Meet Zeno: The Emotional Robot By Hanson Robotics

Meet Zeno. He can’t walk or talk yet, but his blinking eyes will track people and his face will captivate you with a range of expressions. Measuring at 17 inches tall and weighing 6 pounds, Zeno is the culmination of five years of work by Hanson Robotics.

At Hanson Robotics, they believe there’s an emerging business in the design and sale of lifelike robotic companions, or social robots. David Hanson believes that Zeno is much more than an artificial robot toy, he says Zeno is an interactive learning companion who can engage in conversation and convey human emotion through a face made of a skin-like material which Hanson has names frubber.

Talking about his latest creation, Hanson says,

“It’s a representation of robotics as a character animation medium, one that is intelligent. It sees you and recognizes your face. It learns your name and can build a relationship with you.”

If the whole thing sounds a little Sci-Fi to you then it’s probably because that’s where the inspiration from Zeno came from. Hanson said he was inspired by the same sort of realism found in the book ‘Supertoys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldiss.

David Hanson aims to make his little Zeno’s available to consumers within the next three years for $200-$300.

RoboKriti - Basic Robotics Workshop

“RoboKriti - The art of Building Robots” is a workshop especially designed for newbie’s and robotics enthusiasts of all disciplines from diploma Institutes to Engineering Colleges of all the branches like Electronics, Telecommunication, Mechanical, Computer Science, Production, Metallurgy etc.The students will learn the basics concepts and will gain the practical experience while working on the RoboKriti kit. They will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of robotics and will learn to apply them in real life. Hands-on sessions will help them understand the practical aspects too.The RoboKriti Kit is specially designed and developed by Team Technophilia. Using this kit, students will make a robotic vehicle which can be controlled via two mediums, viz:

• Wired Remote control
• Wireless Remote Control (RC Control)

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki brought out the new 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa and there is more displacement, 1340cc versus the old 1299cc. Like the new B-King, the rider can choose between engine settings, but the Hayabusa rider has a choice of three instead of the B-King’s two, there’s probably something labeled “light speed” on the Hayabusa.

A Hayabusa with more power is certainly no surprise and if you are riding a ZX-14 you may want to check your mirrors, objects may be a lot closer than they appear, … and about to pass. We’ll see.

Full features and specifications from Suzuki press release follow:

New

Redesigned instrument cluster now features four analog meters for speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and water temperature with a new S-DMS mode indicator, gear position indicator and adjustable engine rpm indicator.

New Engine

• New 1340cc, DOHC liquid-cooled engine with 16-valves, Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers provides 11% higher performance and smoother operation
• New Suzuki SDTV fuel injection system with dual injectors per cylinder and ram air intake with large volume airbox
• New S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) allows the rider to choose from three different engine settings depending on riding conditions or rider preferences
• New lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves with narrow 14 degree valve angle for high combustion chamber efficiency
• New lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves with narrow 14 degree valve angle for high combustion chamber efficiency
• New lightweight aluminum alloy pistons feature a revised shape and a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1 for maximum performance in all conditions.
• SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders minimize cylinder size and improve heat dissipation and new hydraulic cam chain tensioner for reduced mechanical noise
• New ventilation holes at the cylinder skirt for reduced pumping losses and increased performance
• High efficiency curved radiator now features dual electric fans controlled by the ECM for increased cooling capacity. Oil cooler now has 10 rows cores for increased heat dissipation.
• New large volume 4-2-1-2 exhaust system with a large capacity catalyzer, dual triangular canisters and closed loop system that meets Euro 3 and Tier 2 regulations
• New Shot-peened chrome-moly steel connecting rods for maximum durability
• Ion plating treatment utilizing PVD (physical vapor deposit) method is applied to piston rings providing a smoother surface treatment for increased durability, reduced friction loss and reduced oil consumption
• Slick shifting 6 speed transmission working in conjunction with an innovative back torque limiting clutch for smooth and controlled downshifts

New Chassis

• All new aggressive aerodynamic fairing design with low drag coefficient retains it’s signature Hayabusa look and features an updated, muscular look to work with the new more powerful engine and updated chassis
• New fully adjustable inverted front fork featuring DLC coated inner tubes for minimal friction resistance and outstanding suspension performance over a variety of riding conditions.
• Fully adjustable rear shock absorber with a 43mm piston and 14mm rod diameter
• Lightweight and rigid twin-spar aluminum frame minimizes weight while maintaining high torsional strength
• New bridged aluminum alloy swingarm features a new cross-sectional shape for increased rigidity and to cope with improved rear tire grip and increased engine output
• New radial-mount front brake calipers for maximum braking performance and allows for smaller 310mm front brake rotors resulting in reduced unsprung weight and improved handling
• Lightweight single piston rear brake caliper working in conjunction with a new larger 260mm rear brake disc
• Newly designed wheels mounted with high performance Bridgestone BT-015 tires for unmatched handling and control
• Passenger seat and rear subframe are lowered for improved passenger comfort
• Fuel tank height is lowered to allow riders helmet to tuck in and windscreen height is increased for improved wind protection and optimum aerodynamic efficiency with the rider in place.
• Newly designed vertically stacked twin headlights provide increased light intensity, improved light distribution and match the elegant flow of the new Hayabusa styling.
• LED taillight utilizes a double lens structure with a clear inner lens and a red outer lens for maximum visibility and a high quality finish

Honda NAS

Honda NAS

Make Honda
Model NAS
Concept year 1999
Production year -
Engine 1000cc V-Twin

Design started on the Honda NAS motorbike concept in 1999 at Honda's research and development department in America.

NAS, standing for New American Sports, was intended to push the boundarys of sports bike design for the American market.


Designers of the NAS realised that the overwhelming majority of sportsbikes had been initially designed and engineered for the track, Honda bikes included, their intention was to try and offer another option, a sports bike built for the road.

The NAS Designers also wanted to create a machine with more personality which would be easier to make a bond with, a mischievous face can definitely be made out hiding in the headlight fairing.

However the NAS was not all about form, some of the most ingenious engineering solutions in the motorcycle market were seen on the NAS.
For example the unique mono-arm suspension is constructed of carbon fibre and aluminum, with the damper and spring neatly enclosed within a massive steering head.

Aerodynamic canopy for your sports bike!

Aerodynamic canopy for your sports bike!


Written by: Yogesh June 10th, 2008

Yes you heard it right, now there is an aerodynamic canopy for sports bikes called Rocketshields.

According to the inventor of Rocketshields, David Fermil, the project started with the aim to keep the rain off of David’s face, while commuting daily from Ensenada, Mexico to San Diego.

However it has now evolved into a product which not only protects him from rain and mist, but also from hot winds.

According to David, the canopy can withstand winds at 150mph and still maintain good all around visibility. Add to that one doesn’t need to install any extra mounts or bolts and rocketshield can easily be fixed on stock front and rear mountings of your motorcycle.

While I have to admit that it does look futuristic and would certainly attract a lot of attention, I am not quite sold at the idea of supporting one on my motorcycle.

You can find more about the canopy by visiting Rocketshields official website or by emailing David at david.fermil@rocketshields.info.

2009 BMW S1000RR is official

riginally codenamed the K46, BMW released photos to the German press this morning of what is now called the S1000RR. Dates for when the bike will be hitting dealer floors is still unknown, though homologation rules give BMW until December. BMW has also said the road version is to have traction control. We think it looks fantastic with subtle touches of German flourish. That said, we're curious to see how BMW incorporates its trademark offset headlights. No word on heated grips either. (UPDATE: a transcript from BMW's General Director has been released, stating that only 1000 S1000RR's will be built by the end of next year.)

SPORTS CARS

TESLA ROADSTER

One look at this baby and I am sold! Red never looked hotter and greener!

The Tesla Roadster is an all sleek, all American, 100% electric car that does 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 sec! Needless to say, it has won every award since its debut including the cleanest startup award for 2007 from TechCrunch !

The Torque curves of Roadster are, of course, stellar. They are promising peak torque even at 0 RPM! So, no auto gear changes and high energy efficiency even for the highest acceleration possible !! Apparently, it is alarmingly quiet for the kind of acceleration and power it provides ! That is amazing!!

You know what else is cool ? Its carbon foot print ! It is all electric so you only need to look got your state board’s carbon chart to worry about . I found out from his blog that the CEO of Tesla powers his home off of a solar panel grid !

The looks are a killer and the price is north of 100G but, given its startup mode, it has been sold out every year so far!! That truly speaks for how cool this car is !

A 5000 USD refundable deposit starts the process and locks in price. An additional 50 grand would lock in your delivery date as well.

LAMBORGHINI



My personal favorite : Lambo Murciélago LP640
Click on the Image above to see other images.
Engine Type: 12 cylinders V 600
Compression Ratio 11:1
Maximum Power: 471kW(640 PS) AT 8000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 660 Nm AT 6000 rpm
Emission Control System: Catalytic convreters with lambda sensors
TOP SPEED: 340km/h
Permanant 4-wheel drive and electronic traction control system
$$$: ??


BMWZ4

Now what should I say about this BMW Z4 model

no words!
OMG!
EYES WIDE SHUT!!!!!

alyite!! you might be wondering why is it called the ‘Z4′ …that’s ‘coz the shape of the car is like the letter ‘Z ‘… did u get it??

well yea you might find it difficult to see it here, ‘coz of no hood… take a second look @ the car

The new Z4 is a bit wider than the Z3

Its got some new features added
> long sweeping hood
> athletic and assertive new design.
> seating is down very low n comfortable
> you can adjust the steering column back n forth( this is damn cool ..ideal for me )

Imagine yourself drving in a BMW Z4 alogside a scenic view road..

Ah!! sheer driving pleasure!

2001 Doge Viper RT/10 Roadster

I was surfing the web n came accross this amazing car Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster…
My O My!

I coudn’t get mah eyes off from it. I started dreaming mahself going on a road trip driving that car..lolz! oh ..yea with mah husband :D…its boring to drive all alone .. don’t you think so??

But this ain’t mah dream car.

mah dream car !?! sshhhhh thats a secret

Its got some nice features though
check it out!
Engine: 8.0-liter V-10, 450 hp
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Length: 176.2 in
Width: 75.7 in
Height: 44.0 in
EPA (city/hwy): 11/20 mpg
Safety equipment: Anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags with disabler for passenger side, internal trunk release.
Major standard features: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD with six speakers, tilt wheel, power windows and door locks, manual side mirrors, removable hard top
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

For more pictures:
http://www.vipercentral.com/

For more information on dodge viper:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Sports_Convertibles/2001_Dodge_Viper_RT_10.S184.A3953.html

Cool Enough?