Hopping, rolling, balancing Ascento robot now available in Pro form

It was just last year that we heard about the Ascento 2, a self-balancing, two-legged, wheeled, hopping robot. Well, as if it wasn’t already impressive enough, its designers have now unveiled the even more capable Ascento Pro.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Hopping, rolling, balancing Ascento robot now available in Pro form→

Fusion Bra draws on 3D printing/scanning tech for a custom fit

It’s no secret that finding a comfortably fitting bra can be difficult, often requiring multiple failed attempts. That’s where the Braave system comes in, as it uses 3D printing and scanning technology to produce client-specific custom-fit “Fusion Bras… Continue reading Fusion Bra draws on 3D printing/scanning tech for a custom fit→

Real-world testing suggests gait ID could boost smartphone security

If someone steals your smartphone, the harder it is for them to unlock it, the better. New research shows how gait analysis could provide an added layer of security, by authenticating a user’s identity based on the way they walk.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Real-world testing suggests gait ID could boost smartphone security→

Body-sucking sleeping bag may help protect astronauts’ vision

When astronauts stay in outer space for extended periods, they frequently develop a vision problem known as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Scientists are now trying to keep that from happening, via an experimental vacuum-sealed sl… Continue reading Body-sucking sleeping bag may help protect astronauts’ vision→

MIT’s Oystamaran robot could boost the oyster-farming industry

There are several methods of oyster farming, one of which involves raising the molluscs in bags that float on the ocean’s surface. Those heavy bags need to be frequently flipped over, so a team of MIT students has designed an “Oystamaran” robot to make… Continue reading MIT’s Oystamaran robot could boost the oyster-farming industry→

Pressure-sensing seat may one day detect drunk drivers

Although we’ve seen several systems that use vehicle-integrated cameras to detect intoxicated drivers, a team of Japanese scientists claim that such technology isn’t always reliable. Their alternative? A drunk-driver-detecting car seat.Continue Reading… Continue reading Pressure-sensing seat may one day detect drunk drivers→

Pichi X2 titanium multi-tool packs in a wrench, crowbar and more

If you tried carrying a wrench, bit driver, knife, crowbar and bottle opener with you at all times, your pockets would get pretty full. That’s where the Pichi X2 multi-tool comes in, as it combines all five functions in one device.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading Pichi X2 titanium multi-tool packs in a wrench, crowbar and more→

Skin-worn sensor detects and measures nicotine in e-cig vapor

Nicotine is one of the more harmful compounds in the vapor produced by electronic cigarettes, so non-vapers should avoid breathing it in whenever possible. A new skin-worn sensor could help, by monitoring airborne nicotine levels in the wearer’s immedi… Continue reading Skin-worn sensor detects and measures nicotine in e-cig vapor→

New system will use drones to clean hard-to-reach solar panels

Solar panels continuously accumulate dust, dirt and other debris, plus they’re often located atop tall buildings or in remote areas – this means that they need to be cleaned, but doing so is difficult. That’s why a drone-based setup is now being develo… Continue reading New system will use drones to clean hard-to-reach solar panels→