TEAMING FISH: The SHOAL Robotic Fish was created by scientists at Essex University in the UK. Onboard sensors detect pollution, while an Underwater Mobile Ad-hoc Network allows the data to be sent back to base. The idea is that the fish work together in shoals around ports and other aquatic areas. Intelligence algorithms mean that if one fish detects significant amounts of pollution then the whole shoal will work together to locate the source. They're functional and beautiful.
Watch the video. and video Wired.com has more, and there's video here.
PIECE O' HUT: If I mention 'treehouse' you may think of a tiny hut in a tree. But in Crossville, Tennessee is the largest tree house in the world. An oak tree with a four metre diameter hosts the treehouse, though six other trees help to hold it up. The treehouse has more than 80 rooms over 10 floors, along with numerous porches and staircases, but it's all built from scraps. At around 9,000 square metres it's far from a child's playhut. I wonder what the building inspectors think of it. More details here.
SWEET PRINTER: 3D printing is becoming quite trendy, but it uses boring materials like plastics or metals. No, what's tasty is the British 3D chocolate printer. New temperature and heating control systems manage the accurate heating and cooling cycles and flow rates chocolate demands. Ahh, chocolate: the pinnacle of science and engineering. Science Daily has more.
PHOTO SHOPPING: One South Korean supermarket chain has taken over the walls of a subway station with images of grocery items. As commuters pass by they take photos of QR codes beside products they want, using their smartphone. Then they check out. By the time they get home at the end of the day the groceries are waiting on the doorstep. I hope they leave room for the buskers. Technology Review has details.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
Tech Universe: Friday 8 July
Robot fish like this one behave, almost, like the real thing. Photo / Supplied
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