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

July 15, 2003
Lower gear ratio motors!

We're happy to announce another variant of gearmotor. Like the GM2/GM3 but with a gear ratio of 143:1, they run approximately 175% the output speed! - these are ideal for applications like minisumos, linefollowers and other wheeled devices. Check the "New Items" listing on the left side for details, or view them directly here: GM8 […]

February 25, 2002
2002 LANL Workshop in the works...

Word from up the pipe at the Los Alamos National Laboratories is that the 10th Annual BEAM workshop is slated to happen May 2-4, 2002 at the Betty Ehart Center in Los Alamos, New Mexico (same place as the 1999 workshop). Thanks to Joe Vigil (of LANL) who spearheaded the initiative after Paul Argo (the […]

December 3, 2001
Bicore Experimenter's PCB/Bundles

Sorry for the delay in announcements, folks! Been quite busy getting these latest devices ready for sale. The latest addition to the Solarbotics family of products is the Bicore Experimenter's PCB (aka:) BEP. This is a collection of useful, proven circuits that have been used by Solarbotics, and many other users of Mark Tilden's Bicore […]

January 21, 2011
New Kit: The Zendulum!

The Zendulum! It's the mellow love child of a "Newton's Cradle" and a "SunSwinger Pendulum Kit". On sale next week, available for pre-order! It's currently available - we're shipping the Zendulum now!

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.

cart