Tag: technology

Kinetic Ambient Reflection Membrane

FLARE: Kinetic Ambient Reflection Membrane

FLARE is a pneumatic building facade system. The FLARE system consists of a number of tiltable metal flake bodies. An infinite array of flakes can be mounted on any building or wall surface in a modular system of multiplied 4×4 FLARE units.

Each stainless steel flake reflects the bright sky or sunlight when in vertical standby position. When the flake is tilted downwards by a computer controlled pneumatic piston, its face is shaded from the sky light and this way appears as a dark pixel. By reflecting ambient or direct sunlight the individual flakes of the FLARE system act like pixels formed by natural light.

The system is controlled by a computer to form any kind of surface animation. Sensor systems inside and outside the building communicate the buildings activity directly to the FLARE system which acts as the buildings lateral line. FLARE turns the building facade into a penetrable membrane, breaking with all conventions of the building surface as a static skin.

Very cool building facade treatment. Very interesting idea for residential use.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

The 2015 Zero SR Electric Motorcycle

The 2015 Zero SR Electric Motorcycle

150+ MI RANGE / 300,000+ MI LIFETIME
The 2015 Zero S and Zero SR feature advanced cell chemistry and battery management systems that provide greater capacity and range. Not only does the ZF12.5 power pack enable you to go beyond 150 miles, it is also designed to last the life of the motorcycle. The result of cutting edge research and development, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled and monitored to ensure maximum health. The highly efficient onboard charger minimizes charge time and can work in parallel with Zero’s scalable off-board charging systems.

Zero Motorcycles designed the Z-Force® motor from the ground up to be compact, efficient and powerful. It provides you with exhilarating acceleration to a top speed of 102 mph as configured in the Zero SR. Capable of doing 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, the Zero SR offers spirited riders an edge in competitive riding. Completely air-cooled, the motor is designed to provide a fantastic riding experience minus the need for any regular maintenance. When slowing down, the motor generates electricity that is channeled back into the power pack to help extend ride times. The Zero SR motor uses higher temperature magnets to ensure better performance during extended durations at higher speeds.

Showa Suspension; Bosch Anti-Lock Brake System; Pirelli Tires; LCD Dash System with Sport, Eco and Custom Riding Modes; App Synchs via Bluetooth to iPhone and Android; Carbon Fiber Belt Direct Drive (No Shifting); Instant Torque at All Speeds; Recharges Through Any Standard Outlet; Equivalent Fuel Economy 462 MPGe (City) 236 MPGe (Highway); Typical Recharge Cost $1.40

Festo Exo-Hand

Festo Exo-Hand

Festo is a German industrial control and automation company based in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany.[1] Festo is an engineering-driven company that sells pneumatic and electric transducers primarily to the automation industry.  They are using their Bionic Learning Network program to explore ideas and initiatives which go beyond the core business of automation and didactics and may lead to future products and product areas, currently these projects involve their new line of pneumatic actuators. Some of these projects are the Aqua Jelly, AquaPenguin, the Aqua Ray, Airic’s arm, the Airacuda and SmartBird.

The ExoHand from Festo is an exoskeleton that can be worn like a glove. The fingers can be actively moved and their strength amplified; the operator’s hand movements are registered and transmitted to the robotic hand in real time.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)