Subscribe to Gizmag's RSS feed
Follow Gizmag on Twitter
Explore GizmagTransformable
Halo Intersceptor concept would serve as car, boat, plane and helicopter
By Ben Coxworth
00:37 November 3, 2010
We’ve seen cars that transform into boats, into airplanes, and even into helicopters, so why not one that transforms into all three? That’s the idea behind UK designer Philip Pauley’s Halo Intersceptor concept. Now, before you start picturing a kind of Swiss Army knife-type vehicle, you should know that the Intersceptor concept revolves around a central car that remains unchanged, that simply “plugs in” to different attachments. It’s definitely an intriguing idea, even if you may never be able to buy one. Read More
Smart sheet to pave the way for shape-shifting tools ... and more
By Ben Coxworth
17:23 June 30, 2010
Researchers at Harvard University and MIT have created an origami-inspired “smart sheet” that can fold itself into various shapes, without any external manipulation. The sheet is composed of rigid triangular tiles that are linked together by elastomer joints, and studded with flexible electronics and thin foil actuators (motorized switches). The scientists foresee a day when such sheets could be used to create things like smart tools, that could take the form of anything from a wrench to a tripod. Read More
Kubota's innovative 4WD transforms between passenger and cargo mover
By Mike Hanlon
19:33 April 14, 2009
April 15, 2009 Work vehicles are evolving rapidly thanks to some clever design being applied to target niche markets, with the latest example being Kubota's transformable four-passenger 4WD utility vehicle. The new RTV1140CPX quickly converts from one-to-two-row seating, allowing the operator to choose between additional passenger capacity or cargo space, depending on the task at hand. We're betting such clever functionality will provide a unique solution for a wide variety of applications. The 24.8 horsepower diesel can carry a cargo of 1,100 lbs., or tow 1,300 lbs. Read More
