While autonomous drones are now pretty good at avoiding large obstacles, thin suspended power lines can still pose a challenge. A new onboard sensing system, however, could change that. Currently, drones use radar and/or optical sensors to detect power lines. Not only are these technologies sometimes unreliable, but the sensors themselves tend to be large, expensive and energy-hungry. Seeking an […]
Helping Drones Avoid Power Lines
VENUS Tech Detects Landmines
The excavation and disposal of landmines is a time- and labor-intensive business, so it can be quite a waste of resources if the detected object is not actually a mine. A new system could help, by reducing the number of mine-hunting errors. Currently, most landmine-detection technologies work by detecting the electromagnetic signature that’s passively emitted by the mine. Unfortunately, though, […]
Local Soil Used To Print 3D Printed Buildings
While 3D printing technology does allow for the quicker and cheaper construction of buildings, such structures are typically made of concrete, which isn’t very eco-friendly. Soon, though, it may be possible to print buildings out of local soil. The problem with concrete lies in the production of the cement that’s used to bind it together. According to some studies, the […]
Lighter, Softer Gaming Features
Video game-controlling gloves may be nothing new, but the things do still tend to be relatively heavy and rigid. That could soon change, however, when and if the lightweight, flexible InfinityGlove reaches the market. Currently in development at the National University of Singapore, the glove contains five thread-like sensors, each one running down the length of a separate finger. The […]
All-In-Ones HapsBox
The HapsBox portable music system has the look of a toy spaceship, but it’s a powerful mobile music-making machine that’s newbie-friendly while also being attractive to pros. It features its own carry handles, has built-in Bluetooth speakers, runs on battery power and puts a wide selection of instrument sounds at a player’s disposal. The musicians, sound designers, industrial designers and […]
Resistance Training Video Game
Video games are often associated with laziness, but more and more of them are using those engaging reward systems to help people stick to fitness routines. The latest is Quell, a game about punching your way through a fantasy world while getting a high-intensity boxing workout. The key to Quell is what the team calls the Gauntlet. This wearable device […]
Mighty Kids Clothing Fair Trade Certified
As parents, protecting kids against chemical-laden fabrics and setting examples about conscientious purchases make an important impact. Brands like Mightly, a children’s clothing company, make it easier to ensure the clothes you buy are responsibly manufactured, both for the safety of the planet and the children. Launched in 2019 by co-founders Tierra Forte, Barrie Brouse and Anya Marie Emerson, Mightly […]
MIT Shared Ebike
While bicycle-sharing systems certainly are proving to be popular, they still have a few problems, such as the limited availability of bikes. Researchers at the MIT Media Lab are working on a solution, in the form of the MIT Autonomous Bicycle. Many bike-sharing programs incorporate multiple “docks” throughout the city, where users pick up and drop off bicycles. Sometimes, however, […]
The Rig
Just because someone has limited mobility, does that mean they should be limited to traversing smooth pavement? Not according to husband-and-wife team Zack and Cambry Nelson, who are now marketing their off-road motorized “wheelchair.” Known as The Rig and made mainly from bicycle parts, the vehicle was initially developed by Zack to help Cambry take part in their outdoor adventures. […]
Nanoparticle Coating
Although cavities are caused by bacteria, simply killing all of the bacteria in the mouth isn’t a good idea, as some of them aid in digestion or have other beneficial effects. A nanoparticle coating, however, could someday prevent cavities without harming bacteria. Cavities occur when harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans reproduce to form biofilms (aka plaque) on the teeth […]