Connect with us

Gadgets

Scientists Create Cool New, Nimble and Bug-Sized Drones

Published

on

Scientists are drawing design lessons from insects to create more resilient, nimble, and tiny bug-sized drones. The new drones move around more freely and are good at surviving hazards like gusts of wind, obstacles, and confined spaces.

Like insects, these tiny drones have a remarkable ability to withstand crashes and to navigate cramped spaces.

Insects demonstrate remarkable dexterity of movement that helps them to move through different environmental conditions. The researchers deployed a new soft actuator that enabled the remarkable drones to survive the ravages of flight.

These robots could one day be useful for delicate operations like pollinating plants or inspecting machinery in smaller spaces.

Drones fly over open spaces where they are not likely to collide into anything or have to move in smaller spaces. Super small drones are different.

Unlike insect-sized drones, regular drones run on motors. Motors are less efficient for tiny drones, so they have to be built differently. The bug-sized drones, a tiny actuator made with ceramic and piezoelectric tools do the trick.

The first micro robots to take to the air were powered by piezoelectric ceramics. But they were not resilient enough to handle collisions. They were fragile compared to bumblebees, which survive the frequent collision. Bumblebees run into obstacles every second.

The team had to swap the harder, more breakable actuator for softer and more resilient rubber cylinders. Thin and coated with carbon nanotubes.

The carbon nanotubes react to live voltage by setting off an electromagnetic force whose effect is to squeeze the rubber cylinder and elongate it. The wings of the drone beat more than 500 times a second in response to the continual contraction and elongation. This makes the drone as resilient as a bumblebee.

These drones are capable of recovering from a collision during flying and carrying out somersaults. The super small drones are super light, weighing about as much as a bumblebee at 0.6 grams. They look a lot like winged cassette tapes. The team is creating another prototype to follow this one. This new prototype will look like a dragonfly instead of a bumblebee.

The soft actuators enable the robot to continue with its flight even after encountering obstacles. This feature means that the robot can navigate cluttered airspace and serve many practical functions that larger, more traditional drones cannot.

The challenge is that the actuators operate on high voltages and they necessitate tethering robots to a power source that is wired. Once this challenge is circumvented, these robots will unlock many possibilities.

Engineers could deploy these mini-drones to carry out engine inspections to make complex machinery more functional and safe. The drone can fly inside a small space equipped with a tiny camera that enables it to look for cracks in the turbine plates of turbine engines. The tiny drones can also help to pollinate crops or help with disaster relief operations by aiding search and rescue.

Gadgets

Revolutionizing Fitness: The Best Wearable and Fitness Tech of CES 2024

Published

on

By

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 has once again set the stage for groundbreaking innovations in the realm of fitness and wearable technology. This year’s showcase has been particularly notable for its array of smartwatches, fitness headphones, health wearables, and smart rings, each offering unique features designed to enhance our health and fitness experiences.

Smartwatches: A Blend of Style and Functionality

At CES 2024, Garmin unveiled the Garmin Lily 2, a smartwatch that epitomizes elegance and utility. Weighing a mere 20.6g, the Lily 2 features a hidden display that reveals itself upon tapping, blending seamlessly with its fashionable design. It includes connected GPS, a pulse oximeter, and a battery life of five days, making it a versatile accessory for the health-conscious. Priced at $249.99, it’s a testament to Garmin’s commitment to combining fashion with fitness.

In contrast, the Casio G-Shock Rangeman GPR-H1000 is built for the rugged adventurer. It’s equipped with heart rate monitoring, a pulse oximeter, built-in GPS, and Casio’s Triple Sensor technology. This $500 smartwatch is designed to withstand extreme conditions, offering durability alongside its advanced features.

The Rise of Smart Rings

Smart rings have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional fitness watches. The Amazfit Helio ring challenges the status quo with detailed sleep tracking and readiness scoring, available for an annual fee of $69.99. Meanwhile, the Evie smart ring, priced at $269, targets women’s health with an open ring design and AI-driven insights into sleep, blood oxygen, and heart health, without the need for a subscription.

Fitness Headphones: A New Era of Workout Coaching

Mojawa’s HaptiFit Terra headphones represent a significant leap in fitness technology. These bone conduction headphones, priced at $199.99, feature an AI sports trainer and vibration-based training guidance, offering a unique approach to fitness coaching. Sennheiser also made waves with its new Momentum Sport headphones, which include built-in fitness tracking and a PPG heart rate sensor, priced at $329.95.

Health Wearables: Empowering Independence

One of the most impactful innovations at CES 2024 was the GyroGlove, designed to counter Parkinson’s tremors. Priced at $5,899 per hand, this FDA Class-1 approved glove has been a game-changer for individuals like Roberta Wilson-Garrett, enabling them to perform daily tasks with greater ease. Additionally, the Vixion 01 specs, a pair of glasses that automatically correct vision, showcased the potential of health wearables to significantly improve quality of life.

Conclusion

CES 2024 has highlighted the ever-evolving landscape of wearable and fitness technology. From stylish smartwatches like the Garmin Lily 2 to the rugged Casio G-Shock Rangeman, and from innovative smart rings to health-transforming wearables like the GyroGlove, this year’s event has set a new benchmark in the integration of technology with health and fitness. As we continue to witness these advancements, it’s clear that the future of personal health and fitness is increasingly intertwined with cutting-edge technology.

Continue Reading

Gadgets

Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350: A Comprehensive Review of the Versatile and Nearly Perfect Home Security Solution

Published

on

By

In the ever-evolving landscape of home security, Eufy has emerged as a front-runner, combining cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features. The Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350, a pan/tilt dual security camera, has seamlessly integrated into existing home security setups, proving to be an indispensable asset.

Pricing and Availability

The Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350 is available at Amazon.

Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350 Review

The standout feature of the Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350 is its dual-camera system housed in a single body. One camera boasts a wide-angle lens with a 130-degree field of view, capturing clear 4K resolution footage. The second camera features a telephoto lens with 2K resolution, offering 3x optical zoom and an impressive 8x digital zoom. Both cameras have a low aperture of f/1.6, ensuring optimal performance in low-light conditions.

The device’s ability to pan, tilt, and swivel in any direction provides a complete 360-degree coverage, making it an ideal choice for comprehensive monitoring. Notably, the camera smoothly tracks objects in motion without any staggering, thanks to its advanced tracking capabilities.

One notable feature is the compatibility with the HomeBase 3, a hub for Eufy security devices that supports local storage. While the HomeBase 3 enhances the overall system, it’s not a mandatory purchase for using the Indoor Cam S350. The camera can store footage on an inserted microSD card of up to 128GB, providing an alternative to cloud storage and enabling live notifications of detected motion.

Often marketed as a baby monitor or pet cam, the Indoor Cam S350 serves multiple purposes. I chose to integrate it into my existing Eufy security system, which includes outdoor cameras, doorbell camera, and some older indoor cameras. The seamless integration allows for a live view within the same app, enhancing overall convenience.

The camera’s performance is commendable, with quick notifications upon detecting motion and minimal false alerts. The ability to swiftly hide its lenses during privacy mode ensures privacy without compromising on security.

However, a desirable addition would be the ability to schedule privacy mode activation and a manual engagement button, enhancing user control.

What We Think

The Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350 is a top-tier choice for those seeking a versatile indoor security camera. Whether used as a pet cam, baby monitor, or integrated into an existing security system, its capabilities shine through with clear, high-resolution images. While a couple of additional features could enhance the user experience, the camera’s overall performance makes it a recommended choice for anyone prioritizing home security and surveillance.

Continue Reading

Gadgets

Exploring the Pinnacle of Television Technology: A Deep Dive into the Best TV Brands of 2023

Published

on

By

In the ever-evolving world of consumer electronics, televisions remain a central piece of technology in most households. As we step into 2023, the quest for the best TV brand continues, with consumers seeking a blend of innovation, quality, and value. This article delves into the latest offerings from top TV brands, highlighting their unique features and technological advancements.

LG: A Leader in OLED Technology

LG G2 OLED TV

  • Pros:
    • Exceptional HDR peak brightness.
    • 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR support enhance gaming experience.
    • Impressive black levels suitable for movie nights.
  • Cons:
    • Strong ABL in bright environments.
    • Purple tints caused by bright light reflections.
    • Poor upscaling of 480p content.
  • Verdict: The LG G2 stands out in lit rooms due to its peak brightness of 590.54 nits. Its HDMI 2.1 support is ideal for modern consoles, and the WebOS software offers a user-friendly experience. However, its anti-reflective coating and processor’s upscaling capabilities could be improved.

LG G2 OLED TV on Amazon

Sony: Balancing Performance and Aesthetics

Sony A90J OLED TV

  • Pros:
    • Near-perfect black levels.
    • Accurate visuals at wide viewing angles.
    • Impressive contrast and color gamut.
  • Cons:
    • Potential for burn-in.
    • Brightness could be better compared to LCD/LED TVs.
    • Lacks VRR until a firmware update.
  • Verdict: The Sony A90J is a solid choice for both gaming and movies, offering crisp 4K resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Its peak brightness and burn-in potential are minor drawbacks.

Sony A90J OLED TV on Amazon

Samsung: Innovating with QD-OLED Technology

Samsung S90C TV

  • Pros:
    • Near-infinite contrast ratio for perfect blacks.
    • Peak brightness of 2,000 nits suitable for bright rooms.
    • Wide viewing angle and low input lag/response time.
  • Cons:
    • Aggressive Auto Brightness Limiter (ABL).
    • No support for DTS or Dolby Vision.
  • Verdict: The Samsung S90C excels with its OLED panel, offering perfect blacks and bright highlights. Its QD-OLED technology produces vibrant colors, but the aggressive ABL can be distracting.

Samsung S90C TV on Amazon

Hisense: Affordable Quality

Hisense U8G

  • Pros:
    • Low input lag and fantastic color and brightness.
    • Supports Dolby Vision.
    • Good Google Assistant integration.
  • Cons:
    • Poor viewing angles.
    • Subpar built-in audio.
    • Overzealous motion smoothing.
  • Verdict: A great option for gamers, the Hisense U8G offers excellent contrast and color handling. However, its viewing angles and audio quality leave room for improvement.

Hisense U8G on Amazon

TCL: Balancing Performance and Price

TCL 5 Series QLED TV

  • Pros:
    • Deep blacks with local dimming.
    • Fast response times and low input lag.
  • Cons:
    • Low peak brightness for HDR content.
    • No VRR technology or HDMI 2.1 support.
  • Verdict: Ideal for casual gamers, the TCL 5 Series offers great color handling and HDR performance. Its lack of VRR and HDMI 2.1 support are notable limitations.

TCL 5 Series QLED TV on Amazon

Vizio: Striking a Balance

Vizio M-Series Quantum X TV

  • Pros:
    • Above-average peak brightness for its price.
    • HDMI 2.1 inputs and Wi-Fi 6E.
    • 120Hz native refresh rate with VRR support.
  • Cons:
    • Not as bright as mini LED models.
    • Only 30 local dimming zones.
    • Narrow viewing angles.
  • Verdict: The Vizio M-Series Quantum X offers a respectable peak brightness and a good contrast ratio. Its performance is balanced, making it a solid choice for those on a budget.

Vizio M-Series Quantum X TV on Amazon

What to Look for in the Best TV Brands

When selecting a TV, consider the following:

  1. Image Quality: Look for strong image quality, which can be subjective based on personal preference.
  2. Display Technology: Understand the differences between OLED, LED, LCD, and QLED.
  3. Display Resolution: Choose between HD and Ultra HD (4K), with 4K being the future of display resolution.
  4. Refresh Rate and Audio Quality: Don’t rely solely on refresh rate marketing ploys and consider external audio solutions for better sound quality.

Conclusion

The best TV for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s the immersive experience of an OLED TV from LG or Sony, the innovative QD-OLED technology from Samsung, the affordability of Hisense and TCL, or the balanced performance of Vizio, there’s a TV out there that fits your lifestyle and budget. Remember, the best TV is one that meets your viewing habits, offers the features you need, and falls within your budget.

Continue Reading

Trending