[chbot] Robotics Group meeting, 5 Idris Rd, 6:30pm, Monday 19 Dec 2022

[Mark Atherton]

Hello everyone,

Good turnout with 29 attendees, and lots of huddles-of tech-talk. $27 + 
change (in gold, and flat-money) collected and transferred into the 
robotics loose-change jar (for later banking).

All sales from the trading table should go into the brown box on the 
wall, and are directly for the benefit of our host club, Christchurch 
Amateur Radio Club, NZART Branch 05.

Equipment donations are welcome for the trading table, but no CRT based 
product, printers, toner or items that are likely to be a disposal burden.

With thanks on behalf of the group, and at least $70 in the Brown Box 
from sales this evening.

Mark Atherton

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Mark opened with a quick review of the documentary Good Night Oppy (Mars 
Rover Opportunity) also some commentary on the amazing work of Lex 
Fridman, his background in AI, and some of his guest interviews on his 
Youtube podcasts. Michael Levin had some fascinating observations about 
AI from his perspective as a Biologist.

David took over the meeting and administered a double helping of Xmas 
cheer, cleverly disguised as a Techie general knowledge quiz, complete 
with various small chocolate prizes. Thank you for taking the trouble 
with this David. Well received and may become an annual fixture.

Graham talked about some of the things he learned in the process of 
designing, 3D printing, then fabricating some fiberglass-molds for the 
front-wings of a McLaren Formula 5000 racing car.

Andrew E brought in some 3D printed components, including a complete 
Hadley Telescope. Some parts were created using a 0.6mm nozzle.

Andy D brought in his micro-lathe from the car for members to poke at. 
He also handed around a circular-lock mechanism from Ali-Express, as 
well as some RISC V boards.

William talked about his home-made headphone control unit that was built 
instead of having to buy some new headphone.

Robin Gilks talked about workshop safety. He also demonstrated his 
powered, rotating compost filter project.

Ben briefly spoke about the online AI application which is capable of 
accepting textual requests and generating (well written) English reports 
as well as code-generation.