Hasta La Gadget!

Most security systems are only good at dealing with break-ins after they happen, but this security system stops burglars dead in their tracks and does its best to prevent break-ins. It does this with some impressive and completely fake defense systems.

You won’t find a better security system than this one from Global Link. It has laser beams that sweep across the walls of the room. Flashing lights. And an alarm beeps, psychologically intimidating burglars.

Between the visible and audible presence of the system, burglars will give your place a pass and search for easier targets. The Global Link LaserScan is available over on Amazon for $195(USD), where you can find the following hilarious (and likely fake) review:

“I recently bought one of these as I don’t exactly live in a select neighbourhood. It arrived promptly and the instructions were very easy to follow and I had it setup in no time at all, the problems started when I turned it on. I had somewhat of a shock when the laser beam was directed straight into my eyes which immediately blinded me, after stumbling backwards and tripping over the cat I hit my head on the wooden table behind which promptly rendered me unconscious. I awoke some time later to find most of the contents of my flat had been removed.”

Drones seem to be everywhere these days, but in most cases they can get expensive and most remote spy planes are used overseas. Aerospace engineer algorhythmic decided to see what sort of vehicle he could cobble together on a limited budget.

The Xaver Mk.2., his remote-controlled, roving surveillance vehicle, doesn’t look very imposing, but its compact frame is packing a night vision camera and a Raspberry Pi. The drone was hacked together from bits and pieces, including a PlayStation 3 Eye camera as well as a Wi-Fi module. An Arduino controller directs a motor that allows the camera to move. It’s been configured to stream video from the camera via the Internet, and the whole rig is operated remotely by a PS3 controller.

Algorhythmic promises to create a series of videos on how to construct it and how he will tailor his prototype on his website.

[via Ubergizmo]

I have dreamed about owning a Landspeeder or a Speeder bike for ages. Now it looks like these vehicles might finally be becoming a reality thanks to a California-based company called Aerofex, which is using a similar hovering design in their vehicles.

The vehicle in the video below uses helicopter dynamics to lift and propel it across rough terrain.

They’ve managed to fix the stability issue by including a control bar at the the users knee level that allows the pilot to lean and balance the vehicle and keep it airborne.

The vehicle has been tested in California’s Mojave Desert and also in more crowded conditions. Right now, the Aerofex machine is being tested at a top speed of 30 mph and a max height of 15 feet above the ground. I can’t wait until we can buy these. Put two droids in the back and you are good to go.

[via Dvice and Likecool]

Here’s your chance to be the Picard, Kirk or Janeway of your own USS Enterprise. It’s not a high tech starship, just a small remote-controlled plane, but let’s face it: if you suddenly found yourself on the NCC-1701-D, you and everyone in your crew might as well be wearing red shirts.

The plane was designed by RC enthusiast Dennis aka SGTalon. It’s made from foam and a glued-on skin. Dennis sells kits with all the ship’s parts and skin, but you’ll have to supply the other parts such as the rods and motor, and of course put them all together. The video below is a review of the kit courtesy of YouTuber joehandsome99. You can skip to about 3:05 to see it fly:

You can order the USS Enterprise RC kit from SGTalon for $22-$87 (USD). Not a Trekkie? Dennis also sells Cylon Raider and Imperial Destroyer kits.

[via ThisIsWhyImBroke]

Telepresence robots let you remotely interact with others and their environments using a robotic avatar. Sadly, for most geeks telepresence robots are typically far from cheap. A company called Double Robotics has unveiled a new telepresence robot that is relatively inexpensive for the market, even if it still costs nearly $2000. The robot is aimed at companies who utilize video conferencing frequently, and could even be used by museums to allow remote visitors to explore exhibits.

The 15 pound Double robot has two wheels and a battery-powered and uses an iPad as the display and camera on the robot itself. An adjustable arm that holds the iPad so the remote operator can look other people in the eye. The system is controlled by an app running on a second iPad held by the remote operator.

The robot will sell at a pre-order price of $1999(USD). The standard MSRP for the Double robot will be $2499. Keep in mind, that price doesn’t include an iPad.

[via DigitalTrends]