Category: To be used for Evil

30 Foot Tall Walking Robot Elephant

Giant 30' tall robotic elephant

As part of a Jules Verne celebration in France (back in November ’05), a 30 foot tall robotic elephant was constructed. The ears, head and trunk move about an will even spray water on the crowd as it walks (yes walks) down the street. You have got to see the video to believe it! The event called Royal de Luxe also had some other Verne inspired images like the moon capsule that was fired out of a giant canon, giant marionettes, more images can be seen here. I’m wondering how this totally missed me until now, it’s a stunning display of engineering magic.

[via Red Ferret]

Robot Elephant 

Disgruntled Robot Kills Factory Manager

Killer robots! 

It’s started, the robots are beginning to rebel. Well, maybe just the ones that are given the opportunity to kill their masters. Lesson one when working around industrial robots: never enter the operating envelope when there is power to the system! This guy did and he got biffed in the head, chucked him a few yards and killed him.

Disgruntled Robot Kills Factory Manager

Insect Cyborgs

 

Researchers in Japan have been implanting microcomputers and electrode backpacks into the bodies of roaches in order to control them remotely. Their aim is to be able to give directional commands to them so he insects can search through small spaces like earthquake rubble or pipes. Using the electronics laden bugs as literal bugs for espionage work is also a possibility.

Another robot-roach

Virtual Humanoid Project

Humm, the Japanese are at it again. This time they are using a virtual reality head mounted unit to map the image of a real person over a 3D representation that is colored chroma key green. The idea is to enhance communications, for instance if you shake hands you will get tactile feedback from the dummy. They are working on a version that uses a  robot and not a dummy to enable the user to interact better with the person that they are talking to.

[via engadget]

Virtual Humanoid Project (translated) 

 

The Ariel Atom

This is some serious VROOM-VROOM!! auto action here. Everything in this car says "I go faster than you can possibly imagine, hands off sparky". It’s got a 1998cc 4 cylinder fuel injected Honda DOHC motor that puts out 220HP of power, weighs in at  456Kg(!), and will do the Kessel Run in way less than 12 parsecs! Seriously, it will do 0-60mph of 2.91 seconds. Based on a minimalistic construction style, the Atom spots a tubular frame and non structural composite body panels. It looks as if it’s not quite done but that’s the beauty of it. As they say, its it doesnt have it, it’s not needed. Without all that extra stuff you get that amazing power to weight ratio that crushes you and your passenger into the seat.  I’d say this is just about the perfect car to take on a date. If the price fails to impress her (about $40,000US) then the balls out power will.

[via Neatorama] 

The Ariel AtomSome

( Some kick ass video from Top Gear)