Yet another example of how to enter the bigtime with your electrical ideas. Learn form example:

MIT Media Lab researchers Jay Silver and Eric Rosenbaum have designed an Arduino input device that lets you use any electricity-conducting material as a touchpad. Called ‘Makey Makey’, the device works by completing an electrical circuit with any conductive material such as vegitables, pencil lead or one's self to interact with the internet or programs on your computer. For example; you could play games Super Mario Bros by connecting the alligator clips to Play Doh buttons or play a piano program using bananas as the keys.

The research team designed Makey Makey around an Atmel ATMega32u4 8-bit AVR RISC-based microcontroller that runs Arduino Leonardo boot-loader and uses a USB 2.0 port to interface with a computer running an up to date OS (Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OSX). The touchpad device requires no software to run as the PC recognizes it as a regular input device such as a keyboard or mouse and ,therefore, can run anything that uses those peripheral input devices. The team used Kickstarter to fund the Makey Makey project and was successful in reaching over $190,000 US with a target goal of $25,000. The device sells for $35 US (through Kickstarter) and comes with the board, USB cable, a set of alligator clips and your imagination.

Cabe

http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

Droplet (via MIT)

The Information Ecology group from MIT’s Media Lab was on-hand to demonstrate some innovations in light-based communications at MIT’s open house (2012). First on their list is a device called Droplet that lets you transfer information from a monitor or other hub to mobile devices such as tablets through the use of an RGB LED. The Droplet glows green and red depending on the time it takes to grab whatever information you want from the screen. For example, in the demonstration, the Droplet was placed on a screen to download an event on a calendar. The device blinks red when downloading and then turns green when the information is finished transferring at which point it acts as a countdown timer to that specific event. To check how much time is left simply place the droplet on any touch-capacitive device (that has the corresponding software needed installed) to see how much time is left as a digital read-out. You can also modify those settings with the Droplet.

The second demonstration centered on the groups StackAR device which also takes advantage of capacitive touch and light-based communication.  However, instead of using a timer like the Droplet, StackAR makes use of a LilyPad Arduino unit which can then be used to display a schematic of the Arduino on the touch-screen display using the integrated UI software. This lets easily see how to wire-up the circuitry of the Arduino based on whatever project you’re using it for. The UI can also be used for a programming the unit, where routines can then be instantly uploaded to the StackAR through the light-based connection. Sure these are only prototypes and proof-of-concept devices, but their potential uses for light-based data transfer are incredible.

Eavesdropper

Inside and outside of the DIT cell phone (via high-low tech)

Every so often MIT opens its doors to the general public and holds a sort of ‘open house,’ where people can view the latest works and lectures (312+ of them in 5 hours!) from every department. One of the more notable works of technology from the prestigious school centered around a do-it-yourself cellphone from the "high-low tech" group at the MIT Media Lab.

Designed by PhD student David Mellis, the DIY prototype phone features a custom circuit-board with 1.8 inch (160 X 128) TFT color display from Adafruit Industries. For cellular connectivity, the phone uses a SM5100B GSM module made by Sparkfun and can accept any SIM card from any GSM provider. The components are housed inside a laser-cut plywood and veneer case with flexors that enable the buttons to be pressed. Another notable feature on the phone is the giant coaxial antenna that’s needed to make and receive calls. This reminds me of the old box-like cell phones from the 80’s. For power, the phone relies on an every-day 9 volt battery over rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in current smartphones. Sure the phone doesn’t have the app-packed super-powers of those found in current cellphones it’s still appealing for those who love DIY projects and costs around $150 US for the parts to build one.

Eavesdropper

Technological advancement is not always for pushing the future along. Often enough it helps us understand the past and know more about our present. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is using satellites to record specific reflective properties for exploring ancient civilizations. Google is using ground images to allow viewers to tour far away and restricted locations. Both efforts are modern, leading edge, giving us all a deeper understanding of our Earth and history.

Topographical maps combines with MIT's anaysis show connections between past civilizations (via Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA)

Using unique soil signatures and satellite images, MIT researchers have created a new way to study past civilizations. Human activities such as large-scale settlements leave distinctive patterns in the soil. These patterns, called Anthrosols, have fine textures and lighter reflective properties. As a result, these patterns can be seen from satellite images exploiting human migration patterns. These methods can help us prove new and old hypothesis, and learn more about areas in which we have little or restricted access. Currently, computer science researcher Bjoern Menze has created a software program that takes the satellite images and maps the Anthrosol patterns by analyzing the wavelength patterns. Although the software can detect large settlements very well, it currently is not reliable detecting smaller settlements due to the sporadic or less dense wavelengths detected.

Now dealing with the present, Google will be adding a new feature to its street view software.  The software will enable viewers to traverse rivers and trails in the Amazon. It works on the same concept as street view using over 50,000 photos together to create a panoramic picture that can be viewed from any direction. The project will allow viewers to learn more about the Amazon from the comfort of their own homes while providing access to areas restricted to the public and was funded by the non-profit organization Amazonas Sustainable Foundation.

Tibutary of the Rio Negro (via Google)

Sounds like one of the best jobs in the world, taking the Google street view camera through the Amazon.

Using technology can help us learn more about the past, present, and future of our planet Earth. With more easily accessed information, Today's generation has the potential to learn about anything they desire with a few clicks.

Cabe

http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

Hiriko concept images (via MIT)

Double saving with this car! You can save money and save room. Hiriko ("of the city") is the name of the double whammy car that can not only fold itself but runs on electric. The inventor is Jose Manual Barroso who is the president of the European Commission, in Brussels. Barroso is working on the project with the Spanish government and the USA's MIT Media Lab. Their goal is to have the Hiriko on Spanish streets by 2014.

Being a folding, do not except much room. The rear wheels simply fold right under the chassis, compressing the rear section forward, folding vertically. This makes the car only two-thirds the of the floor real estate of the Smart ForTwo. In other words, it is small when parked. There is only one door to get in and out this two-seater. The last car that opened up in the front was not much of a success, let us hope for the best with this one.

Hiriko’s power comes from a four in-wheel motor. Each wheel is independently driven and is steered by the “robot” electric motor. The oddest design feature stated is the system can tug at the drivers fingers via haptic feedback in the steering wheel. Aside from the haptic traditional shaped steering wheel, a joystick control will also be an option, which is undeniably a throw-back option similar to early model automobiles.

Unfortunately, you cannot get your hands on one. Only the 20 prototypes are rolling out to street testing in various European and American cities so far. However, in 2014, expect a price tag for the EV Hiriko to be in the $16,000 range.

Cabe

http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

Wearing AGNES (via MIT & AgeLab)

Does the ravages of old age feel like big rubber bands on our limbs? So thinks the engineers at MIT’s “AgeLab,” a multi-discipline group part of the Engineering Systems Division. 

AgeLab’s “Age Gain Now Empathy System” (AGNES) was designed to give the wearer the physical feel of being around 75 years old with arthritis and diabetes after a lifetime of little exercise and poor diet.

Director of AgeLab, Joseph Coughlin described the purpose of the system, "The business of old age demands new tools. While focus groups and observations and surveys can help you understand what the older consumer needs and wants, young marketers never get that 'Ah ha!' moment of having difficulty opening a jar, or getting in and out of a car. That's what AGNES provides."

A list of debilitating apparatuses in AGNES:

• Large rubber bands are attached to the user’s limbs.

• A helmet forces the user into an uncomfortable position while curving the spine.

• Braces limit arm and leg movement, giving a stiff feeling and a shortened stride.

• Special shoes give an unstable gate.

• Gloves force a loss of strength and tactility in the hands and wrists.

• Earplugs lessen the user’s hearing.

• Glasses give the typical sight degradation of old age.

AgeLab seeks to give younger people the early experience of being old to perhaps sway them towards a healthier lifestyle, since that same group will be over 65 by 2030. (20% of the populace.) This feels like a very elaborate and expensive High-School psychology class experiment. Although I never took part in an old person simulator, I did have to pretend I have a broken hand for a week. It did give me some perspective of disabilities. (See the Technology for the Disabled group.)

Despite the inevitable decrease in physical ability over time, I feel medical science will turn the tide in my favor. Stem cells will grow “new everything” for my body. Neural implants will stave off brain debilitation. Or perhaps I will just be inside a robotic shell. However it goes, science has my backs.

Cabe

http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

GRAIL probes render. (via NASA)

According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, there are over 9800+ man-made objects orbiting the Earth. As many now know, this is becoming an issue. Our reach does not stop at our geosynchronous orbits, the Earth's moon now has two satellites.

NASA launched two satellites that, as of December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2012, have taken their positions around the moon. The "GRAIL probes" launched back in September of 2011 for the dubious sole-goal of mapping the moon's gravitational field. The mission principal scientist, MIT's Maria Zuber, said the purpose best, "We don't actually know why the near side and far side are different."

Circling the moon at 55 km above its average surface, the GRAIL probes will use microwave signals to measure the distance between themselves that changes based on the gravitational differences on the surface of the planet.  Accuracy will be within a width of a human-hair. According to NASA, the maps will be "100 times" better than previous recorded near side gravity maps, and "1000 times" for the far side. Zuber again, "When we can improve by a factor of two, we can learn a lot, and improving by a factor of 1000 is transformative."

Currently the probes are collecting "better than expected" energy via their solar panels. Zuber stated that the team believes that the GRAIL satellites should be able to store enough energy to stay functional during the pending lunar eclipse in June of 2012. At which time the team will lower the probes to 25 km above the surface a perform a "treetop-skimming" study of the structures of craters. External mapping and internal structure are

Another purpose of the mission is to prove, or dis-prove, the University of California's claim that the Earth had two moons at one time. Where the current moon collided with its smaller, 1300 km diameter, sibling at low speeds. Where, instead of forming a typical crater, the strike merged the two. The far side is more mountainous that the front, and they aim to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Cabe

http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

"Great Dome," the Barker Engineering Library on the MIT campus (via MIT)

For 10 years, MIT has shared lectures and course materials online of over 2,000 classes free of charge. Using MIT’s OpenCourseWare, over 100 million people have experienced MIT classes through their computer. Now MIT is planning to launch a new site in January 2012 that will be geared towards further computerization of classes. The new system is designed to research and adapt to improved methods of online learning. This project, dubbed MITx,  will give the curious mind achievements along their path of learning.

MIT students will see more integration of the MITx platform into their regular classes. Many interactive features, such as and online labs, will be available along with the social interaction of the class. Each person taking the classes have the ability to be individually assessed and possibly awarded certificates of completion through MITx. MIT students will have more access to parts of the site than the public. Through providing the MITx platform as open-source software, teachers or the able-learner can experiment and adapt it to improve the online learning experience.

In regard to furthering the development of online educational resources, MIT Provost L. Rafael Reif explained, “Students worldwide are increasingly supplementing their classroom education with a variety of online tools. Many members of the MIT faculty have been experimenting with integrating online tools into the campus education. We will facilitate those efforts, many of which will lead to novel learning technologies… extremely important to the future of high-quality, affordable, accessible education. ”

Open-source learning is the reason for many software developments and innovations accomplished by the public. Continuing to explore the possibilities of open-source software, in this scalable platform, will undoubtedly improve the MITx infrastructure as well as the teacher’s capabilities of teaching through a computer medium that is still widely unexplored. OpenCourseWare will keep functioning as before, sharing course material from a wide variety of MIT classes.

For those who have barely stomached an online class will undoubtedly welcome any changed MITx brings to remote learning. I sure will.

I wonder if MITx certificates will look attractive on a resume.

Eavesdropper