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First Commercial Spaceport in The World is Located at New Mexico

TheFuture — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:53:13 +0000

Spaceport America is the first commercial spaceport in the world located at New Mexico with hanger and terminal facility aiming to launch individual citizens into space for profit. This taxpayer-funded project worth around $200 million comprises a 10,000-foot runway to fly the airplane with the spacecraft that will break free into 62 miles of space before returning to the base. The flights are designed to last around two hours including 5 minutes of gravity free condition. Seems like science fiction? Around 250 people are ready to pay $200,000 each for a trip during early next year. What do you think now?

The executive director of the spaceport Steve Landeene said “Its real and you are definitely not talking about drawn things on paper anymore.” The spaceport is envisioned to work as an airport with different routes where aerospace companies will lease building and hanger space. Spaceport America is not just about space tourism, additionally, it will also include other business ventures like communication projects and medical research. According to the state officials, the site will facilitate around 500 construction jobs and will spark the economic development, tourism and education for generations. The runway of the project is estimated to finish next summer and the hanger and terminal should be prepared for tenants during the end of 2010.

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Designer : URS/Foster + Partners

Cute Joebot Can Dance For You !

TheFuture — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:49:23 +0000

The next generation WowWee robots series from WowWee Robotics, takes robotics to the next generation. Set to be unveiled in the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas later this week, the two playful companions are something that you more than asked for. The first one is Joebot, which is a regular fully loaded interactive friendly neighborhood robot which also has sense of humor up its sleeve. It also responds to key phrases using the sound sensors, so much so that one can make it dance to the tune as it replicates the same without a hitch. While the other one named Roborover is softer and down to earth version as it gradually gets comfortable with continuous interaction. Quite innovative one must say!

[Press Release]
HONG KONG – January 6, 2009 – WowWee, an Optimal Group company (NASDAQ:OPMR), announced its newest line of innovations scheduled for release in 2009, in advance of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11. Consumers can expect to see items from four lines, including WowWee Technologies™, which now includes a new category of iPod compatible multimedia pico projectors powered by Texas Instruments’ DLP® Technology. The other key lines, focusing on cutting-edge entertainment robotics, plush, and flight, are WowWee Robotics™, WowWee Alive™, and WowWee FlyTech™. Highlights include:

WowWee Robotics
The next generation of WowWee’s award-winning Robotics line includes two playful companions – the Joebot™ and Roborover™ robots. The Joebot robot is a content-packed, walking, talking interactive buddy with a sense of humor and rhythm. Featuring voice command control, the Joebot robot is capable of responding to key phrases via sound sensors; he can also be controlled by his responsive hands or by the Robosapien™ robot’s remote controller. The Joebot robot is not your average Joe – in fact, he can beatbox and dance – just tap out a beat and he will repeat it perfectly while grooving along. His movements are fast and fluid, and he is able to avoid obstacles via infrared sensors or detect if he falls over with tilt sensors. Various modes include Wandering, Patrol, Talk, Guard and Battle Modes. In Battle Mode, for example, he will wander freely while tracking and blasting objects with his hand LEDs; you can even challenge him to a “duel” using any TV (IR) remote controller.

The Roborover robot is a talking, tread-based, roving explorer with an inquisitive personality that grows to become more confident as users navigate and play with him. The Roborover robot is operated via remote-control and features poseable arms, head and waist. This shy little explorer features spoken content, various driving-based games, infrared sensors for obstacle avoidance, and tilt sensors allowing him to perceive when he has fallen over. The Roborover robot also features a “Follow Me” homing function that will trigger this exploratory companion to search for his user – even in the dark! Sensor-based LED headlights will automatically turn on in the dark to illuminate his path.

Information about WowWee’s diverse product portfolio – including the latest product announcements for 2009 – is featured on www.wowwee.com.

Source : http://www.wowwee.com/ via Gizmodo

Energy Efficient Oriens Glider Won The Lucky Strike Designer Competition

TheFuture — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:01:21 +0000

Roland Cernat’s Oriens Glider is one stunning energy efficient glider while also being environment friendly. The design won the Lucky Strike Designer Competition for being innovative in re-envisioning the life-cycle of the airplane. The glider is constructed entirely out of recyclable materials. The design is sleek as it is translucent shell finished with glossy organic contours and runs on clean energy. The wings are made of photovoltaic cells which provide an emission free flight, it has an electric motor comprising of a propeller that retracts when it is gliding for better efficiency. Seems after energy efficient transportation we can just glide away to future.

Designer : Roland Cernat via IGreenSpot