Boston Dynamics, the DARPA backed research agency, specializing in developing combat-ready robotics and simulations machines, have released a new video of their “war mule” robot, named Big Dog. Resembling our favorite four-legged friend, Big Dog is run by a gasoline-powered engine (hence the noise), trots at 3.3 mph and can carry a load of up to 120lbs, if not more. Scary, spooky and fascinating all at one time.
Behold your future robotic overlord
March 19th in
The Seaphantom lets you boat like Batman
I was browsing through something or other, when I came upon pictures from trials earlier this year of the SeaPhantom, a 5 passenger speed boat from Maritime Flight Dynamics (awesome name!). The SeaPhantom is a work of maritime engineering art, radically reducing drag with it’s lifting-body, airfoil design and looking like something straight out of the newest Batman film. The goal of the project, is to make a sleek and efficient mobile craft, which can move at triple-digit speeds, potentially becoming a viable alternative for direct travel from city center to city center. Also, imagine the cool types of weaponry that could be mounted on that thing, I’m sure Chuck Norris is.
Read more: Trial photos of the SeaPhantom
Create your very own desktop factory with a home 3D printer
3D printing technology is one of my most anticipated technological advancements. Sure it’s been around for awhile, but, it’s just not there quite yet, not until we can walk into Staples and easily walk out with our very own personal 3D printing device. The engineers behind the Desktop Factory are working hard on making this a reality, with their personal 3D printer, currently being tested for use in the engineering and design fields. The printer can take your 3D mock up and mold a durable, functional model from the bottom up, one layer at a time in sturdy composite plastic. The composite plastic material can easily be sanded down and painted making it of special use to industrial designers who rely on turnaround time. The Desktop 3D printer measures just 25×20x20 inches and weighs less than 90lbs, meaning it won’t take up too much space in your factory or design studio.
Not for sale yet, the 3D printer is currently undergoing a pre-sale, with a target price of $5,000 to $7,000 dollars US. As Desktop Factory says, imagine when your child can design their own small toy model or order a design off the internet, then simply ‘print’ it out and paint it. I can’t wait for the future.
Read more: Desktop Factory
Inventor creates exoskeleton body armor, hopes to sell to military
Canadian inventor Troy Hurtubise is famous for his protection suit for hunters, known as the bear-suit. After hearing from Iraq war veterans about adapting the suit for combat use, Hurtubise shifted focus. Hoping to attract the Canadian and US military as clients, Hurtubise has invented a light-weight exoskeleton body suit of armor, which resists bullets, light explosives, knives and clubs. Called the Trojan, the suit could prove to be a welcome edition to the future of military warfare. The inventor was also quick to give credit to Microsoft’s amazing action shooter, Halo, as one of his inspirations in designing the Trojan. Be sure to check the video interview with Hurtubise for more information.
