Quantum Enigma Short Film Launched For A Contest

 

The Quantum Enigma short film is finally here. We have worked on this short film for months trying to smooth it all out. Now that it is complete, it's time to see it. We have entered this piece into a music challenge contest and we need your vote!

CAST YOUR VOTE HERE!

Quantum Enigma Musicbed Challenge from Black Fly Productions on Vimeo.

Our previous short film won numerous awards and we're working hard to do the same with this one. The live-action short film was originally created to promote the new Graphic Novel Quantum Enigma.

The Quantum Enigma graphic novel will be released later this year.

Learn More About This Project Here

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Bizarre little Bi-pedal drone robot takes first steps

We've covered a lot of various robots here that range from practical to WTF? This one is a head scratcher. Caltech’s LEONARDO (LEgs ONboARD drOne) is a bipedal robot that uses synchronized control of drone-like propellers and legged joints.

This robot is under development at the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST).

Check out the video below. Personally, I don't get it.

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Atlas robot shows off unreal gymnastic routine

Boston Dynamics is at it again, this time they're showing off more moves that their Atlas robot can do than most humans today. We live in interesting times, just imagine what this robot will be able to do in 10 years. We've covered plenty about robots but this is truly outstanding.

Here is what they have to say about it:

Atlas uses its whole body -- legs, arms, torso -- to perform a sequence of dynamic maneuvers that form a gymnastic routine. We created the maneuvers using new techniques that streamline the development process. First, an optimization algorithm transforms high-level descriptions of each maneuver into dynamically-feasible reference motions. Then Atlas tracks the motions using a model predictive controller that smoothly blends from one maneuver to the next.  Using this approach, we developed the routine significantly faster than previous Atlas routines, with a performance success rate of about 80%. For more information visit us at https://www.BostonDynamics.com.

 Check out the video below.

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There's nothing like praying with our new robotic overlords

If you follow this site then you know that we usually post progress on the artwork and story for Linder's comic books and graphic novel, current and future technologies, and related things that reflect similarities to the neo-noir futuristic graphic novel Prisoner of the Mind. 

This includes everything from A. I., robotics, genetics, brain-machine interface, drones, flying cars, spy-tech and more as seen in the graphic novel. But sometimes reality mimics art a little too much.

This is what they have to say about it.

This creation is Mindar, a Buddist robot. The robot was unveiled at Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto to share Buddha's teachings in plain terms. Mindar is modeled after buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon. The deity transforms itself into different forms to help people and “This time, Kannon changed into an android”.

The wise robot would “help people who usually have little connection with Buddhism to take an interest” in the religion.

Mindar the robot was created by the temple and MR. Hiroshi Ishiguro, a professor of intelligent robotics at Osaka University, It was built by Tokyo-based A-Lab Co.

Check out the video below.

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Just in case you need a robotic human tail, you're in luck

Cyberpunk is happening and it doesn't matter if you like it or not, because things are getting weirder all the time. 

In recent years, Japan has become a world leader in the booming field of wearable technology. Tokyo launched a Wearable Expo in 2015, the largest wearable tech fair in the world, featuring everything from augmented human hands to electronic kimonos.

The project, called Arque, is led by Yamen Saraiji, Junichi Nabeshima and Kouta Minamizawa. The researchers from Keio University came up with the idea last summer. "We were interested in (asking), 'how can we empower the human body with wearable technologies?'" Saraiji told CNN in a phone interview. You can read more here.

I imagine myself going about my morning routine, stepping out of the shower, brushing my teeth, combing my hair, getting ready to go to work. Whoops...I forgot my tail. Think Jurassic Human?

Check out the video below.

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The bots are getting smaller.

Purdue University researchers have developed a robotic hummingbird that can pull off 

the real thing's characteristic aerial stunts(Credit: Purdue University/Jared Pike)

This new hummingbird drone was designed and built by researchers at Purdue University. The coolest part of it is that it actually flies like a hummingbird. The 3D-printed body has wings made of carbon fiber membranes. 

It has an electrical sense of touch and AI algorithms that can analyze those touches, basically creating a map to see in the dark. Bio-inspired robots and drones have been around for a long time, but this one seems closer than ever. Check out the video below.

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Just a bunch of robot dogs pulling a truck!

Boston Dynamics research and development firm has brought us all kinds of interesting robots over the years. One of their newest creations is Spot, and Spot Mini; a four legged robot that can do many things. Up to this point, Boston Dynamics really hasn't offered any of their technology to the general public or corporate use, but apparently that will soon change.

Check out the video below.



Here is a statement from their site: 

SpotMini

Good Things Come in Small Packages


A nimble robot that handles objects, climbs stairs, and will operate in offices, homes and outdoors. SpotMini is a small four-legged robot that comfortably fits in an office or home.  It weighs 25 kg (30 kg if you include the arm). SpotMini is all-electric and can go for about 90 minutes on a charge, depending on what it is doing. SpotMini is the quietest robot we have built. 

SpotMini inherits all of the mobility of its bigger brother, Spot, while adding the ability to pick up and handle objects using its 5 degree-of-freedom arm and beefed up perception sensors. The sensor suite includes stereo cameras, depth cameras, an IMU, and position/force sensors in the limbs. These sensors help with navigation and mobile manipulation.

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Pole Dancing Robots, I guess this means the future is here?

I'm sure you've heard about the infamous pole dancing robots at a strip club in Vegas by now. If not, well you're in luck. Obviously this is a gimmick to get people into the strip club. Guess what, it worked! 

The Sapphire Club in Vegas employed two pole dancing robots to attract some new customers and get their name in the headlines. I think they are mildly interesting to say the least, but my guess is they are here to stay and version 2.0 will do a little more than shake their asses. One of the disturbing things about them though is their 80's style surveillance camera heads. It says to me, "You are watching us but we're watching you." 

Check out the video below to see them in action for yourself.

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Plant inspired robot curls and climbs

Italian researchers have developed a soft robot that climbs and curls 

like a plant tendril(Credit: IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia)

A Plantoid robot, yep you read that right, is a plant inspired robot designed by Italian researchers to mimic curling plant tendrils, think living vines like we saw in Jumanji. It seems like humans always mimic nature when it comes to machines, after all it is nature that has spent an eternity working out the problems of walking or slithering a certain way. Anyway, it's a little creepy but check out the video below you to see for yourself.

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Two Hands Are Better Than One

So, here's a thing made by a company called Youbionic. Things are getting weird now. This is a quote from their site. " This is the first wearable robotic devices that will evolve the human race in a something new, to turn the Native Human to Augmented Human." I would say you are right on that statement.

I am sitting here racking my brain trying to think of what I would use this for... and, I mean the obvious would be if you needed to lift something heavy or pull something larger than yourself. Maybe, something with a pole or maybe push a car stuck in the mud. But, there is a fundamental problem here. No matter how much you push, pull or lift, you are still limited by the users own strength, because it's attached to a human arm. Right? I guess if you covered it in velvet it might be a fun sex toy.

You can check out the video below to see it in action for yourself.

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WE MAY NOT HAVE FLYING CARS YET BUT WE ARE GETTING CARS THAT WALK

Welcome to 2019 the year when science fiction becomes reality. Oh, wait, it kinda already is. 

Who knew that the company that brought us the Hyundai Excel in 1986 for under $5000 new, would develop a concept car that has legs.

The Hyundai Elevate is a blend of car, robot, and Mars rover as a machine for first responders, off-roading and explorers. 

A normal car or 4 x 4 truck would get stuck at the edge of an accident site of collapsed buildings, cars and debris. The Elevate can climb over and walk to the area in need of assistance. 

Hyundai says that, with its CRADLE modular platform, the main body that sits on top of the walking wheels and drive train can be exchanged for different options, including an autonomous option directed by AI. They have a taxi concept that can climb stairs to an entrance of a building, allowing a disabled person to exit closer to their front door.

Check out the video below to see all of the possibilities. 

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Big Ass Robot!

A year ago VICE founder Suroosh Alvi recently traveled to Gunpo, South Korea, to try out the Method 2 prototype, a hulking manned robot made by Hankook Mirae Technology. Weighing in at over one and a half tons, and standing 13 feet tall, the Method 2 looks like something out of science fiction. 

Specifically, this exoskeleton robot looks like something you’ve seen in a movie, and that’s by design: Hankook Mirae Chairman Yang Jin-Ho and his team collaborated with a Hollywood designer to make the Method-2.

Jin-Ho spent $200 million of his own money on the project, and claims his creation is the world’s first manned bipedal robot. 

The robot is designed to mimic hand and arm movements, and is suspended by two metal cabals in the ceiling to keep it balanced.

So far the Method-2 is only used for fun, but its creator envisions it will play a critical role in future crises. 

“It’s more likely it’ll be used in fires and disaster relief situations,” Jin-Ho said. “But also find application in military operations.” Check out the video below!

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Amphibious Robot Travels on Snow, Ice and Water

We've covered quite a few interesting robots over the years, but this one is quite amazing. It's not bipedal, or four legged but almost manta ray in nature. It can skate on ice, snow, swim and move on land. This is the type of probe you want to send to a new planet for discoveries.

This Robot is Pliant Energy's Velox robot which is a beautiful swimmer than can leave the water and travel across sand, pebbles, paving, grass and even ice.

Applications

Highly maneuverable autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that can move from land to sea and back with ease. Ideal for surf zone, amphibious beach missions and polar ice missions

Personal propulsion for professional divers and recreational use

Stand-alone thruster to replace propellers on craft in environmentally-sensitive waters such as coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass beds

Stand-alone thruster to replace propellers on craft in debris-filled waters

Check out the video below for more.

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Atlas Robot Acting Human

Things are getting surreal. You've probably already seen this a hundred times but if not check out this robot acting human and athletic.

Atlas does parkour. The control software uses the whole body including legs, arms and torso, to marshal the energy and strength for jumping over the log and leaping up the steps without breaking its pace.  (Step height 40 cm.)  Atlas uses computer vision to locate itself with respect to visible markers on the approach to hit the terrain accurately.  For more information visit www.BostonDynamics.com.

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The latest humanoid robot is a 10 year old child

You've probably seen Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro's robot double of himself in the past, well his latest creation is a 10 year old child named Ibuki. Interesting enough Ibuki translates from Japanese as "breath." Anyway take a look at the two videos below to watch this little guy move and twitch. It's an interesting concept. After that, try and unsee it if you can. 

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The Nano-Bots are coming!

You can obviously use your imagination to think about where this technology can lead. The applications are almost endless. But here is Rolls-Royce official statement below.

Rolls-Royce today demonstrated an exciting vision of how robotics could be used to revolutionise the future of engine maintenance. Bringing another element of its IntelligentEngine vision to life, Rolls-Royce teamed up with academics from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University to discuss and demonstrate a wide range of potential future technologies at the Farnborough Airshow, from ‘snake’ robots that work their way through the engine like an endoscope, to miniature, collaborative ‘swarm’ robots that crawl through the insides of an engine.

Rolls-Royce | SWARM robots from Rolls-Royce on Vimeo.

The IntelligentEngine vision, first introduced by Rolls-Royce at the Singapore Airshow earlier this year, describes a world where product and service have become so closely connected that they are inseparable. This vision drives activity across a range of fields, including robotics, with a particular focus on digital technologies.

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Hands Free Umbrella follows you around and keeps you dry

Well, not quite. It's an interesting idea, until it loses power or a gust of wind takes it out, then, just like that you'll lose an ear. Check out the video below.

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Just a real world robot out for a jog! Happy Mothers Day!

Oh boy, they're getting better and better all the time. Check it out!

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Just some more robotic technology becoming a reality!

Check out this wild robotic creature. The video at the bottom of the page is worth the watch, advancements in robotics today are really quite amazing.

Like its biological model, the flic-flac spider, the BionicWheelBot can both walk and roll. Together with its discoverer, Professor Ingo Rechenberg, the Festo bionics team has used these unique movement patterns and turned them into a technical masterpiece for the Hannover Messe 2018.

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