Manufactured by Autonomous Solutions Inc., Chaos is a mobile robot that allows a user to haul gear, dispose of explosives, carry out surveillance, search and rescue and other dangerous tasks.

Designed with 4 configurable and independently controlled tracks, it’s a robot platform like no other i.e. it can handle stairs, train tracks, rubble, gravel, steep gradients and other difficult terrains.

Weighing a mere 150 pounds (with its robotic manipulator) with a 27″ x 53″ x 8″ dimensional size, it has an onboard video/ camera, 802.11 wireless ethernet, GPS navigational sensors and two way audio hook ups. Modularly designed, all its components (tracks, arms, drive modules, electronics module, battery, and chassis) are held together by velcros and straps for easy replacement.

The video below shows the Chaos hauling a H2 Hummer and 2 of the designers, which works out to be about 2200 lbs or so. Pretty impressive for a robotic machine of that nature. Thanks to them, governmental and private agencies can carry out dangerous tasks with more ease.

Site [Autonomous Solutions]

You may never need another tennis partner again with the Swing Shot.

This robot tennis machine gives you an effective practice because it creates a less than perfect ball release and pitch by hitting it with a racket (just like a real person would).

The speed of the ball can be adjusted between 20-70 kilometers/hour and you can program the robot to hit spin, lobs, smash and plain flat shots. It is remote controlled and costs a hefty $8400.

Product page [Astro-r]

A car that can drive itself will soon be a reality, in the style of Herbie and Knight Rider.

VW (Volkswagen) has announced that they have developed a system of electronic eyes using radar/ laser sensors that link up with a computer and GPS navigation system.

The prototype test car was able to navigate its way around a course on a race circuit, and at some stages reached speeds of over 150 mph! They may yet have to do a lot for the intelligence of the system (to think for itself) as the race circuit was programmed into memory but this is a good start.

This is a sensational achievement of design and technology. It may very well pave the way for advanced automatic driving car systems on freeways and normal roads in the future.

Read [Daily Mail]

A techno toy for the ladies, the I-CY dances to any type of music, flaps its wings and more. If you leave it unattended for a while, it will let you know that it is still there by trying to attract your attention. The I-CY will also let you know when it is happy.

Is it a cunning plan to collect all of those people who did not have a Furby during the early nineties?

The cost. A cheap and affordable $20.

Product Page [Hasbro - Tiger]

The system is named V2V, which stands for vehicle to vehicle, and it enables cars fitted with this device to communicate with each other. Speeds, direction, and of course location, this enables the system to evaluate the levels of warnings according to the data it has.

The system has been called “Sixth Sense” which is quite apt really as this is exactly what it is, a sixth sense where car and driver can get information in advance. The system predicts what a car is doing in speed and direction, and can give the driver a clear warning of another vehicle on the freeway that is slowing down ahead or pulling across from the side.

The system uses a clever mix of GPS receivers, LAN networks and establishes communication with other vehicles within a few hundred meters, where the system obtains the information of speed, location, direction and acceleration.

Product Page [GM]