Joanne Pransky was at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' (IAAPA) annual trade show in Orlando in November, pitching park operators and editors alike on the cool features of Robocoaster, one of the industry's newest and most novel rides. "It kind of reminds me of Faye Wray in King Kong's hand," she said. That was an apt description of the servo motor-controlled ride. Because it relies on no defined path or track, engineers are able to thrill riders with a series of loop-the-loops, double-back somersaults, figure eights, and other unpredictable motions more closely resembling that of a Hollywood animatronic than a conventional amusement park ride. A consultant, humorist, and self-proclaimed "Robo-psychologist," Pransky herself is a well-known personality in the robotics world, partly because of her quirky personality and mostly because of her passionate desire to bring robots to the masses—or rather prepare them for it. "Industrial robots are in wide use, and most engineers understand the underlying technology. But your average person on the street hasn't had much opportunity to interact with robots, outside of what they've seen on TV," says Pransky, who just bought a Rhoomba robotic vacuum cleaner to clean her 1,700 sq-ft house. To get the word out, she does marketing and public relations work for robotics companies, did a stint as a commentator on Comedy Central's Battlebots show, runs a website (www.robot.md) about robotics, and performs the occasional publicity stunt. One of her latest stunts: Entering her AIBO robot in a dog show in Florida. Next up: Getting robots on late-night television, a mission Asimov himself certainly would have appreciated.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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