VR experience shows caregivers what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s disease
Los Angeles-based Embodied Labs has developed a VR experience that puts users in the shoes of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia in the U.S. It follows Beatriz, a fictitious math teacher in her 60s, who is experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s.
Experiment suggests that the best robot bosses could be jerks
Researchers from France’s University of Clermont Auvergne have been investigating how future robot bosses can coax the most productivity out of us flesh-and-blood employees. The sad answer? Quite possibly by behaving like jerks. It turns out this behavior may be more feature than bug.
Engineers have made a new type of lithium battery that won’t explode
While statistically rare, the lithium-ion batteries used in mobile devices have been known to burst into flames. Researchers from University of Michigan have developed a new type of lithium battery that not only won't explode, but also doubles the output of previous batteries.
Regular Wi-Fi can accurately detect bombs, chemicals, and weapons in bags
X-ray machines, surveillance cameras, and bag searches have all become commonplace when it comes to security in public venues. But researchers from three U.S. universities may have found a different way to detect suspicious items: regular Wi-Fi. Here's how their smart security system works.
Police body cams are scarily easy to hack into and manipulate, researcher finds
Speaking at the annual hacker conference DefCon, Nuix cybersecurity expert Josh Mitchell recently demonstrated how it is possible to easily hack into and potentially manipulate footage from police body cams. Here's why that's such a problem, and what could be done about it.
This robot arm could soon recharge your electric car, no driver effort required
Researchers in Austria have developed a charging technology for electric cars that's sure to impress even the most seasoned of gas guzzlers. It involves a smart robotic charger that can automatically plug itself into any electric vehicle, no driver effort required whatsoever.
A new way to ‘freeze’ water could help transform organ preservation
Scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new way of maintaining water and water-based solutions in their liquid form for long periods of time, at temperatures far below the usual freezing point. Here's why that could help transform organ preservation.
Bizarre stork robot uses a drone to compensate for its weak, twig-like legs
Developed by engineers from Japan’s University of Tokyo, Aerial Biped is a robot whose top half is comprised of a flying quadrotor UAV that's rooted to the ground by thin, stork-like legs. The unusual design means that, at least in theory, it should be incapable of taking a tumble.
Forget flying cars: This shoe-tying robot is proof that the future is here
Mechanical engineering students from the University of California, Davis’ College of Engineering recently built a robot whose sole personality in life is to tie shoelaces. It cost them under $600 to do it, as well! Check it out in all its highly automated, knot-tying glory.
The world’s first practical quantum computer has cash and a timeline
The dream of building a practical quantum computer could be closer than ever, thanks to a $15 million grant from the National Science Foundation to seven universities around the United States. The money will be used to develop quantum computing hardware and software over a five-year period.
Be a master of your own ever-changing ‘galaxy’ with this kinetic wall art
Created by Germany-based former automotive engineer Robert Spillner, Art Machine is a stunning work of kinetic art that looks like a continuously swirling galaxy or turbulent weather formation viewed through a ship's porthole. Check it out in all its attention-grabbing glory.
No keyboard? No problem. Masterkey will project you a virtual one to type on
Miss having a physical keyboard when you're out and about? Wish you could have a mobile display that's bigger than your smartphone can offer? Masterkey 4.0 is a wireless projector capable of both projecting a functioning keyboard onto a surface and a display onto a nearby wall.
Stanford A.I. can realistically score computer animations just by watching them
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a computer system that’s able to synthesize realistic sounds for 3D animation, based entirely on the images it sees and its knowledge of the physical world. The results promise synthesized sounds at the touch of a button.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe sets out to try and ‘touch’ the sun
On August 12 at 3:31 am, NASA's Parker Solar Probe launched on a journey to the atmosphere of the sun, where it will make the first in situ measurements to be taken there. The eventual goal? To uncover crucial details about the origins of the solar winds generated there, among other mysteries.
Engineers in the U.K. unveil the world’s first graphene-skinned airplane
Engineers at the U.K.'s University of Central Lancashire have unveiled the world’s first graphene-skinned plane at an international air show. Called Juno, the 11.5-feet-wide unmanned airplane is lighter than traditional planes, and boasts some other impressive abilities, too.
U.S. Navy wants to ‘weaponize slime’ to stop enemy ships
Researchers at Utah State University have been awarded a U.S. Navy contract to create synthetic weaponized slime, which could be used to fire at enemy vessels to stop them in their tracks. Here's what they are busy developing, and why it could turn out to be a great solution.
Here’s how Stanford scientists measured the speed of death
For the first time ever, scientists at Stanford University have been able to observe the speed at which death spreads across a cell once the self-destruct 'trigger wave' has been initiated. Their conclusion? That death moves at a rate of around 30 micrometers per minute.
This underwater camera drone can auto-follow and film while you dive
Youcan Robot's BW-Space hails itself as the world's first underwater photography drone that can recognize images and intelligently follow a target, while broadcasting live 4K video. Here's how you'll soon be able to get your hands on one of these exciting aquatic robots.
Materials scientists have found a way to make graphene twice as tough
Graphene is considerably tougher than steel. However, the fact that it's so thin means that it is also prone to tearing. Researchers from Rice University have found a way to make it more than twice as tough -- all thanks to a little help from some embedded carbon nanotubes.
There’s a new use for the failed Google Glass: Helping kids with autism
Google’s ill-fated Google Glass smart glasses may finally have found their perfect use case: Helping kids with autism in social situations. Here is how researchers from Stanford University have been using the technology in a way that could help transform people's lives.
Caltech is training drones to ‘herd’ flocks of birds. Here’s why
Birds can cause major issues for airplanes. Engineers at Caltech recently turned to technology to find a smart solution to this problem. Their approach involves a new control algorithm that allows a single drone to herd a whole flock of birds away from an airport’s airspace.
Widespread internet access is causing mass sleep deprivation, study suggests
A study funded by the European Research Council claims that high-speed internet may be costing us up to 25 minutes of sleep per night. Surprisingly, the biggest problem isn't among those young people who are under 30. Here's what the researchers found from their investigation.
Walmart’s new grocery robots aim to speed up your shopping experience
In the near future, the person who picks out your online Walmart grocery pickup order may not be, well, a person at all. That’s due to the fact that the retail giant has teamed up with a robot shuttle system company to find a way to speed up its in-store grocery pickup service.
Your stone-skipping skills pale in comparison to this robotic rock launcher
Former NASA engineer-turned-quirky-YouTube inventor Mark Rober has combined two things every kid loves to create a robot that's able to skip rocks across the surface of water with impressive consistency. Check it out in all its fantastic summer afternoon-wasting brilliance.
This 3D-printed robotic hand can make lifelike movements
Bionic prosthesis company YouBionic created an amazing new 3D-printed robot hand prosthesis that's capable of carrying out just about all the functionality of a regular human hand. It could one day be used to help people with missing or partially functioning limbs.
Recycle your forgotten ebook reader by turning it into a literary quote clock
Want to find a cool new use for that old Kindle e-reader lying, unloved, at the back of your desk drawer? Follow Netherlands-based maker Jaap Meijers' example, and transform it into an awesome clock which displays constantly changing (but perfectly chosen) literary quotations.
Look out, bartenders: This cocktail-making robot is coming for your job
Yanu is a new fully autonomous robot bartender powered by artificial intelligence. Taking the form of a single robot arm, capable of pouring perfectly drinks, it promise to automate the experience of getting that soothing, refreshing beverage into your hand as soon as possible.
Could Snap save the internet from fake news? Here’s the company’s secret weapon
Snapchat recently leant its support to work by the University of California, Riverside, who have developed an algorithm that can root out fake news online. In doing so, the disappearing messages company is doing its bit to fight one of the biggest tech problems of our time.
Awake’s stunning new electric surfboard promises good surfing even on flat water
What do you get when you cross surfing with cutting-edge technology? Something like the Awake Rävik, a stunning new electric carbon surfboard that promises to let you get in a scintillating surf session even when the water is flat and free of waves. We totally want one, like, now.
IrisVision uses VR to help people with fading eyesight to see again
A company called IrisVision has created a smartphone-based VR system that can help people with severe macular degeneration to see better. While it doesn’t actually cure blindness, it does enable users with this vision disorder to carry out tasks they would otherwise find impossible.
Want an extra arm? A third thumb? Check out these awesome robotic appendages
Have you ever dreamed of augmenting your body with the aid of addition limbs? Ever wished you could have a pair of extra arms, a third leg, or a sixth finger on each hand? Check out this list of amazing robo-prosthetics which promise to take your multitasking to the next level.
The Trident scooter promises to propel you through the waves like a boss
Want a gadget that will propel yourself through the water like James Bond? Trident is an 'underwater scooter' which lets scuba divers, snorkelers or secret agents power themselves through the waves at speed of up to 4.3 miles per hour. Here's how you can get your hands on one.
A serenade you can’t refuse: Ukulele-playing robot plays ‘The Godfather’ theme
A compact ukulele-plucking robot, UkuRobot is one of the zaniest, most brilliant bots we’ve seen in ages. Ever wanted to be serenaded by a bot playing the theme from The Godfather or maybe Green Day’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams? Well, today just happens to be your lucky day.