A robot built to mimic the movements of a shark relative, the cownose ray, takes a dip.
Credit: Norm Shafer
Meet three researchers who study animal locomotion. Each of the critters they work with has perfected a style of movement over millions of years. Their moves have inspired these engineers to build robots that can do important and useful jobs ? ones that people can?t do. Known as biomimicry,?it's the design of new technologies based on nature.
Visit the new?Science News for Kids?website and read the full story:??Cool Jobs ? Moved by life
If Cisco and iRobot have their way, robot CEOs may invade boardrooms from Tokyo to New York in 2014. The two companies?recently announced collaboration on the autonomous Ava 500 telepresence robot for business. The firms hope the Ava 500 will allow business people to attend daily meetings in person, across the planet?without ever changing a plane or time zone.
The navigation technology behind iRobot?s Roomba robot vacuum cleaner and the RP Vita medical telepresence robot will guide the five foot five inch, 100 pound Ava 500. Meanwhile, a Cisco TelePresence EX60 personal video endpoint will broadcast a worker?s face and voice from its?21.5? screen and send back sounds and images via an onboard camera and microphone.
Using a special app on a tablet, remote workers will wake the robot up and tell it where to go. The Ava 500 can map and autonomously navigate the halls of its home office, freeing the telecommuter to make small talk along the way (or leave the screen off until it reaches its destination). After a meeting, the unit dutifully returns to its charging station to catch a few winks and juice up for its next appointment.
iRobot CEO, Colin Angle, told the Boston Herald the Ava 500 gives folks the chance to be in the same room as the people they?re meeting, to see facial expressions, and to go in the hall after for a private chat. Angie Mistretta, director of telepresence solutions at Cisco, says, ?The real value of the robot is that spontaneity.?
The question is whether that spontaneity is worth the robot?s $70,000 price tag?(or?$2,000 ? $2,500 a month to rent). iRobot and Cisco are targeting executives, corporate trainers, site inspectors, and remote employees. Travel costs for these folks can stack up fast.?If Ava 500 saves even a few trips a month, the robot could pay its way.
But businesses are cost cutting machines. If telepresence robots are attractive at $70,000, then they?re even more appealing at $7,000, and exponentially sexier as the price tag approaches $0.?And already, firms can order a simpler telepresence robot from Double Robotics for $2,599. Businesses may be willing to sacrifice a little screen real estate and autonomous navigation for $67,000 in saved costs.
Double Robotics iPad telepresence robot.
And they may not need to make that sacrifice very long.?Advanced AI and robotics are entering the consumer market at drastically reduced prices.
We recently wrote about AI startup Anki. Anki?s robot cars drive themselves around a track at top speed, avoiding each other, the wall, making evasive maneuvers?all this runs on iOS with an expected cost of $200.?But Anki isn?t just about toy cars. It?s an iOS-powered consumer AI and robotics platform.
Such technology will just as easily guide an autonomous telepresence robot through the office. And soon. Offering enterprise solutions at enterprise prices in a world where AI and robotics are hitting consumer markets at consumer prices?how long will such products make sense?
In case you forgot, Samsung and Apple's legal squabbles didn't end in US federal court last year: the litigation rages on in international courts. Stop us if you've heard this one -- Samsung and Apple are caught up in a lawsuit focusing in part on Cupertino's bounce back patent, and things aren't looking great for Sammy's lawyers. It's a familiar story, but this time it's playing out in a Japanese courtroom, with a Tokyo judge deciding that a number of Samsung devices are in violation of Apple's scrolling technology. What's this mean to the consumer? Nothing yet -- the court still hasn't calculated damages or approved an injunction, and this isn't the only legal battle the firms are waging in the country's court system. Feel free to brush up on your kanji and check out the source link below for more details, or skip on over to Bloomberg for a more digestible account.
Networked cars make traffic safer and more efficientPublic release date: 20-Jun-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Silja Hoffmann silja.hoffmann@tum.de 49-892-892-2798 Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Vehicles communicate with one another -- field test involving 500 testers
This news release is available in German.
The system developed within the framework of the simTD (Safe Intelligent Mobility Test Field Germany) project links vehicles and infrastructure together electronically. Cars, motor bikes and roadside stations installed along the route receive information about traffic situations and external factors, such as bad weather, via sensors. Using specially developed radio technology, based on the WLAN standard, they exchange information directly among themselves. They also transmit anonymized information to a traffic center, which then forecasts and manages traffic developments.
Drivers with simTD technology equipped vehicles are in a significantly better position for anticipatory driving. For one thing, they can view a display offering them suggestions for the best route to take and recommendations such as the optimum speed needed to ride a 'green wave' (a succession of green traffic lights along a stretch of road).
For another, drivers receive acoustic and visual warnings to advise them of imminent risks. For example, a light signal is displayed if a car ahead brakes sharply even if there are several other vehicles between the car that is braking and the driver's car. This means that the driver can react even if he or she cannot yet see the danger. Traffic backups, emergency vehicles and dropped loads that may be blocking the road are also signaled in good time.
Does this system work in everyday situations? Which functions are accepted by users? In order to find out more, the simTD project sent around 120 vehicles out onto highways, country roads and city streets in and around Frankfurt for a period of six months. Five hundred test drivers traveled almost one million miles (1.6 million kilometers) as part of the experiment. The 'scripts', containing various scenarios for the field test, were designed mainly by traffic engineers at Technische Universitt Mnchen. They also analyzed the data that was collected more than four terabytes in total. The scientists not only analyzed the actual effects of the experiment on the traffic situation in the test region, they also simulated how traffic would react if a certain number of all vehicles were equipped with the system.
"The field test clearly shows that the system provides for enhanced safety, efficiency and comfort in road traffic," says Professor Fritz Busch, TUM's Chair of Traffic Engineering and Control. "Drivers have used the information to adapt their speed and driving behavior earlier to a particular traffic situation. The benefits of networking are great, particularly in situations where hidden dangers lurk."
For example, more than half of all accidents at intersections could be prevented if all vehicles were equipped with the simTD system. The system notifies drivers in city traffic in good time before they reach an intersection about vehicles that are approaching from the other street.
Even if a small number of cars are fitted with the system, some of the functions will benefit all road users. For example, when the test drivers were informed about imminent road works, they slowed down and, if necessary, changed lane. As a result, the risk of a pileup was also reduced for the other vehicles.
"The car-to-x technology is now ready for market," says project coordinator Dr. Christian Wei. As a first step, a system is planned for a corridor between Rotterdam and Vienna, via Frankfurt/Main. This system, planned for 2015, will record the traffic situation at road works and issue the relevant warnings to drivers. To standardize the technology further, the project partners are working with other European automakers and authorities.
If the simTD function was implemented in all vehicles, the project partners estimate that savings of up to EUR 6.5 billion could be achieved in Geramny alone due to the number of accidents prevented. Another EUR 4.9 billion could be saved each year through shorter travel times and lower environmental pollution.
###
About simTD:
simTD is a joint project by leading German automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, telecommunication companies, research institutions and public authorities. simTD partners are as follows: Adam Opel AG, AUDI AG, BMW AG - BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH, Daimler AG (Projektleitung), Ford Forschungszentrum Aachen GmbH, Volkswagen AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG, Deutsche Telekom AG, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Frderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Deutsches Forschungszentrum fr Knstliche Intelligenz GmbH (DFKI), Technische Universitt Berlin, Technische Universitt Mnchen, Hochschule fr Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes, Universitt Wrzburg, Hessen Mobil Straen- und Verkehrsmanagement, Stadt Frankfurt am Main. The project is funded and supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS). simTD was supported by the state of Hessen, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Car 2 Car Communication Consortium.
Silja Hoffmann
Technische Universitt Mnchen
Chair for Traffic Engineering and Control (Prof. Dr. Fritz Busch)
T: +49 89 289 22798
E: silja.hoffmann@tum.de
W: http://www.vt.bgu.tum.de/en/home/
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Networked cars make traffic safer and more efficientPublic release date: 20-Jun-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Silja Hoffmann silja.hoffmann@tum.de 49-892-892-2798 Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Vehicles communicate with one another -- field test involving 500 testers
This news release is available in German.
The system developed within the framework of the simTD (Safe Intelligent Mobility Test Field Germany) project links vehicles and infrastructure together electronically. Cars, motor bikes and roadside stations installed along the route receive information about traffic situations and external factors, such as bad weather, via sensors. Using specially developed radio technology, based on the WLAN standard, they exchange information directly among themselves. They also transmit anonymized information to a traffic center, which then forecasts and manages traffic developments.
Drivers with simTD technology equipped vehicles are in a significantly better position for anticipatory driving. For one thing, they can view a display offering them suggestions for the best route to take and recommendations such as the optimum speed needed to ride a 'green wave' (a succession of green traffic lights along a stretch of road).
For another, drivers receive acoustic and visual warnings to advise them of imminent risks. For example, a light signal is displayed if a car ahead brakes sharply even if there are several other vehicles between the car that is braking and the driver's car. This means that the driver can react even if he or she cannot yet see the danger. Traffic backups, emergency vehicles and dropped loads that may be blocking the road are also signaled in good time.
Does this system work in everyday situations? Which functions are accepted by users? In order to find out more, the simTD project sent around 120 vehicles out onto highways, country roads and city streets in and around Frankfurt for a period of six months. Five hundred test drivers traveled almost one million miles (1.6 million kilometers) as part of the experiment. The 'scripts', containing various scenarios for the field test, were designed mainly by traffic engineers at Technische Universitt Mnchen. They also analyzed the data that was collected more than four terabytes in total. The scientists not only analyzed the actual effects of the experiment on the traffic situation in the test region, they also simulated how traffic would react if a certain number of all vehicles were equipped with the system.
"The field test clearly shows that the system provides for enhanced safety, efficiency and comfort in road traffic," says Professor Fritz Busch, TUM's Chair of Traffic Engineering and Control. "Drivers have used the information to adapt their speed and driving behavior earlier to a particular traffic situation. The benefits of networking are great, particularly in situations where hidden dangers lurk."
For example, more than half of all accidents at intersections could be prevented if all vehicles were equipped with the simTD system. The system notifies drivers in city traffic in good time before they reach an intersection about vehicles that are approaching from the other street.
Even if a small number of cars are fitted with the system, some of the functions will benefit all road users. For example, when the test drivers were informed about imminent road works, they slowed down and, if necessary, changed lane. As a result, the risk of a pileup was also reduced for the other vehicles.
"The car-to-x technology is now ready for market," says project coordinator Dr. Christian Wei. As a first step, a system is planned for a corridor between Rotterdam and Vienna, via Frankfurt/Main. This system, planned for 2015, will record the traffic situation at road works and issue the relevant warnings to drivers. To standardize the technology further, the project partners are working with other European automakers and authorities.
If the simTD function was implemented in all vehicles, the project partners estimate that savings of up to EUR 6.5 billion could be achieved in Geramny alone due to the number of accidents prevented. Another EUR 4.9 billion could be saved each year through shorter travel times and lower environmental pollution.
###
About simTD:
simTD is a joint project by leading German automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, telecommunication companies, research institutions and public authorities. simTD partners are as follows: Adam Opel AG, AUDI AG, BMW AG - BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH, Daimler AG (Projektleitung), Ford Forschungszentrum Aachen GmbH, Volkswagen AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG, Deutsche Telekom AG, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Frderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Deutsches Forschungszentrum fr Knstliche Intelligenz GmbH (DFKI), Technische Universitt Berlin, Technische Universitt Mnchen, Hochschule fr Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes, Universitt Wrzburg, Hessen Mobil Straen- und Verkehrsmanagement, Stadt Frankfurt am Main. The project is funded and supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS). simTD was supported by the state of Hessen, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Car 2 Car Communication Consortium.
Silja Hoffmann
Technische Universitt Mnchen
Chair for Traffic Engineering and Control (Prof. Dr. Fritz Busch)
T: +49 89 289 22798
E: silja.hoffmann@tum.de
W: http://www.vt.bgu.tum.de/en/home/
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
With all of the recent chatter about the rise of Bitcoin, a number of theories have been put forth as to how the "digital gold" achieved its status. In this week's issue of our slate mag, we examine whether the so-called virtual currency is the prototype for a digital economy or if the anonymity that it carries will lead to black market dealings. As far as reviews go, HP's ElitePad 900 and Sony's Xperia XP both get extended time in the hands of our editors. Eyes-On takes to the streets of San Francisco with Stealth's Bomber, Hands-On tackles the latest from Google I/O and Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinksi offers up his thoughts on next-gen gaming. The weekend is almost here, so we'll let you get right to it via the usual download links that follow.
Alcohol dependency is actually a serious condition that was drawing plenty of concern in today?s world for countless years. It?s alarming that despite addiction been a broadly known concern, a lot of people have become addicted and simply a smaller proportion seek treatment. It?s vital to search for ways to alcohol problems as the majority of them get rid of control ultimately causing the addict to suffer a downward fall on their existence. To avoid this from happening, specifics about alcohol dependency centers is done easily accessible to enlighten suffering people on these facilities as well as how these are of help them.
The first factor these individuals should know about can it be does not matter how bad their condition is or how powerless some may feel if they are willing to recover they may invariably accomplish that. The actual thing that certain ought of do is admit that indeed we have a problem of excessive consuming.
There?s a assortment of treatment programs proposed by centers. Provided anybody a range of selecting to consider programs they are performs best for these people. Some addiction centers offer different programs using their company facilities. For illustration, some alcohol centers not only on offer alcohol treatment programs and programs that are after harmful addictions to drugs, abusing drugs and behavior improvement. People ought to obtain the types of center they would like to receive treatment from. You?ll discover centers that comes with Christian based treatment programs. These programs are pretty much committed to Christian values use addicts to attain spiritual, both mental and physical growth.
Centers offer treatment services to people within the society. There are actually luxury treatment facilities which met the criteria of persons in search of luxurious treatment and may even afford them. Other facilities offer affordable treatment to people regardless that they will often not game with the posh facilities, they have a similar interests and guarantee full recovery. Youthful people struggling with addiction can p accepted to teenage centers that supply addiction solution and treatment in the youth. Home elevators gender-specific centers enables people of same gender get appropriate treatment as males and females takes popular in another way by alcohol dependency. People may choose calling undergo resident or out-patient treatment which mainly relies upon around the extent of addiction.
When it comes to teens, you ought to notice that at teenage life pressure to get familiar with alcohol and drugs abuse is quite high. This therefore shows that parents requires to be careful and gather each of the necessary information precisely he or she can help their kids bring back to truck. Recent statistics have proven that about 27% of teens abuse some drugs more than every 4 weeks. Parents usually fight to raise teens today simply because of the elevated pressure for abusing drugs which comes the sides in the school at home. What parents should know tends to be that rrnstead of worrying themselves they will likely try around they are able to to produce any available help with regard to their children gymnasium also at any available good rehab centers.
A variety of alcohol rehabs In New Jersey are available depending on how difficult the effects of alcohol dependency are. There are both inpatient and outpatient facilities on offer in some alcohol addiction facts Centers In New York.
I?m not sure if this counts as one those healthcare ?glitches and bumps,? President Obama talked about the other day. But whatever term you choose, it?s hardly a good harbinger for Obamacare and its dramatic Medicaid expansion.
New results from the Oregon Health Study ? a ?landmark study? in the words of The New York Times ??comparing thousands of low-income people in Oregon who received Medicaid access with those who didn?t found that ?Medicaid coverage generated no significant improvements in measured physical health outcomes in the first 2 years, but it did increase use of health care services, raise rates of diabetes detection and management, lower rates of depression, and reduce financial strain.?
?It?s disappointing,? Zeke Emanuel, a former Obama health policy adviser, told The Washington Post.
Let?s be clear: A?randomized control study ? what the NYTimes calls ?the gold standard in medical and scientific research? ? found that the program responsible for half of Obamacare?s insurance coverage expansion (at the cost of $1 trillion) didn?t make people healthier in a key ways.
More: ?We found no significant effect of Medicaid coverage on the prevalence or diagnosis of hypertension or high cholesterol levels or on the use of medication for these conditions.??(Even worse, a preliminary version of this study was used by Obamacare proponents to argue for states expanding Medicaid.)
Again, the Medicaid expansion is, in the words of the Center for American Progress, ?a?centerpiece of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.? And it doesn?t appear to make people healthier in the way proponents had hoped.
Oh, the Medicaid recipients used more healthcare services and felt happier and experienced less financial hardship. Not insignificant impacts ? but these were not the big healthcare selling points by Obamacrats.?It?s like returning a lemon to an autodealer and having the sales guy talk up the car?s great air conditioning and the sound system. The researchers running the study are talking up those positive results, but that is just a game effort to turn lemons into lemonade
A few other observations:
1. This is not the first time something like this has happened. During the run up to the healthcare battle, Team Obama argue that reform could cut $700 billion from US healthcare spending ? a claim based on a study that later came under fire.
2.?So if Medicaid spending doesn?t boost health outcomes, how can Paul Ryan?s Medicaid block-granting ?cuts? hurt health outcomes?
3. Health economists?Aaron Carroll and Austin Frakt argue that the study didn?t ?show?that Medicaid harms people, or that the ACA is a failure, or that anything supporters of Medicaid have said is a lie. Moreover, it certainly didn?t show that private insurance or Medicare succeeds in ways that Medicaid fails.?
No, but perhaps it?s time for another controlled study, one on the best ways to help low-income people get the healthcare services they need. And maybe that involve less government and more choice and competition and personal responsibility.
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Public release date: 20-Jun-2013
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