Cool Link Wednesday - 'That's a Lot of F...

Dave Hrynkiw
June 13, 2012

Don't even bother reading this introduction - skip on ahead and go to the first link in the list. It'll blow your mind.

Medusa Medusa -Proximity Aware Multi-Touch Tabletop
This interactive surface (which is actually a version of Microsoft Surface) uses a mind-boggling 138 proximity sensors to detect people around and using the table. As far as we can tell, they're using some type of Sharp IR sensor, as well as some Phidgets interface devices.
The ShakerBOT: Snakeboard inspired robot The ShakerBOT - Snakeboard inspired robot
This is a insanely hypnotizing wheeled robot, that travels big zig-zagging around. Apparently it was inspired by something call "Snakeboards", which I've never heard of. We have a similar wiggle cart for kids in the office, that we often like to hop on and drive between the aisles of inventory. It does not always go very well. Make sure you click through and check out the video!
1000 Fireflies 1000 Fireflies - Electronics for 1000 Bicyclists
Says the website, these are "interactive blinking LED devices outfitted with microcontrollers and radio units that allow them to mutually and observably synchronize with others, as do certain species of firefly." It's an ambitious undertaking, and the results look gorgeous. It's not too far off our own version Firefly (well, not really, but kinda).
Creating Illuminated 3D Objects with a Laser Cutter Creating Illuminated 3D Objects with a Laser Cutter - Instructables Tutorial
We like lasers, acrylic, 3D objects, AND lights. So needless to say, this is right up our alley. Instructables author theseeker did a great job using two-dimensional objects to create something three-dimensional. As a bonus, it even looks somewhat pixelated. The tutorial is pretty comprehensive, going all the way through the design, production, and final assembly.
Iscar Chip Formation Iscar Chip Formation - Slow Motion During Steel Cutting
Solarbotics has some Sherline equipment we use for machining fixtures and the like (yeah, machine tools are cool...). We tripped over this link that shows magnified and slowed video of what it looks like when a machine tool cuts steel. Looks like putty. Hypnotic!
Communication glove for deaf-blind persons Mobile Lorm Glove - Communication Glove for Deaf-Blind Persons
Some German developers have come up with a really great solution to help those that are deaf and blind to communicate via Lorm, a tactile sign language, through a glove with vibrating motors and a Bluetooth connection. It's a really ingenious use of technology to make communication more accessible for those that have multiple impaired senses.

Hopefully there was enough neat stuff in there to keep you distracted for a little while on our way to the final stretch before the weekend.

MORE POSTS

February 5, 2005
Telephone Troubles...

In anticipation of our move to a new facility in a week or so, we've been getting the telephone company to tweak up our accounts. Which they've promptly managed to bung up nicely. If you're trying to get ahold of us and are getting "This number is not in service...", hang tough - all should […]

July 31, 2013
Wednesday Cool Links: Theremin Goggles, ...

Shooting analog pictures, shooting bullets underwater, shooting… theremin noises from goggles, shooting… human-powered helicopters! if that doesn’t make any sense, see the links below: Steampunk theremin goggles A wicked build by [Sarah] - theremin steampunk goggles. Photo sensor  will feel the amount of light and the slider would adjust the pitch of the sound produced. Check […]

November 17, 2011
Fireflies, Bundles, and Motors

Technically, winter starts with the Winter Solstice that occurs on December 21st. But we're pretty sure that whoever decided that is wrong, because it's starting to feel pretty darn cold out there. And to keep things warm, what do you need? Movement. And how do you make movement? Motors. So today we have range of […]

March 7, 2017
Tech Tip: Micro Terminal Blocks

We use many, many devices with 0.1" spaced holes, which are pretty much an electronics design standard. We're finding these 0.1" space terminal blocks incredibly useful for making solid, secure, yet serviceable connections to the rest of our designs. We'll often reach for a microcontroller board, then reach for a necessary handful of these parts […]

Solarbotics Ltd Logo
Solarbotics has been operating for more than 25 years, bringing electronics know-how and supplies to both the electronics professional and hobbyist. We'll be happy to help you too!

Solarbotics, Ltd. is not responsible for misprints or errors on product prices or information. For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.

Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.