Posted by: in Rebots
Researchers at the University of the West of England have snagged a allow to fund the building of a whole new type of robot — a non-silicon, biological plasmobot, built using plasmodium, a vegetative type of slime mold. The mold, which is commonly found living in forests and gardens, is, according to researcher Andy Adamatzky, a “naturally occurring substance with its own built in intelligence,” which is capable of carrying out complex tasks, like figuring out the shortest path between two points — all on its own. The aim for the plasmobot will be for it to sense objects, span them in the shortest way possible, and carry little objects along pre-determined routes, controlled by light and electromagnetic fields. The plasmobot should also be capable of complex “number crunching power,” enabled by parallel inputs and outputs. Long-term uses could include using the bots within the human body to deliver drugs to specific targets. Though much of this is still purely theoretical (and extremely complicated), we look forward to the day when we’re all covered in mold, don’t you?
Filed under: Robots
English scientists set out to build first biological robot using mold originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Posted by: in Technology
In Apple’s “Trainer” Get a Mac ad, Computer hires trainer (Robert Loggia) to get back in shape, but his attention is diverted when Mac gets praised for a job well done. Continue reading for the video.
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Posted by: in Technology
Amazon has the LaCie itsaKey 4GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive for only $17.99, originally priced at $37.99. The “sturdy and resistant nickel surface treatment of the LaCie itsaKey makes it tough and dependable.” Product page.
Its lightweight and mobile form means it can go anywhere with you, and it¿s backward compatible with USB 1.1, so you can use it with any personal.
[via Amazon]
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Posted by: in Technology
LG put all the extras into this sleek smartphone. If nothing but the ideal will do, the LG GC900 Viewty Smart should definitely be on your short list. Continue reading for part one of the view.
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Posted by: in Rebots
Something about Le Petit Prince, the mobile, plant-loving greenhouse robot makes us indescribably sad. Is it his one, large adorable eye? Or merely the fact that he’s named after one of the most depressing books ever written? Either way, we can’t really argue with his usefulness — the concept can carry about plants and care for them, all the while ravaging the terrain for further specimens. He’s also designed to learn about the optimal growing conditions of the plants he collects, which really makes us want one to care for a certain, finicky houseplant we won’t call out by name (but we’re looking at you, Venus Flytrap). Check out the darling video after the break.
Continue reading Le Petit Prince roving greenhouse robot is overwhelmingly cute, useful
Filed under: Robots
Le Petit Prince roving greenhouse robot is overwhelmingly adorable, useful originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Posted by: in Technology
Amazon is selling the unlocked Nokia E51 for only $199.99 shipped, originally priced at $399.99. Its “integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) enables you to make VoIP phone calls over an open network.” Product page.
Other features include a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity for both communication headsets and stereo music streaming, MicroSD expansion, MP3 player, FM radio, and up to 4.4 hours of speak time.
[via Amazon]
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That’s right, you’ve one more full day to enter the aXbo Sleep Phease Alarm Clock contest. Just click here and tell us the feature you like best along with why you need it. Only entries received in this post, will be counted.
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Though self-heating food items might be nothing new, HeaterMeals offers Truetech technology and a variety of entrees, including 3/4-pound entrees that have a 2-year shelf life without needing refrigeration. Video after the break.
The temperature was hot (140 degrees by thermometer!) and the texture was believably eggy (other than the crisped edges and a yolk that congealed into an inedible solid).
[via Gizmodo]
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Posted by: in Rebots
We’ve seen the Pleo get shredded, overtaken by a Wii wand, and generally mocked for its status as a perennially endangered species. With no dignity left to protect, its makers have decided they might as well kick out an SDK, or PDK in this case, to let the great unwashed masses have their way with the originally autonomous bot. Still only in the alpha stage and not yet widely available, the dev kit has already borne fruit in the shape of a shockingly awesome dance video. We’ve got it for you after the break, but a warning first: prepare to fall in love all over again.
[Thanks, Eric]
Continue reading Video: Pleo gets new dance moves, alpha dev kit
Filed under: Robots
Video: Pleo gets new dance moves, alpha dev kit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Posted by: in Technology
Amazon is selling the 12-inch Halo 3 Master Chief figure for just $26.75 shipped, originally priced at $39.99. It boasts more than 18 points of articulation and is equipped with a removable weapons — assault rifle and grenade. Product page.
[via Amazon]
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