Shark Fin Design Helps Generate Electricity
Sometimes looking and observing nature can give us clues and answers on how to live our lives.
A company called bioPOWER designed the bioSTREAM a tidal power conversion system that is based on the shape of fish fins. In particular the shape of tuna, mackerel and shark fins is used by bioSTREAM. The undersea currents and tidal movements push these fins and provide motion to the electrical generator.
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Bicycle Tree Rack Offers Secure Parking
Now this is a novel idea. When design meets security and practicality then you get the bicycle tree rack. All you have to do is slide the bike on the rack and then press the button to elevate it up the pole. The finger print recognition system ensures that only you can remove the cycle from the pole. This rack is designed to take up to 6 bicycles.
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"Nanny State" Arrives In New York
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The mayor of New York must be copying London’s crazyness regarding cameras. New York City is going to install not only more cameras, but also a hi-tech surveillance system to monitor potential terrorists. People do fear that this will not only be directed towards terrorists but also to spy on ordinary people.
The are of interest is the 1.7 sq. miles below Canal Street, which includes the cities most important “potential” targets (Stock Exchange, Federal Reserve Bank, City Hall, major bridges and tunnels.
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Japan’s 80 Year Old Gakutensoku Robot Revived
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In 1928 Makoto Nishimura, a biologist, build the Gakutensoku robot for the celebrations of Emperor Hirohito (Showa) ascension to the throne. This automaton used a compressed air system of inflatable rubber tubes to move its eyes, smile, cheeks and chest. The robot travelled to many places and impressed the crowds at that time with its calligraphy skills until it disappeared in Germany. 80 years later this 3.2 meter (10 ft 6 in) tall, golden-skinned humanoid, from Osaka, received a $200,000 brand new computer controlled pneumatic servo system.
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From July 18th the revived Gakutensoku will be the main attraction at the Osaka Science Museum. For all those that cannot travel to Japan, you can see a glimpse of it in the video below.
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Skytran In California?
Few days ago the transport council in Marin, California decided that a personal transport system is very interesting solution to public transports.
A company called Unimodal,has patented the Skytran that offers quick transport for each passenger and its is based on the magnetic levitation concept. The driving is taken cared by the onboard computer and the passenger only has to select his destination. During the trip the passenger has the chance to enjoy an Internet connection, listen to music etc.
Lets see if California is the first place in the world to build such a transport system.
Open Your Curtains With A Wii
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We have seen from time to time a range of things that you can do with a Wii. This time someone has applied the Wii remote to make an automatic curtain opening system. I am not sure if he is going to patent it and how much he is selling it for but I would not mind having such a gadget 
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