BMW augmented repair!!

BMW is in the midst of developing an Augmented Reality maintenance system for its mechanics. You can see how this can increase efficiency, virtually eliminate errors and reduce training even for extremely complex maintenance.

Although, I believe this is a concept video rather than an actual video of the system in action, you can see some of the key goals. A wireless lightweight headset, voice recognition, animated visual augmentation as well as verbal guidance.



via - http://www.immersivetech.org/

E.Coli Cleans up Nuclear Waste

"E. Coli does more than just make people sick — it can also be used to clean up nuclear waste, according to researchers at Birmingham University. The research team found that E. Coli bacteria effectively breaks down phytic acid (a phosphate storage material found in seeds) and releases the phosphate molecules, which bind to uranium to create a uranium phosphate precipitate. The precipitate can be harvested to recover uranium, and voila – no more nuclear waste.
The uranium recovery process isn’t new. It was discovered in 1995, but scientists used an additive that was more expensive and less efficient than phytic acid. And since the price of uranium was low at the time, scientists saw no need to look into commercializing the process. But with an uptick in the price of uranium and the discovery of phytic acid’s effectiveness, the process has become economically viable.
In addition to cleaning up nuclear waste sites, uranium recovered with the phytic acid process can be reused for nuclear energy. And for countries like the UK that lack natural uranium reserves, E. Coli could be one of the keys to a low-carbon future." -inhabitat.com

Wi-Fi signals used to see through walls

"Researchers from the University of Utah have found a way of harnessing Wi-Fi signals to see through walls.
The researchers say that the variation of radio signals in a wireless network can reveal the movements of people behind closed doors or even a wall.

Joey Wilson and Neal Patwari, from the University of Utah, have used the principle of variance-based radio tomographic imaging. The system works by measuring interference between the nodes of wireless devices. If someone passes through that field, the device registers a change in the levels of resistance, and feeds that information back to a computer."

-Telegrah.co.uk

-arXiv.org

Human sperm created from stem cells!

Haynes has Apollo.

"NASA Apollo 11 Manual
An insight into the hardware from the first manned mission to land on the moon
By: Christopher Riley & Philip Dolling

On 20 July 1969, US astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. This is the story of the Apollo 11 mission and the 'space hardware' that made it all possible. This manual looks at the evolution and design of the mighty Saturn V rocket, the Command and Service Modules, and the Lunar Module. It describes the space suits worn by the crew and their special life support and communications systems. We learn about how the Apollo 11 mission was flown - from launch procedures to 'flying' the Saturn V and the 'LEM', and from moon walking to the earth re-entry procedure.
Hardback, 270 x 210mm, 176 pages, 220 colour & 125 b&w illustrations"



HAYNES APOLLO MANUAL HERE

LikeAFish extracts air from water!

"Like-A-Fish Technologies revolutionizes diving technology and marks a breakthrough in the history of diving. The company introduces for the first time in history scuba equipment that extracts air from water."
- LikeAFish Tech

“Peugeot Capsule”

Designer Alp Germaner creates The “Peugeot Capsule;” a one person, off-road, electric vehicle inspired by the KLR 650 motorcycle. Complete with integrated GPS, LCD screens that double as rear-view mirrors & full time internet connectivity.
-yankodesign

NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission

Very facinating transmission hub design. Very fluid movement. I really want to try one of these!

SEGWAY + GM = PUMA

P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility)

WiiSpray virtual graffitti,

WiiSpray Teaser from Martin Lihs on Vimeo.

Next Gen Carbon Nanotube Muscles

"Baughman and his colleagues have produced a formulation that's stronger than steel, as light as air and more flexible than rubber — a truly 21st century muscle. It could be used to make artificial limbs, "smart" skins, shape-changing structures, ultra-strong robots and — in the immediate future — highly-efficient solar cells."
Source - wired.com

Homemade Robots

Check this out!

3-D Scanner / Printer Combo

Featured at Jay's Garage

Latest Spray-on Solar panels

"Researchers in Australia have started a three-year project to develop a spray-on coating for solar panels and more efficient cells that are less costly than today's PV. Australian National University (ANU) is working with new Australian solar company Spark Solar and Finnish materials company Braggone Oy on the method, which could be commercially available by 2011." - gizmag.com

MIT's energy-harvesting shock absorbers

A team of MIT undergraduate students has invented a shock absorber that harnesses energy from small bumps in the road, generating electricity while it smoothes the ride more effectively than conventional shocks. - MIT news

WHE - Waste Heat Engine

"Cyclone’s Waste Heat Engine (WHE, pronounced “we”) is a low temperature, low pressure, self-starting model of the Cyclone Engine.

Because the WHE runs on heat as low as 225 degrees, it can pull its power from many different sources of “wasted” heat or renewable fuels..." - www.cyclonepower.com

I have been saying for many years now this type of technology should be standard in kitchen ovens.

Ford's Transit EV will be available in U.S. Ford dealerships in 2010.

Scientists Deactivate Malaria Parasite's Digestive Machinery

A team of Monash University researchers led by Professor James Whisstock has made a major breakthrough in the international fight against malaria, which claims the life of a child across the world every 30 seconds.

full story at sciencedaily.com

Earth's Only Immortal Species

"... Turritopsis reverts to a sexually immature stage after reaching adulthood and is capable of rejuvenating itself.
The 4-5mm diameter creature, technically known as a hydrozoan, is the only known animal that is capable of reverting to its juvenile polyp state.
Theoretically, this cycle can repeat indefinitely, rendering it potentially immortal. " -TimesOnline