Unicycles aren’t commonly used unless you fall into a certain demographic. Usually 17-year-old dice-rollers (and we don’t mean gambling.) The EMBRIO Advanced Concept takes the unicycle to the year 2025, when even one-wheeled transportation can be sexy.
EMBRIO uses sensors and gyroscopes to balance up to two passengers on a large single wheel, using the two smaller “landing gear” wheels to balance the bike at higher speeds. (more…)
There are three different types of janitors. There are the ones that seem to be constantly grumpy and growl obscenities under their breath, the eccentric ones with a heart of gold, and now there is this nameless robotic janitor, simply called a Multipurpose Network Service Robot. The robot janitor is no everyday dust vacuum. It also comes equipped with a video camera, WiFi, and the ability to apologize for interfering or running over someone’s feet.
Created by Figla, this Japanese cleaning machine is currently on display in Osaka as a feature of the Robot Laboratory project. Using infrared, gyroscopes, bumper sensors, and ultrasonics, the robot janitor can maneuver into tight spaces without being too much of a nuisance. Using its WiFi technology and camera, the robot streams a video feed to a control center to monitor its progress. This robot is expected to be commercialized some time next year at the going rate of Â¥1 million ($8,500). — Andrew Dobrow
