Microsoft Tabletop Technology

Microsoft has revealed its new Surface computer technology which turns a tabletop into an interactive tool that responds to touch.




Microsoft Surface computers use a screen embedded in a tabletop that can recognize physical objects such as a paintbrush or a cell phone, and allows users to directly manipulate content such as images, music and maps.

The surface can also be used to read bar codes, ID cards, download photos from digital cameras, play digital board games, or as a remote control for your TV.

The new technology will initially be available to corporate customers only, and will start to appear in retail and entertainment settings later this year.

The equipment it uses is currently too expensive to sell to consumers, but Microsoft believes that eventually this technology will find its way into schools, workplaces and then our homes.

ASIMO, Honda's humanoid robot

ASIMO is a great ambassador for Human-Robot relations, helping to further the way for more like him, and travelling the world to show what is really possible. Honda see a time where ASIMO's offspring help the disabled or infirm, tackle dangerous situations like fire-fighting or cleaning up toxic waste, and perform mundane tasks nobody else wants to do. Honda's research into robotics over the last 20 years has yeilded amazing results, and it shows no sign of slowing.



ASIMO, standing for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is Honda's take on robots. He/she/it is a step on the way to designing a robot capable of living, interacting and working with people. ASIMO has the appearance of a child in a space suit, his smaller size, about 120 cm, allows him to interact with people seated at a table and gives him a more likable and less 'intimidating' appearance. After all who wants to be served coffee by a machine that looks like it could snap you in two. One of Honda's predeccessors to ASIMO was 6'2" and 386 lbs!






ASIMO is a great ambassador for Human-Robot relations, helping to further the way for more like him, and travelling the world to show what is really possible. Honda see a time where ASIMO's offspring help the disabled or infirm, tackle dangerous situations like fire-fighting or cleaning up toxic waste, and perform mundane tasks nobody else wants to do. Honda's research into robotics over the last 20 years has yeilded amazing results, and it shows no sign of slowing.

SPECIFICATIONS

HEIGHT	4 ft 3in (130 cm)
WEIGHT	119 pounds (54 kg)
WALKING SPEED	1.7 mph (2.7 km/hour)
RUNNING SPEED	3.7 mph (6 km/hour)
WALKING CYCLE	Cycle Adjustable, Stride Adjustable
GRASPING FORCE	0.5 kg/hand (5 finger hand)
ACTUATOR	Servomotor+Harmonic Speed Reducer+Drive Unit
CONTROL UNIT	Walk/Operating Control Unit, Wireless Transmission Unit
SENSORS: FOOT	6-axis Foot Area Sensor
SENSORS: TORSO	Gyroscope & Acceleration Sensor
POWER	Rechargeable 51.8V Lithium Ion Battery
OPERATING TIME:	1 hour
OPERATION	Workstation and Portable Controller

DEGREES OF FREEDOM (for human joints)

HEAD	Neck joint (Up/Down, Left/Right Rotation)	3 DOF
ARMS	Shoulder joints (Forward/Backward, Up/Down Rotation)	3 DOF
	Elbow joints (Forward/Backward)	1 DOF
	Wrist joints (Up/Down, Left/Right, Rotation)	14 DOF	=	7 DOF x 2 arms
HANDS	4 fingers (to grasp objects) / Thumb	4 DOF	=	2 DOF x 2 hands
HIP	Rotation	1 DOF
LEGS	Crotch joint (Forward/Backward, Left/Right Rotation)	3 DOF
	Knee joints (Forward/Backward)	1 DOF
	Ankle joints (Forward/Backward, Left/Right Rotation)	12 DOF	=	6 DOF x 2 legs
TOTAL		34 DOF

Crazy Stumts

Vodafone Zoo Zoos Photos

Disneyland Made Out Of Lego Bricks

Here is a stunning recreation of Disneyland made using Lego, all from the rides, stands, souvenir stands, cars and even streets. All made using thousands of Lego bricks.