[Ultra-Tech] Robots' skill levels

[Trachmyr]

I'd have to disagree that Deep Learning is any less hard-science than direct neural interfaces and VR. That's exactly how the deep learning process takes place... through full VR via a Neural Interface. In this case a Direct Interface is possible through a Coputer that is implanted at the equivalent of 12 years of physical maturity, while in the growth tank.

As a side note, population growth via growth tank is the norm for the setting, the orginal colony ship that arrived in the system had on board a lifebank and growth tanks, not humans in stasis or anything like that. So there is no social order to change... it is has it's always been.

Additionally, I assume the Computer Implant is a bit more complicated than given in Ultra-Tech, as it includes the disadvantages of Confused/Total Clutz/Perception -2 with the Mitigator: Working Implant (ala the bionic limbs and associated disadvantages).

[martinl]

Originally Posted by Trachmyr

As a side note, population growth via growth tank is the norm for the setting,

Sure, but this is a more general discussion.

I would expect your setting, where the society is reconstituted from scratch by robots, to have some very interesting features. However, I would not consider it a "conservative" user of biotech - the converse is pretty clearly true.

[Langy]

A direct neural interface is relatively hard-science. We're getting very close to having working, primitive versions nowadays. Full-immersion VR is slightly less hard science, but certainly possible if we can co-opt the neural pathways to the senses, which seems plausible enough.

Deep Learning in VR at, what, over twenty times normal learning speed? is a different matter entirely.

[martinl]

Originally Posted by Langy

A direct neural interface is relatively hard-science. We're getting very close to having working, primitive versions nowadays. Full-immersion VR is slightly less hard science, but certainly possible if we can co-opt the neural pathways to the senses, which seems plausible enough.

Deep Learning in VR at, what, over twenty times normal learning speed? is a different matter entirely.

Why? It amounts to complete control over the environment and the blank slate student, with no distractions, and presumably advanced pedagogy.

It's not like it's giving free ATR, it's just very effective teaching.

Note that normal humans can do intensive training and get similar results, although for shorter periods and with greater effort.