Psyleron Robot Overview

The Psyleron Robot is a basic mechanical toy, but with a very unique feature: inside the robot is a Psyleron-based random event generator.  The REG core controls the movement of the robot―forward, reverse, left, right, and pivot.  Because the REG is subject to the influence of consciousness, the movement of the robot can also be influenced by the mind.

Background Research

The Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research laboratory explored the behavior of REG-driven robots under the influence of consciousness for many years (1). In lab conditions, the results were similar to other human-machine experiments: the devices behaved unusually, with statistical significance, in the direction of intent.

Separate studies by French scholar René Peoc’h suggested the same, yet rather than using human operators, Peoc’h used baby chicks (2).  A randomly-driven robot was set up in a confined area, and it's movement was tracked and found to be consistent with expectations of random motion.  Then the robot was introduced to motherless baby chicks, and "socialized" in a way known to cause psychological attachment.  The robot was put back in the confined space and left to move around freely, yet this time, the baby chicks were situated in a cage next to the robot.  After tracking the movement of the robot, they found that it clustered around wherever the chicks were, even to a statistically significant extent.  The suggestion was that the baby chicks had influenced the random motion of the robot attempting to bring it near, just as the human operators had influenced the PEAR robot. 

Example Uses

There are a lot of fun ways to play with the Psyleron Robot.  Most involve setting it on the floor or other hard surface, and trying to get it to come to you or away from you, or toward something else.  There are other uses, though.  With multiple robots you can have mind-influenced robot races, or complicated robot wars.  But remember that it's nothing like using a remote controlled robot!  It is still being driven by a random event generator!  Any overall influence of consciousness needs time to show up in the overall movements.

Artificial Intelligence?

The Psyleron Robot is not Artificial Intelligence in the sense that it has its own conscious volition.  But there are some interesting theoretical implications to the device.  For example, if the REG is subject to the influence of your consciousness, it might be partly intelligent, in the sense that the robot is reflecting your own consciousness.

In other words, it might be said that when you are interacting with the robot, it is embodying your consciousness to some limited extent. And while it lacks free will, it is sharing in the irreducible mind that characterizes biological intelligence.

Thus REGs pose useful questions to the field of AI.  In particular, REG robotics suggest that entangled systems, or the creation and collapse of probabililties into discrete elements, might be fruitful areas of investigation.  Other more abstract ideas are also at stake, such as ontological questions of the mind―what is and is not conscious.  

(1) Response of an REG-Driven Robot to Operator Intention (2007). Journal of Scientific Exploration, 21, No. 1, pp. 27-46.
(2) Psychokinesis Experiments with Human and Animal Subjects Upon a Robot Moving at Random (2002).  Journal of Parapsychology, Sept.

What's Included Psyleron Robot 4 AA Batteries Robot Booklet (outlines relevant research, theory, instructions, and example uses)

Specifications ABS Plastic Casing Approximate Weight: 16 oz 0.45 Kg Approximate Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 3" 10.16 cm x 7.62 cm x 7.62 cm

For questions, for student discount information, to order offline, or to inquire about special ordering arrangements, please contact us: Psyleron, Inc. 211 N. Harrison St. Suite C Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) 916-0134 sales@psyleron.com

COMING SOON! Send an email to sales@psyleron.com to inquire about pre-ordering. International Shipping will be Available *Estimated availability: 01/01/2011

*Shipping dates are approximate, as products may be slowed in the manufacturing and testing process. Pre-ordering acknowledges the possibilities of unforseen delays. If the retail price increases, you will only be charged the pre-order price. If the retail price drops, the difference will be refunded when the item ships.

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