MIT develops miniature shape-shifting robots. Toy robots that can fold into different configurations are fairly common, but these simplistic devices are a far cry from the dream of real-life Transformers. Now a group at MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms has created a robot that could point the way toward the real thing. Developed by lab director Neil Gershenfeld, visiting scientist Ara Knaian, and graduate student Kenneth Cheung, the Milli-Motein is a reconfigurable robot that can be programmed to fold itself into a number of different shapes.
And, after the robot has shifted into a new shape, it can hold that shape even when its power is cut off by using a what is known as an electro-permanent motor. Gershenfeld said, "[The Milli-Motein is] effectively a one-dimensional robot that can be made in a continuous strip, without conventionally moving parts, and then folded into arbitrary shapes. " You can see the Milli-Motein in action in the video below. Via Center for Bits and Atoms. NASA Transforms Its Robot Astronaut Into An Exoskeleton Fit For Iron Man. NASA’s Robonaut, and subsequent Robonaut 2, have made countless headlines for potentially replacing astronauts in space. But now, score one for the meatbags. NASA is redesigning their robotic platform as an exoskeleton for humans. Designed, fabricated, and assembled in just nine months with the assistance of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition as well as Oceaneering Space Systems of Houston, the X1 is an experimental motorized suit that could be wearable both by astronauts in space or everyday people back on Earth.
Weighing 57 pounds, it’s designed to either inhibit or enhance human movement; astronauts can wear the device as a resistance-based exercise machine to stay fit in low gravity, while those with limited mobility could wear it to empower their actions back on the ground. The four motorized joints at the hips and knees work against or for the user to fit their specific use case, offering power or resistance appropriately. Nebula weather station recreates clouds and other conditions inside your house. Though it's still a mere concept, the Nebula 12 weather station could one day make the thermometer in your home look hopelessly dated.
The networked lamp changes its output to reflect current weather conditions in realtime. If it's sunny, for example, you'll see a bright yellow light. But it's when weather turns ugly that the Nebula is most impressive; on overcast or cloudy days, the machine utilizes liquid nitrogen, warm water, and high-powered vacuum suction to instantly create clouds inside your house. Weather simulation ends there though, so don't expect any rain drops. The Nebula pulls in forecast data for up to 48 hours from MetOff, though its creators say users would ultimately be able to choose their own trusted weather source. Misfit Shine: an elegant, wireless activity tracker. Gorgeous all-metal construction. Tiny so you can wear anywhere. Tracks cycling and swimming, not just steps. To sync, just lay on phone. Press Coverage Gizmodo: Watch Out Fitbit, This Badass New Activity Tracker Is Out to Eat Your Lunch ABC News: Misfit Shine: A Fitness Gadget Backed by Former Apple CEO Aims to be Different TechCrunch: Meet Shine: The Elegant Activity Tracker That Has A Neat Trick For Syncing Forbes: Misfit Adds Shine to Wearable Health NEW - BBC News: Wearables tech gains momentum at CES NEW - The Wall Street Journal: The Latest Fitness Gadgets to Gauge and Goad More press coverage below...
Specs Size: 27.5mm (diameter), 3.3mm (edge)Weight: Under 10gBattery: Coin cell; lasts about 4 monthsCompatibility: iOS and AndroidAccessories: Comes with a clasp to clip onto clothing easily Simple Misfit Shine is an elegant, all-metal activity tracker that you can sync with your smartphone just by placing it on your phone screen.
French macaroon? Smart Timeless Wearable Key Features Who We Are. An elegant wireless activity tracker - the Misfit Shine story.