Google Poised to Launch the Robot Revolution

We have known for some time that the future will have robots and android machines involved in our everyday lives.  However, it often takes a major innovator like Google to accelerate technologies into the mainstream.  Recently, Google purchased seven robotics companies around the world and is clearly looking to take on a leadership position in this growing industry.  

Per Google's Andy Rubin, “I feel with robotics it’s a green field,” he said. “We’re building hardware, we’re building software. We’re building systems, so one team will be able to understand the whole stack.” 

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/industrial-robots/google-acquisition-seven-robotics-companies

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/technology/google-puts-money-on-robots-using-the-man-behind-android.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0

Reported by James O. Thomas III

  

More Than A Fashion Statement!

           Everyone wants to live better, healthier lives. An Angel bracelet may help to make this possible. It monitors pulse, temperature, activity and blood oxygen level. Angel bracelets can send vital information to apps on your smartphone, laptop and soon to your treadmill.

            Angel was designed with developers in mind. Currently most trackers for fitness and health are built for use by a single proprietary app, but Angel developers are opening up their protocols including the API and sensor data stream.  The future is clear.......



Angel health sensor from Eugene Jorov on Vimeo.

Reported by James O. Thomas III

Bionic Exoskeletons

We have seen movies where people wear robot like armor or exoskeletons for lifting heavy objects, but this technology is getting close to home.  Paraplegics are starting to walk again and the Army is already finding use for the technology.  The future is clear.......                Exoskeletons in the news

This is an interesting video about the suits.

Reported by James O. Thomas III

Sony's new HMZ-T3W might look like something from a 90s virtual-reality movie -- but some say wearing it is like watching a 750-inch TV:

There are currently no dedicated apps for this new device, but there soon will and as the price is reduced it will surely play a role in our future.  It has batteries and can connect to most any device including cell phones.  

 http://cnet.co/17IkI9U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdS46FQxkwM

The Robots are coming!

This is not just a movie prop.  This is real.  7 Research teams have been working with a virtual robot for months under a DARPA program and in December will have the opportunity to test their software on the real thing.  Not just walking, but climbing ladders and driving cars.  The research teams are from the top schools in the nation and this work will surely accelerate the introduction of robots into the mainstream.

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-software/osrf-prepares-for-darpa-virtual-robotics-challenge

Reported by James O. Thomas III

Well its not the Star Trek "Tricorder" but its darn close:

The Scanadu can read your vitals in 10 seconds, measuring heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, ECG, and emotional stress. You hold it to your forehead and the information is wirelessly transmitted to your smartphone. It works on iOS and Android devices.

The device has 106 unique components, including an infrared thermometer, three accelerometers, and a microphone. Walter De Brouwer, its founder, says doctors and patients would use the same device, but the doctor version of the app would have more detailed information. He claims their algorithms are 95 percent accurate.

Scanadu is taking pre-orders through Indiegogo for $199, and the units are expected to ship in March 2014. The company is seeking FDA approval. Once the device is FDA-approved it will be sold to the general public.

This is definitely where the future is headed in terms of health scanners. 

http://www.scanadu.com/

reported by James O. Thomas III

Thinking of the Future of Personal Underwater Craft

We have noticed many advances in vehicles these days.  One area that will likely be a part of the future are personal underwater vehicles.  It has been some time since new prototypes have arose in this arena.

Back in the 1977's a movie called "The Spy Who Loved Me", featured Wet Nellie (as the vehicle was dubbed on-set) that was appeared to be on the right track although it doesn't function as a car. Instead, a Lotus Esprit shell houses a functioning wet submarine built by the since-closed-down submersible manufacturer Perry Oceanographics — a conversion that cost around US$100,000, which is approximately US$500,000 today.

Surely, mass production would reduce these costs.  Since the planet is mostly water, I can image there will surely be a need.

The Replicator from Star Trek is finally here at last!

Whether its known as a Replicator or 3D printer its something that we have always wanted.  Now, we can scan an object or download a design and just print it out in minutes.  These types of devices have been around for sometime now as they have been used in automotive and other manufacturing shops for small lot parts, but now they are close to the consumer price range so most people can purchase them.

Watch Will 3D Printing Change the World? on PBS. See more from Off Book.

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