Tag: Soft

One day, robots will replace humans at places like Amazon where objects need to be taken from one bin and packaged in boxes for shipment. Before that can happen, we need robot arms with grippers that can handle odd objects of all sizes.

A team of researchers at Harvard have developed Octobot, what they claim is the first autonomous soft robot with no rigid components. That means it’s all soft and squishy (and creepy.) The octopus-shaped robot has a silicone body and uses a 50% hydrogen peroxide fuel that flows through a microfluidic circuit where it reacts with platinum.

We have seen plenty of robot snakes before. Sometimes they climb trees, or slither in the grass, maybe take a swim in the pool. I’m always on the lookout for them, since I know they will strangle me if they catch me off guard.

If you’re like me, you’ve gotten in the habit of taking your iPad to bed, and using it to read, surf the web and play games. One of the most annoying things about the iPad in bed is trying to use it while you’re lying down.

This Gumby-looking robot is the work of Harvard scientists, led by professor George M. Whitesides. It’s a flexible robot that can wiggle and worm through tight spaces. Like under your door, that tiny crack under your window pane, that bit of molding you’ve been meaning to fix – what the hell is that thing, and why is it spying on me?

You might recall a while back I mentioned the crazy fat Arkhippo for the iPhone 3G/3GS. The case makes the iPhone fat so it can sit on surfaces without having to hold it. The thick case is made from the same sort of material durable, flexible material as Crocs shoes and is definitely one of the less sexy cases I have seen.

Ladies and gentlemen: World Peace is within our reach, thanks to d*light. Designed by Diana Lin, d*light is a “combination of ambient lighting and cushion”, a benevolent matrimony of woven polyester and SMD LEDs. It provides a soft light and just the right amount of warmth, such that even the Devil himself will repent and come back to the arms of the Maker after hugging d*light.

What better way could there be to protect your precious Apple iPhone from damage than to put it inside another slightly larger iPhone – one made from soft felt. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you pick up one of these whimsical handmade mobile device cases that looks just like an iPhone.

There’s something just so wrong it’s right about these tiny little Sony PlayStation controllers that you can hang all over the place. As shown in the picture above, these miniature felt PlayStation controllers look perfect hanging from your Sony PSP (or even better yet on your Nintendo DS).

While this giant My Document folder seems to be missing an “S”, this laptop sleeve is still kinda cool. Available from the DesignBoom Shop for $30 USD.

That R2-D2 is one talented little droid. Not only can he project holographic distress messages from Princess Leia, he can grind pepper, play tunes, serve cookies, and keep your drinks cool, and now he can even help you wipe your butt.

There’s no reason that the pillows on your couch have to be square, round or rectangular. Why shouldn’t they reflect your Star Wars addiction like anything else? These plush versions of classic characters from the Star Wars universe are just too cool.

Looks like hero of Nintendo’s Zelda Juggernaut has gotten yet another makeover. This time, he’s been immortalized in adorable knitted amigurumi form. Crafter Artoo1121 of Geek Central Station has really gone the extra mile with this amazingly detailed little Link.

I was buzzing about over on the wonderful world of Etsy today, when I came across these absolutely awesome plush versions of popular portable electronic gadgets. French textile artist Kmila Rodz handcrafts these super special soft systems using felt, needle and thread, with a just a dash of love thrown in.

While there are many symbols of true geekdom, it’s possible that none is more iconic than the classic Casio calculator watch. There’s nothing that says “I still live in mom’s basement” more than a watch that can do math.

Check out these fun Gameboy plush toys I came across in my recent Web travels. Featuring a whimsical, cartoony take on the classic hand-held gaming system, they’re the perfect gift for the Nintendo Fanboy or Fangirl in your life.