WiFi Router makes RC Truck Internet-driven
September 19, 2008 – 11:59 pmI am seeing some significant stalking potential here…
Learn more about the project at http://jbprojects.net/projects/wifirobot/
Rat brains + robot = kinda cool, kinda creepy.
August 16, 2008 – 6:00 amThis one can go either way for us. Decide for yourself.
What it is:
A robot that operates using a cluster of living rat brain cells paired with electrodes to process stimuli and deliver a response.
What’s cool:
Studying how the brain cells fire in response to stimuli (an as importantly, no stimuli) is giving researchers strong insight into how brains function and could lead to breakthroughs in treating epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. Some researchers involved in the project, also think that the cluster of brain cells is also displaying patterns over time that could be indicators of learning behavior.
What’s creepy:
1. Their are multiple research teams throughout the world creating robot/animal brain hybrid robots and systems- they are called “animats”.
2. Harvesting living brain cells to power Robots that learn.
3. See #2 .
You can read the full article at New Scientist.
Interactive LED Table
August 15, 2008 – 6:00 amThe crew over at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories created the original Interactive LED Table, which then inspired others.
Here is a brief sample of what Steve at Deadly Computer Blog did when he got his materials in for the project. He also posted a great write up and pictures of his process.
DIY First-person Shooter Motion Sim Rig
August 14, 2008 – 6:00 amNew Zealand genius XXXVR has done some amazing home-brew motion simulatr work.
Here he built a motion platform with a car seat and mapped the motion to the view axis in an first-person shooter video game. Plus, he included some intense, body-jolting force feedback effects.
Looks like loads of fun, but something tells me it’s not something you should hop into right after lunch.
Check out his other videos on his YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/xxxvr
(Even though it’s a bit long, we suggest watching the DIY motion platform series. For anyone thinking about building their own, it’s inspiring and informative.)
Legos + Donkey Kong = Awesome!
August 13, 2008 – 6:00 amTake 2 classic childhood loves - Lego and Classic Arcade Games, throw in a dash of robotics and you have a working Lego interpretation of the arcade classic Donkey Kong, complete with intro music and barrel-jumping Mario.
See it in action below.
Front:
Back:
Great job, Dan Kressin
See more details at http://wrench.vib.org/lego/donkeykong/
Crazy Machine (Household Rube Goldberg)
August 12, 2008 – 6:00 amIt’s Rube-y Tuesday and today we’re showing a setup that must have used everything in the house (and yes, it does use the kitchen sink). There are a few edits, so we are a bit skeptical on if it went all the way through on its own, but it is still damn impressive.
Watch out for the vibrating cell phone and the rolling flaming candle.
Great job!
Check out more Rube Goldberg setups in our archive and stop by every Tuesday for new entries.
Mojo Motorsports “Revolution”: The “Motorcycle for your feet”.
August 11, 2008 – 5:00 amLike a Segway… except cooler…maybe…
It seems to have been around for a while, but we just recently ran across this one and thought it would make a fine entry for Motor Mondays. The video is a bit long, has a tinge of “Xtreem”-ness to it, and the song gets old after the first 10 seconds, but the ride itself actually looks like it could be a lot of fun.
Though it is a bit old, you can still visit the Mojo Motorsports website to learn more