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Sensors
Bionic penguins fly through water … and air
By Darren Quick
04:13 April 27, 2009 PDT
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
Children's game inspires new generation of security robot
By Kyle Sherer
16:50 March 25, 2009 PDT
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
Brown University develops autonomous, gesture-following robot
By Kyle Sherer
00:07 March 20, 2009 PDT
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
Watchdog windows: motion sensitive glass could boost home security
By Darren Quick
22:57 March 18, 2009 PDT
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
Magic mirror charts muscular activity in real time
By Darren Quick
00:52 March 12, 2009 PDT
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
New Crestron Green Light occupancy sensors optimize energy usage
By Mike Hanlon
18:24 January 27, 2009 PST
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
william
- November 26, 2009 @ 19:45 UTC
