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

December 14, 2016
New Product: Connectors

150mm Futaba-style Servo cable, Double Female $1.95 Just a standard 0.1" pitch Futaba-style servo jumper cable, with female connectors on both sides. JST XH 2.5mm - 3 Pin plug & 100mm cable set $0.65 The JST XH 3-pin header & cable set. 100mm long, 2.5mm pin pitch. Raspberry Pi GPIO Ribbon 40-pin Cable, 6" long […]

December 14, 2012
Friday New Product Post - New Arduino, M...

Stupid calendar! I almost wanted to congratulate everyone on surviving Friday the 13th... But the dumb calendar did not cooperate. So I have no choice but to complain. Maybe even submit a report to the calendar. Those stubborn days and their numbers, they will answer for such a misbehavior. Arduino Due $58.95 The long awaited […]

June 20, 2017
Solarbotics Takes Over Active-Tech Calga...

As of June 7, 2017, Active-Tech Calgary is now under the ownership of Solarbotics Ltd.! Solarbotics has been a part of the Calgary DIY Electronics community for over 22 years, manufacturing and reselling the kits, parts and pieces you use for your own creations. Active-Tech Calgary has been around slightly longer, supplying industrial electronics & […]

April 30, 2014
Wednesday Links: Acrylic Clock, Spritz a...

Oh this time of year back again. I mean the time when I wear 4 layers instead of 8, which in Canadaland is called "summer". The icicles become somewhat warmer and Canadians wear shorter shorts than usual. Acrylic Skeleton Clock "Acrylic" and "skeleton" in one sentence? That should be interesting... (Via Dangerous Prototypes) Speed Reading […]

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