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.