The Mouser is sure to turn heads

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As common as a computer mouse is, there are few that could ever be considered artistic. Some are shiny with LED lights or small crystals, yet they have a certain mass produced look to them. This mouse designed by Andrey Chirkov is one of the few I would call artistic. Surprisingly it’s not steampunk either, that usually is the only way gadgets get a little bit of a creative twist to them. Instead this has a minimalist modern look, while still being pretty.

The down side of such a mouse is that I’d be petrified I would break it, since it does have a flimsy look. You’d almost rather put it on display than mess it up by using it on a daily basis. As of now it’s still a design though, so you won’t be able to purchase it. However, with a look like this I’m sure those with plenty of money to burn will be dying to get their hands on it. Wealthy investors means that this might actually be created for purchase. Even if that does happen though, the general public won’t likely ever see anything like this at their local store.

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Dustbot could change Sanitation

This Dustbot robot is the type of concept technology that I live to report on. European scientists have come up with a new way of removing trash in narrow streets with these wheeled guys. Clearly, Disney-Pixar was the inspiration as the Dustbot is essentially a WALL-E without the ecological apocalypse.

This new garbage collection process would start when a consumer with a bag full of trash gives the Dustbot sanitation organization a call or sends a text message. The automated system then sends the nearest Dustbot right to the user’s door, navigated via GPS.

From there, the consumer selects the type of trash he or she is disposing on the touchscreen, and put it in the drawer/compressor that comes from the Dustbot itself. I can only presume that the Dustbot goes somewhere and dumps the trash in an eco-friendly spot after that.

You may notice that the Dustbot is precariously balanced, like a Segway. So what happens when you call up a Dustbot, drop in your garbage, and then it tips over? Talk about awkward.

Well, I’m certain that you can see the potential for the Dustbot in today’s society, and it would definitely change society as we know it. Just picture a big city where Dustbots roam the sidewalks like the taxis that fill our streets. Better yet, picture a world where people actually separate their trash.

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ROBOTOPS: One Constructive Robot

I have just seen Terminator Salvation, and I was somewhat impressed by what I saw. It certainly wasn’t the same quality as T3: The Rise of the Machines, but that is a very, very good thing.

I am not revealing any spoilers by saying that there is a scene where a gigantic robot scoops up humans, and then puts them in one of those flying ships that are seen in previous Terminator films. Of course, it isn’t explained why the heck these humans are being rounded up, nor why they are being stored at their main headquarters.

It cannot be denied that this new ROBOTOPS from Japanese company Tadano Ltd. bears a strong resemblance to the aforementioned people-snatching robots from the well-known Warner Brothers science fiction franchise, but this robot is designed for construction, to pick up very heavy objects such as girders and the like.

In fact, it has a high quality three-chip CCD camera, so it can be operated from a distance. In fact, it can go places that humans cannot go with 29 functioning joints, tank treads, hydraulic lifting legs as well as its grabby arms.

In other words, the ROBOTOPS is a machine designed to help humanity, not hurt them. Can we get over the nightmarish, dystopian images from science fiction and embrace an age where robots don’t take over the world?

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Rescue Reel: Saving Lives One Dangler at a Time

When I first saw this guy using the Rescue Reel, I couldn’t help but think that he was some sort of Daredevil. That, or the photographer used that same effect from the old Batman show where they turn the camera on the side and Adam West and Burt Ward climb up the building without straining their arms and legs.

The Rescue Reel is designed for the user to hook the Rescue Reel in a secure place, put on the harness, and they lower themselves down with automatically controlled centrifugal braking. I would imagine that the experience would be like repelling down a mountain cliff, except it probably won’t be fun if you ever really had to use it.

Still, designer Kevin Stone is clearly on the right track when it comes saving lives from tall buildings. Something tells me that it was designed to combat the horrific images that we still have from the Trade Center Tower attacks. Unless someone designs the next 100 story building with massive fire escapes, history will repeat itself when disaster befalls a skyscraper again.

Of course, this is one device that had better have plenty of line, and designed to hold some overweight people. Also, do you really want to be in an emergency situation where you have to learn how to use it in the next few seconds, or else you will die?

I am guessing that OSHA would be all over these devices if they ever become reality. I would also imagine that Rescue Reels would be located on the walls under red-framed glass, like firehoses or axes.

Yeah, I can see a definite future for the Rescue Reel, and it can give others a future.

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Solar powered Headphones

Of course, this isn’t the first time that we have reported on solar-powered devices that are designed for Digital Audio Players (DAPs), but the Q-SOUND, a concept device that is part headphones and part headband, definitely makes the most of days when the sun is beating down on your head.

As you can see, solar cells are placed directly on the user’s crown, absorbing valuable rays for power. Some of you might wonder how these solar cells can be curved when most are generally flat and stiff, but these cells are constructed of flexible plastic that uses silicon solar cells.

The Q-SOUND incorporates Bluetooth, which allows the user to sync their Bluetooth enabled mobile device for some wireless sound action. Not only can the user listen to their music, but he or she can also take phone calls from a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. In case Bluetooth isn’t available on the mobile device in use, a wired connection is also possible with the included 3.5 mm jack.

Shepeleff Stephen, designer of the Q-SOUND, has said that one hour of sunlight is sufficient to provide the user with 2.67 hours of running time. The headphones should be able to hold a forty hour charge with the two removable NiMH batteries.

Time will tell if this concept becomes reality, but I would not be surprised if the demand for solar powered mobile devices increases in a “greener” world.

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UFO-shaped Electronic Drums

Do you have the beat of drums coursing through your hands that you can’t wait but to express it? Well, this concept UFO-shaped Electronic Drums by Petr Kubik ought to fit the bill if they ever make it off the manufacturing line, featuring a smooth surface that will emit a sound whenever you strike your palm against it. Needless to say, the harder you beat it, the louder the sound is, but hopefully you won’t crack the thing in the process since it isn’t made out of tough cow hide. Gotta love the psychedelic lights that appear to suit your current playing style - that certainly adds to the overall mood.

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Robotic Taxi Service

I’m sure all of you remember the movie Total Recall, where Arnold Schwarzenegger rides in a cab that drives itself. It would appear that someone has taken inspiration from science fiction with this Robotic Taxi Service.

It looks a lot like the “Slimos” that we reported on a week ago. Designer Kubik Peter’s automated transport is electrically powered, and can seat about two. That may not sound like much room, but there is a trunk in the back for some luggage.

Now I’m sure you’re wondering: how does the passenger tell the robo-cabbie where to go? I believe the user just makes a selection of cross-streets on a touchscreen controller. I would imagine that the touchscreen would have internet access, so maybe the passenger can watch a little YouTube video while he or she is waiting to get from Point A to Point B.

I’ve noted that the robo-cab looks a little skinny. Perhaps it is prepared for an era where two people can comfortably travel side by side in a lane normally made for one car. Considering that many metropolitan cities have way too many cabs on their streets, they could use an exclusive lane devoted to cabs.

This robo-cab could hearken in an age where a taxi driver is no longer needed. Of course, they could always create the Johnny Cab dummy drivers from the aforementioned Total Recall. Remember that cabbie that could talk and attempt at make conversation with starters like “hell of a day, isn’t it?” Well, if these robo-cabs are ever perfected, I’m certain it will be a “hell of a time”.

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NZXT Cryo S notebook cooler

Are you running some high powered notebook that seems to burn your family jewels each time you try to make it live out the laptop calling? Well, NZXT empathizes with you by releasing the Cryo S notebook cooler that works with notebooks of up to 15″ in size, removing heat from the fan vents in addition to keeping the entire notebook case’s temperature low overall. It comes with a couple of adjustable 120mm fans for powerful cooling, while the rubber finish will help raise the notebook when in use for heat pockets to be removed. Constructed from a thick, brushed aluminum body, this notebook cooler won’t shortchange your notebook in the looks department even in public, making this $49.99 purchase extremely enticing.

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Painting Robots

I’m sure we have all heard stereotypical comment by those viewing modern art paintings: “My kid can paint that”. Well, we might be entering a new age where people will be saying: “my robot can paint that”.

In fact, graduate student Oscar G. Torres is trying to figure out a way to make a robot paint with Jackoon. Jackoon is a robot that is connected to a camera that allows it to “see” what it is painting.

In other words, the Jackoon isn’t just randomly splattering paint, it “knows” what it is doing, in theory. Now, does this make paint better than abstract expressionist artists like Jackson Pollack and Willem de Kooning (who serve as namesake of the Jackoon)? Well, take a look at the picture here and judge for yourself. While you are at it, you might want to see the robo-artist at work in this video after the jump.

I remember hearing in Art class that some artists killed themselves after photography was perfected. Of course, art has survived long after the age of digital photography, and photographs can be works of art in and of themselves. This example, like the Jackoon, makes people think about mixing art and technology.

Well, let’s put it this way. If a robot painted a realistic picture from a digital camera, you know what we would call it? A printer. That sort of puts it in perspective, doesn’t it?

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Cluster Bomb for seed planting

Anti War activists hate cluster bombs – mostly because they can be used to deploy anti personnel mines which don’t get picked up long after the last bullet has been fired. And when they go off, even children are victims. But can the technology be harnessed for more constructive and green purposes? Designer Hwang Jin Wook seems to think so and as such, he came up with the “Seedbomb.”

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The concept is amazingly simple and represents the coolness of out of the box thinking. Instead of tiny bombs known as “bomblets” or anti personnel mines, the SeedBomb has Seed capsules aligned in a cluster configuration. Each cluster of capsules is packed into a single bomb with dozens of others and when the bomb reaches optimum altitude, the clusters are released to embed all around the impact area. Each capsule contains soil and seeds housed in a biodegradable plastic. The soil is packed with plant rich nutrients and moisture enough to allow the plant seed to germinate (the plastic canister acts as a defacto greenhouse) and grow until the plant can sustain itself. As the plant matures, the biodegradable plastic canister deteriorates until there’s nothing left.

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The idea is brilliant for deploying to areas stricken by desertification or deforestation. And It’s easy to see the Forestry department using them to reseed areas that have recently fallen victim to wildfires or bark beetle infestation. But can just planting plants change an environment? Not on it’s own, but if you consider that with all the golf courses it has, that the average temperature of Palm Springs has DROPPED 20 degrees in the last 25 years, it’s worth looking at.

Hat Tip – Our friends at Yanko


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Electrolux Dishwasher

I don’t have a dishwasher in my house, other than my wife and myself, of course. Many people complain that dishwashers waste too much water between cycles, but there isn’t a better to way to wash them other than spraying them with gallons of scalding hot water.

It would appear that there is another way to clean dishes with this concept device known as the Electrolux Wind Washer. It does this by using air and UV rays for cleaning.

Yeah, don’t ask me how air and UV rays can clean a dish, unless there is some serious high pressured air going on. I would imagine that you would have to affix this to a big and loud air compressor to make that work.

Also, it seems to be made for just two plates. What kind of pathetic dishwasher is capable of just two plates?

Okay, this is only a concept for now, so I’m not going to be too picky. Hopefully someone will eventually create a full-sized dishwasher, but I’m not certain how it will get the angles on all the plates. Since the plates are sandwiched in there, I am assuming that this process only works if the plates are hit on both sides by air and UV rays.

While we’re at it, lets talk about glasses and silverware. How is it going to do those? Okay, this new technology has a lot of bugs in it, but you have to give credit to these innovators for trying to save water and doing something different.

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Earn money by recycling

This next product is for those who are truly “greening their routine”. I myself usually take a trip to the recycling plant once per week. Sadly, this has nothing to do with my love for Mother Earth. It just so happens that I can save a lot of money on my garbage bill.

Envirobank has figured out a way that consumers can deposit their recyclables in a conveniently located machine, and give them a cash reward for their ecologically sound actions. These machines have been called “reverse vending machines” as users give aluminum cans to the machine, and it gives them money right back.

In addition to aluminum cans, these machines accept PET, HDPE, and PVC recyclable materials as well as brown, clear, and green glass. My sources say that some of these machines can hold up to 3,000 containers.

I am assuming that some recycler eventually comes by and picks up all the drop-offs, replenishes the money slot, and the recyclables will already be cleaned and crushed. I believe that in order to receive the payments for the recycled trash, the user needs to watch a video via an LCD screen on the machine itself.

This new system of reverse vending machines has already been deployed in Australia, but only on a trial basis. Personally, I think a system like this could easily change the world, and maybe even save the Earth in the process.

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Entecho’s Hoverpod

I remember watching an episode of Mythbusters where they were discussing the possibility of hovering technology. Apparently, Adam and Jamie had grown up seeing the same ads on the back covers of comic books that promised an “Air Car”, and I remember these ones too.

The Mythbusters then challenged each other to a race with hovering vehicles that they built on their own. They were able to get them to hover, but getting any forward motion on them proved problematic.

It would appear that Australian company Entecho has figured out an application for hover technology. This fan-forced flying saucer could start a serious transportation revolution as the huge blades spin to give it lift, and the skirt around it gives it directional manipulation.

The hoverpod is capable of speeds of 120 km per hour, with a range of 3 km. I’m not certain what that means, but I believe that it can hover up to 1.5 meters off the ground. This hoverpod can hold about three passengers, and it is quite safe as no blades are exposed.

Sadly, this vehicle is still under development, and has been for the past several years. I hope it comes out soon. I mean, we may be nowhere near that futuristic age of flying cars any time soon, but I would imagine that hovering cars is a necessary step.

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Moonlight Concept Laptop

I am guessing that this Moonlight Concept Laptop is named because of its shape. Granted, its crescent shape makes it a lot sexier than most laptops, and it has some other unique features as well.

For example, it doesn’t have two halves with one screen and one keyboard. No, both halves come with touchscreens. The bigger screen is a 16:9 that serves as the monitor, with the other is a smaller 4:3.

This lower 4:3 display has a screen that can be used like a touchpad mouse. It can also be used as an annex of the larger screen, or it can run mini OS.

You may have noticed that the frame lights up, and there are special sensors that will keep them on as long as the user wants, I imagine.

Yeah, this Moonlight looks pretty neat, and what you can barely see are special legs that lift it above the ground. Hopefully these legs fold up into the frame. Speaking of folding, the way the Moonlight folds up is quite unusual. You know how most laptops fold up so the screen is on the inside, and protected? Unfortunately, the Moonlight has its screen on the outside. This could be a problem.

Well, I can use my imagination to picture an age where every laptop is like the Moonlight. Somehow it looks really futuristic, like out of a science-fiction movie.

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Gesture-based Music Playing Robot

I realize that the picture here looks like something from Criss Angel’s “Mindfreak” performances, but what you are seeing here is the QB1. Of course, this technology might seem kind of freaky, as that screen watches you. It will actually turn when you walk around the room, and these special sensors actually know your face.

Not only can it read your face, but it knows your hand gestures. For example, you can start your music tracks with a conduchttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=24577524tor-like wave of your hand. Turn your fingers into a shelf and gesture up to turn the volume up, then down to turn it down. If you spin your fingers clockwise, this works as a fast forward. I’m sure that you have figured out that spinning them counter-clockwise works as a rewind.

The oddest thing about the QB1 is that it will actually learn about you. The designer wasn’t any more specific about that, but essentially, it will learn what type of music that you like, and it will know what to play for you.

I like the idea behind the QB1, but I’m not certain that I like the aesthetic. I mean, do you really want a simple screen on a stand to do what the QB1 can do? Perhaps this is one of those products that are better off without a pretty package.

So far, this technology is still under development, but Swiss company OZWE hopes to have the QB1 perfected and mass-marketed some time in 2009. There is no word on a price as yet.

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Relational Pillow concept

We love our pillows as there’s nothing quite like resting our heads on something soft and fluffy after a long hard day at the office, and the Relational Pillow concept takes things one step further as it will feature light and touch sensors fitted within. Just when you thought it could not get any more high-tech than that, you’ll be pleased to know that the Relational Pillow features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to send emoticons to another Relational Pillow as long as they’re online. Sounds like the perfect gift for couples who are having a long distance relationship to bridge the physical gap with an emotional solution. We would very much like to see this concept come to life, that’s for sure.

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