This could only happen in Europe or maybe Massachusetts…
Author: John
Karakuri the tea Robot
This Japanese tea serving robot showed up on a few places on the ‘net today. I have long wondered if anyone would ever offer one of these in kit form and now I have my answer.
You can get one from the Robotstore for $90US ($170US if your a wimp and can’t build it from the kit).
The driving force of the original tea-carrying doll came from a spring made of whale whiskers (actually whale teeth). All the other components, such as its gears, body and escapement for speed adjustments, were made of wood. How does it work? When a tea cup is placed on the tray, the stopper is released by the whale spring attached to the doll’s arms; the spring forces the stopper to engage again when the cup is lifted from the tray.
[via Engadget and MAKEzine]
Karakuri kit
High Soaring Linux!
With a conventional Nokia cell phone relaying GPS information to the tracking station, this home built high altitude balloon was successful in reaching over 66,000 feet and traveled over 60 miles! A tiny computer called a Gumstix that runs Linux was controlling two cameras that pointed down and at the horizon. The results were very impressive.
Star Wars As An Animated GIF
This is darn cool, Star Wars reduced to an animated GIF. However, i can do one better. With no loss of story, plot, or acting ability, I have reduced the movie ‘Battlefield Earth’ into the space of this “.” dot. Enjoy!
R.I.P., Porkins
William Hootkins, better know to Star Wars fans as ‘Porkins’ (red 6) passed away over the weekend.
Direct Freezing Lung Cancer
A trifle gory, but good news never the less. Researchers are now looking at freezing cancer cells within a lung and simply letting it be absorbed into the body. The surgery is less destructive than chemo or other techniques. Sounds good.
Direct Freezing Technique Brings Hope to Lung Cancer Patients