We already published various articles about 3D printers and 3D printing, but we always delayed the publication of the article about the first of the low-cost 3D printers projects whose blueprints and software are publicly available and open source. Named Replicating Rapid-prototyper (RepRap), the 3D printer is practically able to self-replicate since it can print… »

The capitol of the Yunnan Province, China, Kunming is a city developed in a highly desirable geographic location with year-round moderate temperate climate which made it known as the City of Eternal Spring. Kunming is also well known for its eco-communities and developments which make it a liable representative of the growing green architectural movement… »

In a joint effort with Grainger and Worrall Ltd. of the United Kingdom, the researchers at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) developed a novel casting technology that could be used for production of heavy-duty diesel engines with a higher peak cylinder pressure capability than current state-of-the-art engines. The technology has received a 2012 R&D 100… »

Inspired by lizards, which have the ability to turn right side up and land on their feet when they fall, the researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, developed a robot able to mimic that ability. Named RightingBot, the lizard-inspired robot mimics lizards which swing their large tails one way to rotate their body the… »

Georgia Tech’s Center for Music Technology developed a robot whose role is to be a musical companion. Named Shimi, the robotic musical companion is able to recommend songs, dance to the beat, and even create new, unique musical compositions. Instead being just a docking station, the robot increases interactivity and various features which can be… »

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers developed a sustainable flame retardant technology for polyurethane foam. Based on clay, the new flame retardant coating can easily be applied onto home furnishings made of polyurethane foam – a material widely used for furniture cushions, carpet padding, children’s car seats, and other items – without affecting… »

As Europe’s population ages, chronic diseases are becoming increasingly widespread. In order to provide a seamless system able to monitor heart rate, breathing and physical activity, EU-funded researchers have developed a T-shirt fitted with sensors as well as additional in-home monitoring devices and intelligent data processing technology. Aside being used in telemedicine, the system could… »

Not a moment too soon after I criticized a statement about lightweight flying robots being used in radiated environments and the fact that electronics in radiation tend to malfunction in a previous article about the AirBurr flying robot, engineers from the University of Utah and the Case Western Reserve University designed microscopic mechanical devices able… »