Open Robotics - Legal Immunity for open robotic platforms | Hacker News Reader

Open Robotics - Legal Immunity for open robotic platforms

blog.law.cornell.edu

33 pointsSwannie5 comments

Really, really good read.

Although I think the argument is a little flawed - it's basically along the lines of "if it's open, you'll be able to customise it yourself". Assuming you know how, or have the capability to learn how.

Even if they start completely open, one can't help but feel the robot manufacturers move towards closed systems just because it's just a size-of-market type issue. Kind of like if the auto manufacturers were only interested in selling to people who were mechanics, and thus designed open engines and cars... wouldn't be long before someone figured out a more viable business model would be to close the system if it meant they could then sell to anyone (not necessarily saying that i think that, just saying many people would).

Or if its open, you can buy products that customize it in ways that the builder didn't intend. Most people don't program, but they do benefit from being able to install third party software on their computers.

Agreed. Closed source is going to drive things along from a consumer perspective. Car's are a good model, but they generally quite "open". If you want replacement X for your car, there are many choices. From seats, to stereos, wheels, spark plugs, etc. generally have standard sizes/fittings to allow generic/standard replacements. And then for common models of cars, you can get almost anything, from bumpers wing mirrors to exhaust manifolds and on-board-computers.

Hopefully I think we look to 3D printing to see the future of hardware. The Thing-o-Matic, a more commercial offering, coming originally from the pure hobbyist/academic RepRap - open hardware. And it follows that the Thing-o-Matic is open hardware too - licensing.

Open and closed both have their pros and cons. A healthy market will see a mix of both.

I would not be surprised if by the time my kids are ready for college, I will be hearing about their excitement for a class where they learn about teaching various robot platforms new skills.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com