Lingodroid Robots Invent Their Own Language

Researchers at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology have created two robots that are capable of developing their own language. 

Equipped with a camera, a laser range finder, sonar that maps their environment, a microphone and speakers, these Lingodroids, who also resemble Wall-e, will help scientists better understand the evolution of language.

Figure 1: Robots mapping their surroundings

Through language games, the robots learn concepts and names through interacting with each other. They wander and map their surroundings. Then using a random combination of syllables, they create names for areas and spatial relation and relay that "word" to each other, which is stored in their memory.

Figure 2: Names of places created by robots.

For example, the robots will play the "Where are we?" game, which involves the robots creating a word to describe their location. 

In the "Go To" game, the robots test their language by specifying a specific location and meeting there.

In the "How Far?" game, the robots develop a word to measure the distance between two locations.

I know what a lot of you are thinking: Destroy them before they become sentient!