Technabob » worm

Robot Worm Slithers Around Obstacles, Wants to Be Your Hero

Conner Flynn — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:36:19 +0000

Robot makers are always drawing from nature to create new and interesting robots that can handle earth’s environment. The latest comes from a University of Leeds researcher, who wants to build a better worm. One that can slither around obstacles.

Worm nerds might recognize that the robot is modeled after the C. elegans nematode, the rest of us just call it creepy. The thing about C. elegans nematode is that it is a tiny free-living worm with a very simple nervous system that controls the way that it moves. This of course makes it ideal to use in robot form.

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The idea is that this worm could be used for search and rescue operations in the future. Especially earthquakes. So instead of Superman flying down and digging you out of the rubble, you may have a worm to thank for your rescue, which isn’t nearly as cool, therefore I suggest we give it cape and costume. Superhero worms would be awesome.

[via Machineslikeus]

Abyss LED Table Lamp Looks Like My Lower Intestine

Technabob — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:30:21 +0000

I don’t care if this lamp conjures up memories of my colonoscopy. It’s still cool.

The undulating twists and turns of Kundalini’s Abyss table lamp may look a bit like your intestinal tract, but there’s something about the bendy organic form that I find mesmerizing.

The Abyss can be adjusted into a variety of shapes, thanks to its flexible segmented construction. Hiding beneath its opalescent polycarbonate skin are a number of bright white LEDs which provide clean, green illumination.

Can’t get the image of my lower intestine out of your mind? Perhaps you’d prefer to think about the lamp as something a little less slimy – maybe a snake or an earthworm.

You can find the Abyss Lamp from Y Lighting for about $500.

USB Flash Memory Offers Fuzzy, Buggy Storage

Technabob — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:05:57 +0000

USB memory sticks are a dime a dozen these days, so you’ve really got to stand out from the crowd if you want to get noticed. These soft, fuzzy critters will definitely latch on to your digital memories in a way you won’t soon forget.

Designed by artist Nifer Fahrion of NifNaks, these invertebrate USB drives are handmade using wool felting techniques. Her creations include such charming characters as Maggie the Maggot and Gizzy the Data Worm.

According to Fahrion, “Maggie is smart as a whip, and can recite pages and pages of poetry… Maggie is very calm and patient and loves to solve problems. She strives to fill her life with the new and fresh in her life, and this reflects in her eating habits too. Maggie can be found dining at all the new trendy restaurants every night, and has even been occasionally accused of being a food snob. She makes a loyal and loving friend to anyone who will have her.”

On the other hand, “Gizzy will astound you with his ability to remember things – 4 gigabytes worth, in fact! He loves super tart gumballs, and won’t eat anything orange. He enjoys bungee jumping, but most days he’s content just to sit around and read a book. Gizzy is of course an amazing speller and will knock your socks of in Scrabble.” Being one to frequently assign personalities to the inanimate objects around me, I can certainly relate.

Each data worm stores 4GB, and prices range from $66 to $68 each. Since each NifNaks creature is handmade, expect to wait about 10 days to get your hands on one.