Using AI to ressurect old equipment

[Dos_Box]

Just a quick question here, I recall some time back that many were saying they still use old PC's (not network connected) to run things like CNC and other machinery on as the original manufacturers had gone the way of the dodo or stopped support for the kit the school had bought, leaving them to work with no updates or drivers that would allow them to be used on newer operating systems.

Given that AI has proven to be very good at various things code-wise, has anyone tried to have it write newer drivers for your old machinery, or even write a newer version of the (often very) old software you were using for it?

It could be a very good way of harnessing the power of AI to extend the life of old devices and equipment, saving the school money on replacements for perfectly functional kit that would otherwise have been turned into e-waste.

 

Just a thought.

[dhicks]

22 hours ago, Dos_Box said:

Given that AI has proven to be very good at various things code-wise, has anyone tried to have it write newer drivers for your old machinery, or even write a newer version of the (often very) old software you were using for it?

 

I've not yet tried getting a n AI coding assistant to write anything that controls physical hardware, although it sounds like it would make for an interesting exercise. I do currently have a USB DMX interface not being used, which could do with a nice touch-screen user interface for lighting control, that might make a good first project. It might be a good idea to be careful as to exactly what hardware you are hooking up to AI-written code - for some reason I'm picturing a mini PC on a motorised wheeled base with a webcam and a circular saw from a sawbench...

[FN-GM]

It might be do-able. But it doesn't remove the concerns around cyber security.