Hasta La Gadget!

Internet of things? That’s so 2012. 2013? Well maybe, just maybe, it’ll be all about the internet of places. Hexagonal Research founders Loren Lang and Ronald Bynoe are betting that the next big thing will be environmentally aware computers. The pair have created Observos which combines an ATMEL microcontroller (with integrated wireless) with a host of on-board sensors. What began as a prototype built around a tower of Arduino shields is now a small first-run integrated board with spots for connecting XBee radio cards and a small LCD display. Right now the focus is on humidity, temperature and barometric pressure, though other environmental variables would be relatively trivial to tack on. While the Observos board is isn’t quite ready for prime time, its already getting some serious field testing in a plant nursery and a potential partnership with the IEEE Humanitarian Technology Challenge could find the boards placed in health clinics in the Amazon.

In addition to the small display, the board can be programmed to send text message or email alerts, and in the future could tie into venting or heating systems for completely automated control. There’s even a rudimentary web interface for monitoring the various data coming in from the sensors.

Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here — and don’t forget to pick a winner!

Filed under: Misc

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Source: Observos

3D scanners are kinda old hat at this point. But, while we’ve seen more than our fair share of Kinect hacks, we haven’t come across too many phone-based systems. Moedls actually puts the power to create models like the one above in the palm of your hand… sort of. The heart of the system is either an iOS or Android app (sorry MeeGo fans), but there are actual lasers with a custom enclosure as part of the platform. Clearly, that does somewhat restrict portability, but it should all fit into a 10-inch x 10-inch x 4-inch box for storage or transportation.

Creator John Fehr started the project as a way to save some of his daughter’s sculptures in digital form. After trying many different component options, Fehr settled on a combination of parts that totaled around $300. That included a custom enclosure and variable speed rotating platform have been sourced. Right now the iOS app is awaiting approval from Apple and the Google-fied equivalent is currently in development. Combine this with a 3D printer (we hear you’ve got quite a few choices at this point) and the world becomes your playground. You can see an example of what Moedls is capable of, even at this early stage, at the source.

Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here — and don’t forget to pick a winner!

Filed under: Misc

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Source: Moedls

Check out this Mac-headed robot. It’s the cSpring Biped Educational Development Kit from the folks at the similarly-named Cognitive Spring team. According to its creators, the ‘bot is an attempt to “level the playing field between universities,” letting students tool around with an affordable bipedal robotics platform. cSpring has 12 servos in all — three per hip, one per knee and two per foot. It’s controlled by the Cognitive Shield, a bit of technology developed by the team in order to help bring the ‘bot to life. Cognitive Spring will be launching crowdfunding campaigns to bring bot of these products to life.

cSpring’s also got a “Kinect-like” camera on-board for sensing its environment, to help users perform what the company’s CEO calls “really easy controls.” Jump in after the break for a couple of videos of an early cSpring model in action, and click the source link below for more information on all of the above.

Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here — and don’t forget to pick a winner!

Filed under: Robots

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Source: Cognitive Spring

Back in 2011, MIT discovered that the Fisker Karma’s batteries only lost 10 percent of their battery life after 1,500 charges. Admittedly, the study didn’t examine the EV’s reliability, nor its tendency to spontaneously combust, but the MIT researchers did learn plenty about energy conservation in the process. Fast-forward to now, and YShape, a start-up spun off from that original research, is taking to Kickstarter to fund HeatMeter, a sensor that’s designed to measure the efficiency of fuel-based boilers.

While electricity usage meters are ten-a-penny, it isn’t so easy to find equivalents for gas, propane or oil-powered units. By measuring the vibrations in its casing, HeatMeter can tell you exactly how much energy has been used. Combine that data with your home size and average bill cost, and it’ll work out what you’re spending and how to use less. YShape, led by Radu Gogoana, needs $60,000 for the initial production run — and will offer you a discounted unit if you kick in $129 — or lifetime upgrades and support if you make it $149. Not convinced? Head on past the break for the video pitch.

Filed under: Wireless

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Source: Kickstarter

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you’d like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” as the subject line.

It’s the modern bar-goers worst nightmare. No, it’s not that the pub is out of your favorite ale, nor is it that you’re 0-for-6 with lame pickup lines. You’ve been texting, tweeting and checking in all night, and you’re paying for it with that red sliver in the corner of the screen. So what do you do? Give up your primo spot at the bar and find an outlet somewhere in the corner? Not a chance — it’s time to pull out your coaster-sized Epiphany One Puck, set a cold brew upon it, and connect your phone for some juice. Who knows, the Puck might also help you break the ice.

The idea to use heat disparities for power is over two centuries old, and we’ve seen larger concepts make use of thermo-electrics. The One Puck brings mobility into play, providing up to one amp of current to any device that charges through a USB cable, including Android devices and iPhones. Just place a hot object (a mug of cocoa) on the red side or a cold object (iced coffee) on the blue, then plug in your phone.

The team at Epiphany Labs has loftier goals than simply charging cell phones, but all good ideas have to begin somewhere. The first prototype is ready and Epiphany is looking to Kickstarter to bring the project to fruition. An early pledge of $99 includes a One Puck expected to retail for $150, while a pledge of $135 adds some custom engraving, just in case you want to count out the possibility of a resale before you even take delivery. You can head past the break to watch the prototype in action, and check out the source link to peruse the project’s funding page.

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Source: Kickstarter