Coffee-Filled Robot Paw Back in the Spotlight

Posted on: February 27th, 2012

In December 2010 we showcased a video about a robotic hand comprised of a balloon filled with coffee grounds. It was designed to easily pick up objects of varying size and shape. Now it’s back and able to throw! After you watch the video check out the article.

Posted in Cool Stuff, Videos   |   Tweet

Operate Machinery with Retainer

Posted on: February 24th, 2012

“Many people with debilitating conditions rely on sip and puff technology to get around, which is relatively lo-fi by some standards. Now, a special retainer with magnetic sensors could bring mobility into the smartphone age. Developed at Georgia Tech, the Tongue Drive System uses a magnetic piercing to track lingual gestures. The sensors then transmit data to an iOS app that translates it to on-screen or a joystick movement. Earlier versions used a headset, but the prototype revealed at the International Solid State Circuits Conference in San Francisco, is hoped to be more comfortable and discreet. The system is currently being trialled by 11 participants with high-level spinal-cord injuries, with larger trials planned.”

Read entire article

Posted in Cool Stuff, Technology Info   |   Tweet

3D Printing for Manufacturers

Posted on: January 10th, 2012

3D printers are more affordable when developing prototypes of a new product, for manufacturers, or machines, for an OEM.

“Unlike conventional manufacturing, where products are often mass-produced overseas, 3D printing allows companies to print customized items when and where they’re needed, cutting the costs of materials and shipping goods like shoes from China to U.S. store shelves and then to outlets if they don’t sell. The technology, also called additive manufacturing, makes it possible to build products in remote places, such as outer space. NASA is looking at 3D printing as a possible means of creating replacement parts and tools on the International Space Station.”

See the 3D printer in action.

To read the entire Businessweek article click here.

Posted in Cool Stuff, Technology Info   |   Tweet

Just in Time for Halloween

Posted on: October 25th, 2011

A Japanese company, REAL-f, creates 3D replicas of human faces. For only $3,920 you can have a replica of your face made and for $780 you can have additional copies made. You could cause some real confusion at the next Halloween party.

Via Tech Crunch

Posted in Cool Stuff   |   Tweet

High School Inventors Impress

Posted on: September 8th, 2011

Take a moment to read through the list of High School Inventors. The projects they are working on or have completed are astounding for even an adult much less a high school age student.

Some of the inventions include:
Smartphone water-quality tester
Portable, solar-powered desalination unit
CO filtration system for car exhaust
Improved MRI contrast for more-accurate diagnoses
… and more.

Click on the link Popular Science to read about all the inventors.

Posted in Cool Stuff, Education   |   Tweet

Robotics for the Navy

Posted on: July 25th, 2011

A branch of the United States military finally got a more fitting style of robotics. The US Navy will be adding a remote controlled jet ski, Blackfish, and a 60-foot catamaran, Harbor Wing, to their mix.

The smaller Blackfish will help detect swimmers trying to approach Navy ships and the larger Harbor Wing will provide stealthy surveillance of distant horizons.

Read the entire article at Engadget

Posted in Cool Stuff   |   Tweet

Robots Master Delicate Art of Juggling

Posted on: June 1st, 2011

Linear actuators are becoming more flexible with the use of high speed processors. Increasing data rate speeds are allowing new, creative ideas, to emerge from electrical laboratories everywhere. Imagine our future robotic growth with processing speeds doubling and tripling faster than we can keep up. “The Matrix is everywhere, it is all around us.” -Morpheus

Read the entire article at Engadget.com

Posted in Cool Stuff, Videos   |   Tweet

Thermodynamic Invention by Mechanical Engineers

Posted on: May 16th, 2011

I love it when people are successful with their own inventions. Their product is not on the market yet but due to the general public pre-paying for their orders on Kickstarter, the two engineers were able to start up manufacturing recently.

Coffee Joulies absorb extra heat from coffee (or other hot drink) bringing the temperature down to a drinkable level; approximately 140 degrees F. When the coffee starts getting colder the material inside the Joulie solidifies thus releasing the heat back into the coffee and keeping it a consistent temperature.

Specs:
■Shell Material: Polished Food-Grade 18/10 Stainless Steel
■Inner Material: Proprietary Phase Change Material (PCM), melting point 140°F
■Displacement: 0.75 oz (1.5 Tbsp) per bean
■Coffee Volume Per Bean: 5 oz including bean (4.25 oz without bean)
■Coffee Volume Reduction: 15%
■The “Right” Temperature Range: 140°F to 130°F

Click here to read more about their story and product.

Posted in Cool Stuff   |   Tweet

PET Preform Plastic Injection Molding

Posted on: April 26th, 2011

I found this picture and video on another blog. I’m always interested in seeing how day-to-day items are made and wanted to share. Thanks- 22 Words.

Before it’s formed (via TYWKIWDBI)

Posted in Cool Stuff, Education, Technology Info, Videos   |   Tweet

x-AR Exoskeleton Arm

Posted on: March 23rd, 2011

This is a pretty cool solution to carpal tunnel or just the average arm tingling from sitting at a desk too much. The keyboard tray just isn’t working for me; I wonder if my boss will let me order one of these.

Read Entire Article
Video from www.engadget.com

Posted in Cool Stuff, Videos   |   Tweet