quadruped robots are used in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and power generation to perform inspections in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas. They can be equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor equipment, detect leaks, and ensure that systems are functioning properly.>>

Agriculture: In agriculture, quadruped robots are being tested for tasks such as crop monitoring, soil analysis, and even planting. Their ability to traverse fields and navigate around obstacles allows them to perform these tasks more efficiently than traditional machinery.>>

Entertainment and Research: Quadruped robots are also being used for promotional purposes, art installations, and research. For example, robots like Spot have been used in videos, events, and live performances, showcasing their mobility and capabilities. In research, quadruped robots are used to study animal biomechanics and human-robot interaction.>>

Challenges and Future Directions>>

Despite their potential, quadruped robots face several challenges:>>

Cost: The complexity of quadruped robots, coupled with the advanced sensors and actuators required for their operation, makes them expensive to produce. Reducing the cost of manufacturing these robots is crucial for their widespread adoption.>>

Energy Consumption: Quadruped robots consume a significant amount of energy, especially during tasks that require rapid movement or long-duration missions. Finding more efficient power sources, such as advanced batteries or energy harvesting systems, is essential for improving their performance.>>

Environmental Adaptability: Quadruped robots are highly adaptable, but extreme environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or heavy rain, can impact their performance. Continued research into weather-resistant materials and designs will be necessary to ensure the robots can operate in a variety of climates.>>

Human-Robot Interaction: As quadruped robots become more integrated into human-centric environments, ensuring safe and effective interaction with people is important. Researchers are focusing on improving the ability of robots to understand human commands and respond appropriately in social contexts.>>

It is time for the periodic ritual where we treat the search strings people typed in like actual questions. All snap judgments, no context, let’s do it!

1) “Friend always forgets credit card.”

Forgetting a payment method once in a great while is a regrettable error. Forgetting it “always” (and not following up immediately to pay some other way or following through on treating next time) indicates a game of Awkward Chicken is afoot, where they are basically daring you to speak up and calculating that you’ll find it less awkward to pay.

Take the dare!

Stop making plans that cost money with this person until you’ve addressed the problem, and ask for separate checks up front whenever possible to minimize room for shenanigans. When you do address it, instead of hinting around or accusing them of forgetting on purpose (and getting blasted with shame and defensiveness), be blunt and direct about what you want to happen now/next. “Your half is $X, can you Venmo me right now?” “You still owe me $Y from last time, so I’d rather not do anything that costs money until we’re square. Can you pay me back today or should we plan something free?”

2) “Brand new boyfriend asked to borrow money.”

Nope!

I’m in no position to judge people for the fact of struggling financially, but in my experience, asking a brand new partner to lend money beyond “Can you snag us advance movie tickets and I’ll grab the dinner?” is among the most crimson of flags. It ranks only slightly behind a) “suddenly” losing their housing situation and needing to move in right after the first “I love yous” are exchanged (#hobosexuality), b) having a ton of bullshit reasons about why they “can’t” or “don’t have to” wear condoms, and c) any sentences that include the words “If you really loved me, you would_____.,” “It’s okay, my wife is cool with it,”  or “You’re not like other girls.”

Consider the possibilities, none of them great:

• They are disingenuous or unrealistic about their financial situation. And if the loan is for an investment “opportunity” or to bail out a flailing “business”? RUN AWAY.
• Even if everything is mostly on the up-and-up, lending money adds stress and tension to a brand new relationship. What is the plan and timeline for paying you back? Are you going to have to chase them down for the money or play Awkward Chicken? They are, at minimum, willing to put the relationship at risk over money, which does not point to them having great boundaries.
• Consider that they have no one else to ask because everyone they already know is tapped out or reasonably skeptical of their ability to pay it back. Just because someone doesn’t have a [therapist][single friend or family member in the world][rescuer/meal ticket] doesn’t make you the default substitute!
• It’s a test of whether you have porous boundaries and are prone to manipulation.

Fortunately there is a magic word that will both protect you and reveal bad intentions instantly: Say no and see what happens. Does the person try to manipulate you further? Or blame you for their issues? “I can’t believe you’d make such a big deal over something like money.” Saying that you’re not comfortable lending money to someone you basically just met is not mean or unfair. What would this person do if they didn’t have you to lean on? Sounds like they should make that Plan A!

I don’t know how far apart these next searches took place but I’m sensing a theme here.

3) “How can I get an old friend to stop calling me after 24 years?” 

You can’t get people to stop doing anything. You can either ask them outright to stop calling and see what they do, or you can adjust how–and whether–you answer. After 24 years, hearing some version of  “I appreciate all the effort you make to stay in touch, and I wish you well, but I think this friendship has run its course for me and I’d rather not stay in touch by phone anymore” will doubtless hurt. Will it hurt less than being ghosted, or whatever has you dodging this person’s calls?

4) “Old friend appeared out of nowhere and is overeager,”

4) Mismatches in friendly enthusiasm and reciprocity are inherently awkward, even if everyone is basically nice and has the best of intentions. Whenever someone clearly wants more from you than you want to give, my go-to advice is to figure out what level of interaction –if any!–would make you most happy and comfortable, and default to that.instead of trying to strategize around the feelings and expectations of a person you’re  already not terribly invested in.

If you’d rather not resume the friendship at all, then it’s probably better to just end it swiftly (see above).  If you’re open to seeing if a sometimes-friendship is possible, honor your own preferences about frequency and intensity of communication and see what happens. For example, they want to hang out in person every week, and you’d be happy to catch up once every three months? Then invite* them to hang out roughly every three months and politely decline everything in the interim. They want to text or talk on the phone all the time? “Sorry, I’m not much of a texter, please don’t be offended if I don’t reply right away. But maybe we can get together for lunch next month and catch up. How’s [date] or [date] for you?” If the periodic interactions are fun and planning them is easy, you might end up building a new friendship on the ashes of the old. Or, they might not want a “sometimes” friend, in which case, they are free to back away at any time.

*Note: If you take the initiative to invite them, then you potentially forestall a situation where they feel like they need to chase you. If you can’t see yourself inviting them to do stuff ever, remember: You’re not required to be friends with everyone who wants to be friends with you.

5) “Should I ask an old friend who doesn’t contact me out for a drink on her birthday?”

“Should” is a strong word, depending on the history, but you certainly can! If you’ve fallen out of touch, I’d assume your friend probably has other plans on her birthday, but it’s as good an excuse as any to reach out. “Hey, saw your birthday was coming up and realized I hadn’t seen your face in forever. Can I take you out for a drink sometime next week? Maybe on [date] or [date]*? Let me know, I’d love to catch up. Happy birthday in any case!”

She’ll either say yes or no, and then you’ll have your answer about whether “doesn’t” means “prefers not to.”

*Note: I’m putting language about nailing down a specific day for plans in these sample scripts on purpose. “Would you like to have a drink sometime?” is not making a plan, it’s assigning the other person homework to come up with a plan. It also allows people to say “yes” in theory and never actually make the plan, leaving you wondering if you’d be bothering them if you follow up with a plan. If you’re anxious about the situation at all, ambiguity just creates more anxiety. If you want to hang out with a given person, invite them to something concrete that they can say yes or no to.

6) “Boyfriend’s family won’t respect me until he proposes.”

Bad news: People who create arbitrary milestones after which they *might* theoretically respect you are pretending that you can audition for or earn their respect, like, “Clean the house, Cinderella, and then maybe you can go to the ball!” They want you to think that their disrespect is your fault and that you just need to wait longer or work harder to earn their respect. But there will always be another milestone or more work you’re supposed to do.

People either treat you with respect or they don’t. If these people don’t, and most likely never will, how bad do you still want to marry this guy?

7) “Mom has helped me financially now wants bank password.”

There’s a fine line between “help” and “control.”

Financial gifts and temporary loans with generous and unambiguous repayment terms are helpful.

Setting some boundaries and conditions around financial help for an adult child isn’t unreasonable. “You can live at home for free as long as you’re in school or studying toward a trade.” “This is the third time you’ve needed ’emergency’ money in as many months. I’m not sending more until we can sit down together and work out a budget so that this won’t keep happening.” (Providing financially for a minor child isn’t “help,” it’s non-optional support, so I’m assuming everyone in this question is an adult.)

But unless there are *incredibly* mitigating circumstances (like, you are incapacitated in some way), allowing a parent 24-7 access to both your money and your transaction history risks crossing the line into control. If your mom wants to be repaid for her help, work out a schedule and stick to it, but hold onto your passwords. And if control is the price of your mom’s help, think carefully about whether the cost is worth it. Sometimes the cheapest way to pay is with money.

8) “Parents freak out over not knowing my friends. I’m 24!”

I wonder, are your friends local or do they live inside the internet? Some of my best friends live there, it’s not weird like it was back in the 1990s when I just told my folks that everybody I knew from the internet was “a friend from college” or “former coworker” so they wouldn’t obsess about me ending up on Dateline.

If at least some of your friends are local and up for a challenge, I propose the following solution: Throw a little dinner party where you invite one or two of your of most outgoing friends and your parents. Cook something simple. Keep the music low enough to talk over without yelling and skip the recreational intoxicants. If your parents attempt to grill your friends about their education, hobbies, love lives, and career prospects, see if you and your friends can band together and take turns asking them the same questions. “What do you do? How’d you get into that field? Do you like it?” “When you were our age, what did you do for fun?” “What was dating like in the Olden Times?” “Have YOU read any good books lately?” Maybe play a wholesome party game like Time’s Up or Apples to Apples. Neutral-boring is better than bad-interesting, so when in doubt, be boring.

This won’t magically undo the worry about loss of control, passage of time, sense of competition for your time and attention, or whatever underlying fear that’s causing your parents to “freak out.” But this has the advantage of addressing the thing they say they are worried about head-on: “You didn’t know my friends, but now you do! We just spent two pleasant hours being adults together!” Removing the mystery might inspire your parents to seek something new to complain about.

If your friends live mostly online, or you can’t yeet your friendly neighborhood Commander Logic at them the way every single person in our friend group does (she is truly THE BEST at Parents), you might get mileage out of asking your parents to be more specific about their worry and see if explaining it aloud either makes it progressively less worrying over time or gives you a more specific way to address it. “So you’re worried about me driving at night? Would it make you feel better if I texted you when I got there?” If they keep adding worry on top of worry the more you try to meet them halfway, at least you can be sure it’s not something you’re doing and stop giving them more ammunition. Ultimately, it’s pretty normal to have a social life that’s separate from your parents, so don’t let their worry stop you from enjoying your life.

9) “Every time I try to rest or sleep my mum calls me why is this.”

THEY SEE YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING

THEY KNOW WHEN YOU’RE AWAKE

No, wait, that’s Santa. I don’t know why your mom does this, but I do know that most phones nowadays have many “do not disturb” settings that will silence notifications or filter them from specific numbers. USE THEM. And if she still somehow gets through, don’t answer until you’re ready to be up and interactive.

If these are calls coming from inside the house, I don’t have much helpful advice. Having encountered several people who assume that “my rest time” = “their time that could be put to more productive use,” I tend to get as far away as I can and stay there for as long as I can. Hard when it’s your mum and you live in the same house, but hopefully not impossible forever.

10) “babby MUST calm DOWN”

Most of what I know about how is babby comes from memes, but I will try:

First, why babby is excite? Hold babby? Feed babby? Change babby diaper?

If not hungry-lonely-wet, maybe put babby in car seat. Then drive. Babby sleep?

That’s all she wrote, for now. Wishing you all the best of the rest of this winter holiday season, and thanks for reading!