Entry 3.22.21 - Exponential
As might be suspected, life has accelerated yet again and distracted me from contributing to this blog. Though I consider my contributions to this website to be of importance, I consider my efforts in keeping up with my accelerating times and technologies of the greatest importance. As such, the first topic covered in today’s entry will the the phenomenon of accelerating exponential technologies. Next we will examine some exponential technologies and their applications in particular. Also included will be the importance of ethics with a particular focus on AMPEL. Finally, a word about Art.
Exponential Part I: Concepts
To develop an understanding of what defines a technology of exponential growth as compared to a technology of linear growth, I recommend reading The Singularity is Near by Ray Kurzweil or at least scanning through my commentary on the work. Alternatively, consider listening through my audiobook series of The Future is Faster Than You Think by Diamandis & Kotler: it is an excellent speed-run through exponential application. In essence, linear thinking supposes that progress is made in equal increments. For example, should progress be represented on a graph, it would look a straight line as the same effort was applied over and over. By comparison, exponential thinking supposes that the progress previously made has bearing on the ability to make future progress. The same effect is realized by compound interest.
In the early stages of exponential growth, or at a very small view at any stage, the rate of change may appear deceivingly similar to linear growth. Once application of effort coupled with previous gains reaches the “whole number barrier”, the growth curve gains an overwhelming and nearly unstoppable momentum. Thus, it is imperative that the operations, programs, and policies of any organization which is attempting to latch onto an exponential technology be determined and established before reaching the whole number barrier.
Exponential Part II: Application
On the coattails of the previous section and as an echo of the referenced work by Diamandis & Kotler, I recently began focusing my attention and studies on the understanding of exponential technologies. Also in this book is a discussion of the power which accumulates as exponential technologies converge. This first list will give a brief discussion of exponential technologies which I have invested in thus far. A later list will give a brief discussion of exponential technologies which I have plans to explore but have not yet embarked upon yet.
Before embarking on the applications in detail, first a word regarding an important concept which sits at the center of all these technologies. This is the concept of implementing feedback loops in as many operations as we can.
Feedback Loops
Chief among the reasons for implementing feedback loops is the understanding of realized improvement. Essentially, by recording and reviewing work, conclusions can be drawn about how to improve the next iteration or application.
For example, the recording and posting of work on art projects allows me to later review and improve my own application of the elements of design.
The same goes for the example of my recording of 3D printing operations. This allows me to spot the details of errors which may have been missed during operation but realized afterward.
In a further example relating to past employment, a wealth of knowledge is realized by athletes as they watch video of themselves in action. Following a session when video is taken and reviewed, there is significant improvement in their abilities.
These previously listed are all internal examples of me personally reviewing my own work. In keeping with Harari’s analysis in Homo Deus, this advantage can be exponentiated by freeing the data and taking it public. Though this loop through YouTube is not very powerful yet, it definitely opens the door for discussion from external sources which may not have happened prior to sharing. Note that I do attempt to curate the content as much as I can before sharing in order that the viewer might realize the issues as much as possible.
Applications
As we investigate each of these applications of exponential technology, I want you to notice a trend: that each technology discussed builds onto the last. For example: 3D printers necessarily need sensors and robotics and are augmented by networks. This convergence is part of the reason for the acceleration of acceleration.
Networks
In this discussion, networks will refer both to the communicative property of people and devices. By using the power of the human collective, I can be a part of things much greater than myself. By contributing to the projects of others as well as offering up my projects for the involvement of others, collaborative growth and greater perspective is achieved.
Regarding people, the development of a powerful network of experienced, driven professionals is of utmost importance to me. First and foremost among these methods is personal relationships. This, I have found, is the best way to establish connection and share vision.
Regarding devices, I will direct the reader to a study of the Internet of Things, or the integration of physical devices into an interconnected, communicative network. In my limited experience I interpret my purpose in two ways. First, to open channels of communication between related devices. Second, to develop programs which meaningfully interpret and apply the information being shared. Importantly, establishing a system in which these devices are all globally accessible is a priority objective. With no offense to the reader, this website (consisting of Blog, Log, Commentary, and Media) is more for my benefit than for yours. With reliable connection, I can access my information from anywhere on the planet (or off!).
Networks present an opportunity to tap into exponentials as they connect me with actors and sources of information, the latter often in the form of sensors.
Sensors
An important aspect of the Internet of Things is the presence of sensors. Current operations encompass a somewhat limited range of human sensations (visual, audio, haptic) but also reach into areas typically off-limits to humans (infrared, radio, LIDAR, etc). But utilizing these tools, a system can be built with protocols established for sensations across this broad spectrum. As we will see later, sensors are a necessity in robotics and 3D printing to the extent that they offload vast amounts of processing from the human brain. Making sense of the data collected and integrating it into the system is, like each of these exponential technologies, no easy task. However, the use of sensors forces us to think ahead and plan the best reaction to a vast number of scenarios.
In conjunction with the power of vast networks, sensors give us a massive step up in terms of reach and awareness. With this heightened awareness, we can automate actors and processes by tapping into the power of the next exponential: robotics.
Robotics
The ability to control machine motion through the science of robotics is of special interest but requires intricate study. Due to the nature of robotic machines, their value can also be exponentiated by the integration of networks (for remote control), and sensors (to offload decision making and increase an understanding of environment). This integration is neither easy nor cheap, but produces incredible value when introduced into projects. Keep in mind that the term “robotics” is very general and can apply to any automated system. Thus, it requires a number of various understandings.
An understanding of machine language (such as GCODE, Arduino, or pBASIC,) is necessary to dictate articulated motion. An understanding of the science of leverage and connection is required to translate energy from (typically) electric motors into rotational, angular, and linear motion. An understanding of the materials science behind the components being used is important to the application of robotic devices against under hostile and/or load-bearing environments.
Surrounding the field of robotics is a constantly evolving and increasingly complicated legal gauntlet. The concept of responsibility in the event of failure is but one of many legal considerations. Others, to be discussed in a different article, include the following:
- robots in warfare
- the half-life of knowledge
- augmented human capabilities
- big data/computational stress
- prevalence of sensors
Perhaps the most powerful exponential application of robotics is the 3D printer.
3D Printing
The process of additive manufacturing will take advantage of each of the previous three applications.
Additive machinery is by nature a robotic device and runs on machine code. In most instances of 3D printing this is in the form of GCODE, a linguistic analysis of which can be found in the work log.
Additive machinery also relies heavily on an array of sensors to detect position, direct motion, and finely tune temperatures at play. Further sensors can be integrated to reduce the need for human supervision (for example, the popular BLTouch bed leveling system and Octoprint anti-spaghetti image recognition program).
As robotics and sensors are necessary to the operation of 3D printers, the integration of network connection to a printer or fleet of printers is the factor which will most greatly contribute the exponentiation of additive manufacturing operations. Currently the AMPEL network utilizes the Octoprint system and is run on Raspberry Pi Zero. Details of this integration can be found in the introduction to The Three Societies or in the work log.
On top of all these is the power of visualization, about to attempted via augmented reality.
VR/AR
Some quick definition… Virtual reality immerses the user in a newly constructed, completely virtual world. This is typically accomplished via a headset and other wearable haptics which block and replace perception of the “real world”, instead presenting the virtual one. Alternatively, augmented reality introduces an overlay of information and interactive data onto the user’s perception of the “real world”. This is typically done via smart glasses and other haptics which augment the “real world”. In both applications, a plethora of sensors are necessary.
Both augmented and virtual reality are applications which further exponentiate the previous technologies. In particular, VR becomes an incredible method of training where the user can run through simulated environments to gain valuable experience. VR also opens the door to use cases of full-body remote control, a la the concept of biological and robotic avatars. Though useful in training simulation, AR’s true potential emerges in operational situations by augmenting the information available to the user.
Consider this application: a heads-up display (HUD) in use by Air Force F-35 pilots to augment the clear glass cockpit. In robotic, mechanical, and electrical applications, AR can be used to “explode” a model and separate components for deeper analysis. In artistic applications, we can use AR to deeper analyze the elements of design is use in the piece.
What I find to be the most important application in my operations is the employment of augmented reality in both design and manufacturing, both of which are core aspects to 3D printing. In design, the value is derived from the heightened interaction with the components on the worktable as well as the visibility of measurements. In manufacturing, the value comes from the ability to view statistics and information in real time. This will require a couple areas of focus by me, first is the connection of API’s from design platforms and manufacturing equipment to AR wearables, and second is the kind of design thinking which will incorporate sensors into items being manufactured in order that they might be integrated into a HUD.
The Internet
Underlying each of these applications is the most incredible exponential which is available to me today: access to the internet. Most incredibly, this power is not just mine to wield; it is available to almost anyone alive today. Obviously I am not able to write programs for my networks and sensors and robots and 3D printers and construct their interactivity in AR: I would run out of time! Luckily I can tap into the great human collaboration which is the internet and build incredible teams to accomplish my goals.
I like to say that I have not gotten good at each of these exponential applications. Rather, I have merely gotten good at participating in the online communities which surround their development and thus can solicit advice and code blocks. Often this is returned to me free of charge; other times I use the internet to connect with designers around the planet and share resources in the form of cryptocurrency. In return, I try to contribute back by making a significant amount of my own research public and open-source. Just explore around this website!
AMPEL: Ethical Analysis
This section will discuss what I consider some very important aspects of running a business in the 21st century. Having covered the organization’s vision, media strategy, and elements of organizational structure, I believe that this segment is long overdue. Indeed, the construction of an ethical roadmap ought to be proactive rather than reactive. Additionally this will discuss the dangers of the democratization of additive machinery.
Business Ethics
As stressed earlier in the article regarding exponentials, any and all business operations will be vastly inflated once the whole number barrier is breached. In the last post on A Quick Update I discussed investors but now I would like to discuss officers.
Due to the fact that I need to focus my attention on R&D, product design, and media production, I must begin seeking out a partner to help mind scheduling, client relations, and packing/shipping. In following my motto to “invest in perspective”, it will be a priority to build a diverse team from a wide background. Though technical expertise will obviously be a key factor, more important will be the motivation and mindset of the people, as these individuals are the most important part. I will be empowering these actors to make and carry out critical decisions, thus their understanding of and loyalty to the AMPEL Vision must be unquestionable. Having said this, I recognize that their perspective will undoubtedly alter the vision and that this is a change which I must embrace.
Democratization of Additive Manufacturing
Contrary to my enthusiasm for 3D printing and its various techniques, I am quite concerned with one area of its expansion. This concern comes after study and involvement with a community in particular: the gunsmith community. Because of its nature, 3D printing has been hijacked by the firearms community to produce custom pieces. This equipment is quite often manufactured via 3D printing without registration or serial number. To put it simply, it is entirely possible to purchase a relatively inexpensive piece of additive machinery on the web, set up and calibrate it with the help of the web, download pre-fab designs of weapons (from assault rifles to popular handguns), and 3D print them for use. This entire process (from purchase to firing line) can be reasonably accomplished in approximately two weeks and with less than $1,000 USD by the minimally competent maker. I believe that without much more explanation the reader can understand the grave danger which this manufacturing freedom poses, particularly its aspect of anonymity.
Though a self-declared advocate of “American” freedoms, I do believe that with these freedoms comes great responsibility and, further, that these freedoms do require oversight/legislation. This is lacking and and their creation ought to be embarked upon with haste.
I wholeheartedly believe that this democratized manufacturing technology possesses so much potential for good that we must not “shut it down” suddenly, or risk the loss of a generation of valuable R&D as well as the halting of the progress of humanity. However, action is needed to keep this gift from being utilized for warfare and destruction as these use cases are all too easy.
With regards to both of these fields of ethics, I am excited to say that operations at AMPEL are proceeding apace and will continue to do so. Spreading understanding of design and manufacturing principles has been a delight and I look forward to each project, conversation, paper, and video.
Regarding Gaze
As my journey as an artist continues, so does my understanding of the elements of design. More by accident than on purpose, a recent study into vision and the dominance of the eye above the other senses has provided insight into a difference of terms: the gaze (of the observer) versus the Gaze (of the Muse).
In acknowledgement of previous literature (John, 2013), the term < gaze > is an indication of the viewer’s attention. This outward projection of the viewer’s inquiry is typically limited to the two sense of sight and sound, with sight being the stronger of the two. The gaze determines the interpretation of artwork. Realize, though, that this gaze is subjective. While the artist may have intended for a particular meaning, each piece will effect each viewer differently. Essentially, the artist can only do so much to suppose what each viewer will see. Rather, they can utilize the elements of design to attempt to create things which they believe each viewer will perceive.
The artist can choose whether their piece will share a story or will be open to interpretation. Consider The Thin Red Line by Robert Gibb, where he depicts a Scottish rifle brigade valiantly defending against a Russian charge in the Battle of Bacalava during the Crimean War. This is a prime example of art created with the intent to tell a story, and with excellent results (Scottish recruitment rose to unprecedented levels following this piece’s publication in British media).
The Thin Red Line, 1881. Robert Gibb, oil on canvas.
By comparison we might consider many pieces in the field of Abstract Expressionism, where the emphasis rests less on the story being conveyed and more on the act of creation. One of the most well-known creators of this style is Jackson Pollock, who leaves his pieces vastly open to the interpretation of the gaze of the viewer. I had the great privilege of viewing the piece below in person during my 2020 trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Mural, 1943. Jackson Pollock, oil on canvas.
Now that we understand the artist’s influence on the gaze of the viewer, let us learn about the Gaze. The < Gaze > refers to that sense which a viewer feels when observing a piece of art and feels their place in the universe. Just as the Muses gather about the artist during creation, an awareness of their higher existence descends upon the literate observer. Perhaps the observer does not wonder “Is there a higher power watching me in this moment?” but rather the idea is awakened inside that beauty does exist and it is here. This, then is the Gaze of the Muse.
What will come next time is a discussion of the role of the artist in relation to both the gaze and the Gaze.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading The Blog. I would love to hear from you and connect on important issues :)
