PIXELS by Patrick Jean

Interesting concept video. PIXELS is Patrick Jean’ latest short film, shot on location in New York.

Smart Geometry 2010 by Felipe Pecegueiro do Amaral Cura

Really interesting video talking about how to use parametric software to control objects in space. Lots to think about. Great work over there on so many different levels. More info on the conference website.

MK-HexaKopter by Holger Buss

Really interesting hexakopter robotic prototype. More information on the website.

Curious Displays by Julia Yu Tsao

Curious Displays functions simultaneously as a form of design research and as a proposal for a new product, a future display technology. Curious Displays is a product proposal for a new platform for display technology. Instead of a fixed form factor screen, the display surface is instead broken up into hundreds of ½ inch display blocks. Each block operates independently as a self-contained unit, and has full mobility, allowing movement across any physical surface. The blocks operate independently of one another, but are aware of the position and role relative to the rest of the system. With this awareness, the blocks are able to coordinate with the other blocks to reconfigure their positioning to form larger display surfaces and forms depending on purpose and function. In this way, the blocks become a physical embodiment of digital media, and act as a vehicle for the physical manifestation of what typically exists only in the virtual space of the screen. More of Julia’s great work can be seen on her website.

Ultrasonic Robot Vibrations and Pizza Tossing by Monash University

Really interesting developments on ultrasonic robotic vibrations. Scientists from Monash University will use the physics of a perfect pizza toss to design the next generation of micro motors thinner than a human hair.

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Soft Morphing Blob by iRobot

I was recently at thefirst architecture robotics conference in Orlando and discussing “jamming” prototypes with Cornell phd students. The prototypes I saw were about the size of a quarter and looked quite structural. iRobot is currently developing a soft ball robot that can inflate and move via the “jamming” phenomena. iRobot’s soft, shape-shifting robot blob can roll around and change shape, and it will be able to squeeze through tiny cracks in a wall when the project is finished. Video presented at IEEE IROS 2009. More info can be viewed on the IEEE website.

Juggling Robot by IMRT at ETH Zurich

The Blind Juggler is a robot that is able to juggle a ball on a paddle. The robot does this without any sensing; there are no cameras, no microphones, or any other sensors that could tell the robot where the ball is. Imagine yourself juggling a ball blindfolded. Try it: it’s no easy task!

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Jollbot by Rhodri Armour

The first jumping and rolling robot, Jollbot has been created by Rhodri Armour, a PhD student from the University of Bath. Its hoped his creation, which can jump over obstacles and roll over smoother terrain, could be used for space exploration or land survey work in the future.