The automated backing up of a CD or DVD collection could suddenly become a reality for consumers with a talent for DIY. An interesting article in BetaNews
highlights the full release of Microsoft's intriguing Robotics Software Studio. This development, which has carried on behind the trumpeting of Windows Vista, has the potential to revolutionise the technology and bring functional robotics to the general public. What's more exciting is that the application is free to all, except commercial applications.
Several hardware manufacturers have signed up to the project, including of course Lego with its Mindstorm NXT technology, to provide compatible robots. To make it easier to use, Microsoft's application will allow the use of drag-and drop functions for those inexperienced in programming languages and command-line interpreters. There is even said to be a 3D graphical display window that will allow the movements of the robot to be simulated. All in all it sounds like a great way to bring the technology of robotics to the masses, and brings the day ever closer where the backing up of a CD or DVD collection can be fully automated for home users.
