Robots Technology Video

As if there weren't enough real jellyfish around to trigger our thalassophobia, researchers at Virginia Tech have created Cryo -- an eight-armed autonomous robot that mimics jelly movement with the help of a flexible silicone hat. The man-sized jellybot altogether dwarfs pre

vious efforts, hence the upgrade from small tank to swimming pool for mock field tests. And unlike the passively propelled bots we'veseen recently, Cryo runs on batteries, with the researchers hoping to better replicate the energy-efficient nature of jelly movement to eventually increase Cryo's charge cycle to months instead of hours. That's also the reason these robotic jellyfish are getting bigger -- because the larger they are, the further they can go.Potential uses include ocean monitoring and perhaps clearing oil spills, but the US Navy, which is funding the work, sees an opportunity to recruit jellies for underwater surveillance -- a job the researchers say is suited to their natural-looking disguise. But, before the tables are turned, you can spy on Cryo for yourself in the video below.

VIA Engadget

Animals Robots Technology Video

A video has begun making the rounds and it's, well, going to disturb you a little bit, sorry. It's an animatronic baby designed by special effects guru Chris Clarke, to be used in an unnamed UK soap

opera. While your immediate reaction might be to think that this is merely the first in an all-out assault from the uncanny valley, Clarke explains in the comments that there's something much less ominous at play here: you simply can't put an actual, premature baby under TV studio set lights for hours at a time. It's also not Clarke's first work on infants, as you can see at the 4:45 minute mark in the second video below. Clarke also did some of the special effects work for War Horse, enabling scenes that otherwise would have harmed an actual horse.

So the animatronics are creepy, but they're also preventing real humans and animals from suffering for our entertainment. Feel better now? Yeah, us neither.

 

Communication Concepts Design Gadgets PHOTOGRAPHY Smartphones Technology Variety Video

Introducing… Wallet! It’s an all-in-one device that functions as phone, camera, and tablet. Incredibly, it’s merely the size of a standard wallet, but features 3 folding screens in a unique construction that allows them to perform multiple tasks at once or even be combined to stream movies or photo slideshows. But HOW?? You’ll have to check out the video after the jump to see just how this incredible multitasking machine works!



The first screen is formed by two sets: a framework that allows the folding of the entire screen, and an inner screen which can perform a rotation of 180 °, which at its rear part includes a 12.1 Mpx camera with 16x digital zoom and video recording at 1080p HD. In addition, a flash light that improves the quality of photos. On one side is a LED that spares the user from having to open Wallet to check if they have received a call, message or any other notifications. Moreover, this screen also includes a microphone and a speaker for calls, so it can be used without opening it. At the top corner of the frame are connectors for standard 3.5mm headphones to avoid burden when it is used as widescreen and next to it is a power button for easy accessibility.

The second screen has a built-in support in the outer casing made of Technogel. Eventhough this material can be easily bendable, it is also strong enough for the support to carry the entire weight of Wallet. The Technogel is an innovative material invented by an Italian company. Among its many properties are resistance to shocks, large durability and high protection. At the top of the screen is a standard micro USB connector type B which serves to connect any peripherals items (mouse, keyboard, printer, and even a TV). Additionally, it can be connected to a computer to recharge. The connecter is located in a spot where it does not interfere when it is used as a tablet or widescreen.

Designer: Claudia Copersito