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Sensors

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ROBOTICS

Bionic penguins fly through water … and air

By Darren Quick

04:13 April 27, 2009 PDT

The space age looking AirPenguins

The latest example of biomimicry in robotics to cross our desk is from German electrical automation company Festo, which has used the shape of the acquatic, flightless bird to construct two different types of bionic penguins. The AquaPenguins use the bird's hydrodynamic body contours and wing propulsion to allow the robot to maneuver in cramped spaces, turn on the spot and, unlike their real-life counterparts, swim backwards. The larger helium-filled AirPenguins use the same principles to lift the usually flightless bird into the air. Read More

ROBOTICS

Children's game inspires new generation of security robot

By Kyle Sherer

16:50 March 25, 2009 PDT

Rafael Fierro is an associate professor of electrical engineering at the University of New...

Sophisticated sensors allow robots to see and hear the world at a level far beyond humans, but when it comes to interpreting the data they’re still a few notches below Daleks. Scientists at Duke University and the University of New Mexico have used the game “Marco Polo” as the inspiration for the creation of an algorithm that allows robots to identify and intercept moving targets. Read More

ROBOTICS

Brown University develops autonomous, gesture-following robot

By Kyle Sherer

00:07 March 20, 2009 PDT

The Brown University robot interprets human silhouttes as calls to action.
 
 Image via Br...

A team from Brown University has developed a robot capable of following verbal and nonverbal commands in indoor and outdoor environments. Based on iRobot's brain-trust, previously known for developing PackBot, the machine was presented at the Human-Robot Interaction conference from March 11-13. Read More

AROUND THE HOME

Watchdog windows: motion sensitive glass could boost home security

By Darren Quick

22:57 March 18, 2009 PDT

Presumably the UV lamp would be slightly more hidden in real world applications

Besides letting in light and providing pleasant views, windows unfortunately also provide a convenient entrance for burglars. Security systems have long employed contacts that, when broken, activate an alarm, but what if the simple act of moving around outside a window were enough to raise the alert. That’s the concept behind a system developed by scientists in Berlin that sensitizes windows and doors to detect suspicious movements. Read More

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Magic mirror charts muscular activity in real time

By Darren Quick

00:52 March 12, 2009 PDT

A male model struts his stuff for the media

March 12, 2009 Let’s be honest, for most people exercising is a bit of a pain and the following day you can wind up sore in muscles you didn’t even know you were using. Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a system that could help lessen such painful surprises by displaying muscular activity in real time. Read More

AROUND THE HOME

New Crestron Green Light occupancy sensors optimize energy usage

By Mike Hanlon

18:24 January 27, 2009 PST

New Crestron Green Light occupancy sensors optimize energy usage

January 28, 2009 Crestron has released a new range of occupancy sensors to enhance the functionality of its Green Light™ environmental controls, further reducing energy usage. The sensors have built-in microprocessors and photocells which continually analyze and adjust to changing conditions to significantly reduce on-time for lights. Climate and device control can also be integrated. A combination of both ultrasonic and passive infrared sensing is used to detect motion while minimizing false triggers, such as electrical noise, air currents, and temperature changes. A built-in photocell can override the occupancy sensor if ambient light levels are above a set threshold, preventing lights from turning on when there is sufficient daylight in the room. Read More

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