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January 28, 2006
Rubber Band Gatling
You know this baby is made in the good ole' USA. The rubber band gatling machine gun has a turret that spins effortlessly 360º making it easy to track your target, shooting off 560 rounds of bands per minute!
A total boy toy and I want one!
Posted by tranism at 12:48 PM | Permalink
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Illuminated Dance Floors
This is not the first time dance floors can be lit, difference is, these floors can be hooked up to the dj equipment and thereafter synched to the music. Each panel responds to the movements on the floor which provides DJs and VJs complete control over the floor so that they can effectively integrate it into their current routine or create a totally new immersive experience.
Something for Sander kleinenberg to think about...i hope.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by at 12:41 PM | Permalink
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SWORDS Battle Bots
Meet the worlds first robotic combat soldier, a.k.a SWORDS (Special Weapons Observation Remote Direct Action System). Although its floating arm can be equipped with any number of weapons, no need to fear it turning on us since its remote controlled.
SWORDS has seen combat in the middle east with positive results (or so the military reports). The bot is completely silent, can keep pace with a running soldier, climb stairs, right itself, negotiate rough terrain, overcome trap wire, and plow thru most debris. Aside from all those abilities, perhaps the most outstanding is its accuracy. True to computer form, its weapon/rocket launcher is 99.9% accurate.
During the early days of the war, reports came out of how poorly supplied many of the U.S. soldiers were. Now that years have gone by, and the casualties continually rise, SWORDS gives insight into the future of warfare, a device independent of supplies and replaceable. Ironically, its place on the battlefield will mean less loss of human life for us, but more for our enemies.
Truly SWORDS is the epitome of science and human ingenuity on display; with two faces, one benefiting and one retarding.
Posted by tranism at 11:37 AM | Permalink
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Waves Goodbye To Aibo
Sony officially pulls the plug on its robotics program so it hurts me to wave goodbye to Aibo and QRIO, mainly Aibo.
In the past 5 years, Aibo has managed to grow from a simple and slow robot to a sleek advance simulation robo-puppy that has more tricks in the bag than a magic bunny. So why would Sony kill it?
Obviously, Sony is going thru tough times. They are bleeding money and as the old saying goes, "don't have all your eggs in one basket", Sony had the opposite problem. They spread themselves too thin trying to do everything and in the end, when quarter profits don't meet up with project revenue, it's time to streamline.
I suspect the Aibo and QRIO programs cost Sony a shit load of money in the R&D department and since they are niche products, better to lay those to rest and tackle what people the world over know Sony for - household electronics, an area that Sony is losing to Korean manufacturers.
On a positive note, Sony promises to continue it's A.I. research so in a way, Aibo's spirit will live on, ready to be reincarnated into other gizmo goodies.
Bye Aibo, we'll miss you!
Posted by tranism at 8:56 AM | Permalink
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January 18, 2006
BodyBox by Whirlpool
Hi all!
I'm back, hope you all had a great start on the new year!
BodyBox by whirlpool is foremost a "detached" piece of technological furniture bringing body and cloths-care in one discreet unit.
Essential Functions in the cloths-care cycle are integrated: collecting, sorting, washing, conditioning, tumbling, and even steam/dry cleaning for gentle conditioning of cloths over night. Sorting is accomplished by means of tagging and logging each item in bins. After analysis of the associated fabric and care data stored in the label, the adequate care-cycle is automatically programmed. Detergents and conditioners are dosed as powders thus allowing for bulk refills. The Interface is a large 18" touch screen panel. Input is given via the screen or remotely through the home network. All systems self-update via internet.
There are lots of cool features for the shower unit as well, like heated towel cabinets and hot steam.
Is this thing the bomb or what, its almost as good if not better then living at home with mom again...
Posted by at 7:49 PM | Permalink
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Beggar
The number of people living below the poverty line is increasing every year and support systems for them seem to be collapsing all around. We have to remember that impoverished people are not always lazy, drug ladened society rejects. In fact, most impoverished people are quite the opposite and live within the confines of their homes struggling to make ends meat. It's hard as the cost of living continually rises while wages stagnate and no one can blame human pride. We all need help sometimes but it's just hard to ask. Well now there's a robot for the materially deprived.
Beggar is a robot constructed entirely from old computer hardware and a few spare parts that can be obtained at no cost. While preserving the anonymity and dignity of its owner, the robot has access to areas normally off limits to solicitors such as shopping malls and community events, where the richer frequent. People generally avoid eye contact with beggars but replaced with a robot, curiosity rises and soon crowds gather around the robot entranced by its simple face and simple message, "please help me." Oddly, people are more willing to part with their money if they communicate from a safe distance via an artificial interface, namely the robot.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:52 AM | Permalink
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+ Remote Control Beads
Imagine a TV remote control combined with beads. Each glass bead is customizable, allowing you to decide how you want to surf - by channel or a more conventional layout. The beads glow and pulse when you slightly press them, effortlessly shifting thru channels in a new habitual manner.
Think about the beads as an empty canvas to store information. Perhaps you can save your favorite photo album to a bead, go to you friend's home and beam the photo album directly to their TV for sharing.
The best thing about "remobeads"? You'll never lose your remote again.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:31 AM | Permalink
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January 16, 2006
Move Over, My Tryke Is Comin Thru
Volkswagen recently unveiled their GX3 concept at this years LA Auto Show and the response was overwhelmingly positive. They also let it slip that the U.S. gov'ment have approved the three wheeled motorcycle inspired vehicle for legal street and freeway usage. So what's it mean for us?
Well as it stands, VW says it's only a concept but is willing to bring it to market if demand is there. As I said before, the public absolutely loved what they saw and at under $17k, VW might create a new market.
Spec wise, the GX3 is pretty impressive. It's basically a motorcycle in a tryke design making it much more stable. It also gets motorcycle fuel economy at an impressive 46 mpg and yet still manages to go from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. DMV classifies the vehicle as a motorcycle so yes, you do have to wear a helmut but that also means you can ride in car pool lanes all by yourself. Awesome huh?
VW, BRING IT!
more pics after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:04 PM | Permalink
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January 15, 2006
A Transforming Bike
For the last 125 years, motorcycles have been made up of two wheels and a motor and have always been arranged as a wheel, motor and another wheel - in that order. Since the dawn of in-wheel electric motors, designers have more room to make some interesting changes and Yamaha is the first to take a serious look at alternative bike designs that are affordable, eco-friendly, and easily manufactured.
The Deinonychus prototype takes full advantage of the greater chassis design freedom afforded by an in-wheel motor, and offers a completely new type of two-wheel drive electric vehicle with stretch and shrink functions in vertical and horizontal directions. The Deinonychus is extremely lightweight and it's power source can come from a hybrid or fuel cell stack.
via gizmag
Posted by tranism at 8:59 AM | Permalink
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January 9, 2006
Sub Pixel Rendering by LG
Life is Good; it sure is and it's also the meaning behind the super electronics brand LG.
For those of you that don't know, LG is the "other" Samsung and their latest R&D efforts have graced us with something they call a sub pixel rendering VGA display.
• 2.4" screen designed for PDA's and cell phones
• 1440 x 960 resolution!
• lower power consumption
• super bright
Ok LG, nice tech, now bring on the devices!
Posted by tranism at 11:55 AM | Permalink
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Honda Promises
For me, the real big announcement at this years NAIAS is the promise Honda made. Their FCX Fuel Cell concept will be production ready in 3 - 4 years.
In the last 5 years, engineers have had to cope with obstacles such as cold starting, mileage and range equal to that of today's petrol based vehicles. Honda has said they've moved beyond that stage and since 2000 have concentrated on the other half of the equation; infrastructure.
Fuel Cell infrastructure cannot simply be something handed off to the government in hopes of fueling stations magically popping up all over the country. It is PAINFULLY obvious much of government is too tied up in said-be alliances with the major oil companies. Honda believes it is up to the auto industry to come up with a solution to help push in the era of fuel cells. They've come up with the home energy station that can be installed in an industrial environment like future gas stations or in private residences. In a private setting the energy station could provide enough power to give the FCX a 350 mile range POLLUTION FREE.
If Honda adheres to its words, then in 4 years time, we will really begin to see the first of a new age where technology forces governments and companies to finally face the music and embrace fuel cells. Honda is at the forefront of this new breed and they know that clean air and engines won't be enough to sell. They know the car has to operate just like any other car so the transition into the masses is smooth and seamless. Nobody wants to learn how to drive again and because of that, the FCX has all of today's amenities plus tomorrows innovations.
I can't wait!
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:22 AM | Permalink
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FinePix V10
Ah another camera to lust after. Although I still like the Kodak V570 more for its dual lens setup and sleek package, this Fuji FinePix V10 comes in a close second. In fact, it would be perfect for someone that just needs an excellent compact camera that makes taking photos as easy as possible.
Not to mention the photos do look fantastic. Most compact digital cams have the light-depth problem meaning in a dark setting, your foreground subjects are lit but the background is dark with lots of noise. The FinePix V10 promises their 5th generation optics are so sensitive, even the darkest settings can be well lit with the flash, essentially eliminating all noise.
5.1 megapixels, 3.4 optical zoom, LARGE 3" LCD screen which covers the entire rear of the camera, and game function to boot. That's right, ever get bored of just taking photos? The camera comes with 4 built in games to be played with on it's large bright and colorful LCD.
No pricing yet but I expect it to be in the $299 - $399 range.
picture of the rear after the jump
Posted by tranism at 6:34 AM | Permalink
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January 5, 2006
satuGO
Imagine combing your love for bouncing balls (everyone knows I love a good ball bounce) and your obsession for taking pictures into one. What would you get? A bouncing ball with a camera inside it and it has a name; Satugo.
Simply throw Satugo into the motive to catch the moment. Where it hits, you get a picture. You can also take air photos by activating the timer before throwing. Attach it to your belt loop and shoot from the hip. On top of all that, attach it to your computer and it acts as a digital storage device.
So how can you get one? EASY. It's currently just a concept on the verge of becoming reality. The creators just need to prove to their investors there's interest out there and they promise by signing up on their mailing list, they might send you one for free. :)
Did I mention I LOVE to bounce balls?
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:38 PM | Permalink
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January 3, 2006
Kodak! Go Ahead Wit Yo Badself
Okay, so Kodak slipped up back in the early days of the digital revolution, believing digital photography would take longer to reach full market penetration. That decision weighed heavily on their fate as the company went to near bankruptcy and they have been struggling to catch up ever since.
Now Kodak finally has the look and power to be envied by other cam manufactures. Their latest cams have built in wifi allowing you to upload images directly to your computer and printer. Some enterprising people have even managed to get the camera to send their photos directly to their flickr account. Now that's some cool shit!
Today, Kodak unveiled a brand new camera called the V570, the world's first dual-lens digital camera. The V570 holds an ultra-wide angle lens (23 mm) and a second 37 x 117 mm 3X optical zoom lens. The dual-lens makes taking photos incredibly easier since the optics can adjust for unsteady hands instead of digital stabilization. With two lens, you also capture as much light and true colors as possible. The resolution comes out to a respectable 5 megapixels all housed in a sleek case less than 1" thick. On the rear you have your standard controls with a large 2.5" LCD screen. The camera is also capable of MPEG-4 recording at 30 frames per second.
I am really liking this camera. Now if I can only get my hands on one for a review. If it all turns out to be as good as it sounds, I may pick one up since this camera, crammed with this much technology is only a measly $399 coming out later this January.
picture of the rear after the jump
Posted by tranism at 3:01 AM | Permalink
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