Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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NASA, GM working on a 'Robo-Glove' to assist astronauts and autoworkers alike
Mar 14th 2012, 11:02

We've seen power assist technology designed to help people walk, bike or just tote luggage around, and now we've for the Human Grasp Assist aka Robo-Glove. Under development from GM and NASA, the project takes inspiration from technology designed to give Robonaut 2 a hand capable of using tools designed for humans to embed actuators in the top of the glove that provide additional grip for the hands of meatbags. Once its pressure sensors detect the wearer is picking up a tool the synthetic tendons retract, holding them there until the sensor gives the signal to release. Current prototypes still weigh about two pounds and run off of a belt-mounted lithium-ion battery, although we still find the idea preferable to humanoid replacement like the impervious-to-baseball-bats DLR Hand System. By reducing the amount of force factory workers need to hold a tool from 15 to 20 pounds to just 5 to 10 pounds its expected to cut down the risk of repetitive motion injuries -- we'll wait for the fourth generation model to see what they can do for bloggers or Lee Evans. Until then, check after the break for a press release and quick demonstration video.

Continue reading NASA, GM working on a 'Robo-Glove' to assist astronauts and autoworkers alike

NASA, GM working on a 'Robo-Glove' to assist astronauts and autoworkers alike originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Game Boy Transformer uses blocks for more than Tetris
Mar 14th 2012, 10:03

'Bricked' Game Boy is more than meets the eye, uses Legos to transform
So what's cooler for '80s geeks than a Lego set, a Game Boy or a Transformers robot? Why, a Lego Game Boy Transformer, of course. At least, that's the idea behind the latest pièce de résistance from building-block lover Julius von Brunk, who not only got the touch but also got the power to create his very own Game Boy-inspired Lego Transformer. The "Domaster" -- no relation to the exercise machine for perky thighs -- borrows heavily from fan favorite Soundwave and even features a Tetris cartridge that transforms into a little birdie that looks like Laserbeak. Two fake AA batteries double as blaster cannons so folks can mutter "pew-pew" at pictures of Michael Bay and Shia LaBeouf. Yes, it isn't as big as China's Optimus Prime and it can't play Super Nintendo games like this Game Boy costume. On the plus side, at least this thing won't ruin your precious childhood memories.

Lego Game Boy Transformer uses blocks for more than Tetris originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maingear reveals Solo 21 all-in-one, customize your 21.5-inch machine starting at $999
Mar 14th 2012, 09:04

Is an all-in-one more your style? Looking to welcome a new one to the fold? If so, Maingear is looking to oblige. The PC maker has just added all-in-ones to its arsenal with the Solo 21. A 21.5-inch 1080p LED backlit display packs a 3.3GHz Intel Core i3, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB HDD with 32GB of SSD caching out of the box. However, the company has rolled out the upgrade options allowing you to spring for a 10-point touchscreen display, i5 or i7 processors, up to 16GB of memory, and a HDD of up to 2TB. You'll also be able to choose between six stock colors or a custom scheme for the chassis of your machine -- we're opting for Citrus Fire. Pricing for the base model starts at $1000 and heads north for the kit that's estimated to ship March 23rd. For more details, peak at the PR below or to get your order in, hit the source link to make your selections.

Continue reading Maingear reveals Solo 21 all-in-one, customize your 21.5-inch machine starting at $999

Maingear reveals Solo 21 all-in-one, customize your 21.5-inch machine starting at $999 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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