Collaborate Disseminate
Do you know the name [George Devol]? Probably not. In 1961 he received a patent for “Programmed Article Transfer.” We’d call his invention the first robot arm, and its name …read more Continue reading Retrotechtacular: The Original Robot Arm
There was a time when street lighting means someone had to go light the lamps. Electricity changed that, but street and outdoor lighting has been quietly going through a new …read more Continue reading As Europe Goes to LEDs, Scientists Worry
In the “old” days, people were used to the idea that radio communication isn’t always perfect. AM radio had cracks and pops and if you had to make a call …read more Continue reading Solar Flare Quiets a Quarter of the Globe
A lot of people had a Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I. This was a “home computer” built into a keyboard that needed an external monitor or TV set. Later, Radio …read more Continue reading TRS-80 Model II Lives Again
[Mr. Carlson] has an old-style 1940-era radio tube tester, the kind that used to inhabit grocery and drug stores. It is in amazing condition and he was kind enough to …read more Continue reading Vintage Tube Tester Teardown
Biological systems often figure out the best ways to get what they need to survive. Now a robot created by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Imperial College London, and the …read more Continue reading Robot: Will Draw for Food
Here’s a history quiz: What architecture did the first C++ compiler target? Of course, it is a trick question. The original C++ — known then as C with classes — …read more Continue reading C23 Programming for Everyone
We’ll admit it. We like the results of resin 3D printing, but we don’t always care for the mess. We aren’t alone, and a common issue is to have drips …read more Continue reading Resin Cleanup: A Sticky Situation
The other day, a medical office needed my insurance card. I asked them where to e-mail it and they acted like I had offered them human flesh as an appetizer. …read more Continue reading Floppy Disk Sings: I’m Big in Japan
While it isn’t for everyone, some of the best creators we know are experts at working with textiles. While the art is ancient, it isn’t easy and requires clever tools. …read more Continue reading 3D Printing for Textile Work