Tech Universe: Wednesday 29 September

The iCub humanoid robot was given a toy bow and arrow and taught to shoot. Photo / Supplied

A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.

8 SHOOTER: The iCub humanoid robot was given a toy bow and arrow and taught to shoot. Image recognition and learning algorithms allowed it to refine its targeting. The robot learned in only 8 shots how to hit a bullseye. So when do the Robot Olympics begin? More at href="http://kormushev.com/research/videos/" target="_blank">Kormushev and video on YouTube.

ATOM TRAP: Down at the University of Otago scientists shone a laser at colliding atoms of Rubidium 85. That allowed them to trap a single atom while other atoms escaped. That's one atomic step closer to
quantum computers. Details at ScienceMediaCentre.

BIKE LIGHT: The Spin Custom road bike weighs a whole 2.7Kg, and that includes gears, brakes, and so on. Every part is custom made, some
from materials almost impossible to obtain. My laptop weighs only a smidgeon less than that. More at TriRig.

SWING ALERT: Golfers: the SensoGlove uses four tiny sensors sewn into the glove to analyse your grip on the club. The computer in the glove reads and displays the pressure, showing which fingers are too tight, or sounding an alarm. That's just the swing. Where are the sensors to follow the ball? More at SensoGlove.

ECO METROPOLIS: Residents are moving in to Masdar, a new ecocity in the United Arab Emirates. Buildings are placed to maximise shade and airflow. Cars are banned — instead driverless electric vehicles travel through underground tunnels. A nearby a 54-acre photovoltaic field, incineration and water treatment plants service the city. The city will be constantly monitored and finetuned to maximise performance. An interesting destination for ecotourists. More at the New York Times.

- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz