UNDERGROUND FOOD PACKETS: FoodTubes proposes a network of underground transport tubes, powered by Linear Induction Motors. Goods would be carried in lightweight, 1 meter x 2 meter capsules, addressed and controlled by computers. They claim this delivery system for food, water, sewage, oil, gas and other vital commodities would save up to 4 billion tonnes of CO2 per year worldwide. The Internet of food. More at Noelhodson and slideshow on YouTube.
BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK: Black absorbs light. Used inside telescope tubes it help keep an image 'clean'. But conventional black still reflects a fair few photons. NASA want to make their scientific instruments as efficient as possible, so they've developed an even blacker black, made of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Tiny gaps between the tubes absorb 99.5% of the light that hits them. The material has to withstand the heat and cold of space, and the vibrations of launch. How do you work with a material you can't see? More at NASA.
BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING: ReWalk robotic exoskeleton uses sensors and motors to allow paralysed patients to stand, walk and climb stairs with the aid of crutches. Leg braces respond to subtle changes in upper-body movement and shifts in balance. A backpack contains the processor, while a control panel on the wrist allows the wearer to choose modes of operation. The walkinator's on their back. More at the DailyMail and video on YouTube.
IT'S A RAP: The FBI have arrested and charged a 23 year old Russian. He's accused of using the Mega-D botnet to send 10 billion spam e-mails per day, breaking several laws in the process. Here's hoping he's another one who bites the dust. More at NPR.
LEFT CLICK: Devices to drive electric wheelchairs often rely on the user physically clicking a button on a plate inside their mouth. That can make eating and talking a bit tricky. The University of Bristol
put a microphone in an earbud to 'hear' and identify 4 different
tongue clicks. It then transmits commands to a chair or robotic arm.
Does a double-click just go in circles? More at NewScientist.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
Tech Universe: Friday 10 December
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