Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve seen plenty of robots scale walls over the years, from models that emit supersonic streams of air to gecko-inspired creations, but few can carry more than their own weight, much less handle rough terrain. Enter this unique Swiss-made machine, which handles both tasks with aplomb thanks to the rapid melting and cooling of its thermoplastic adhesive feet. Created by the whiz kids over at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, the plastic compounds in the contraption’s tootsies melt at around 70 degrees Celsius (158 Fahrenheit), where they’re tacky enough to stick and fill surface gaps. If the bot needs to take a step forward, a thermoelectric effect kicks in to cool the plastics down, detaching the foot in the process. Repeat the motion several times and you get a tiny climbing critter that’s able to carry about six to seven times its own weight over complex surfaces, a feat that’s sure to be of actual use someday. It’s certainly more practical, though a lot less fun, than one that mixes cocktails. Go on after the break to see the little climber in action.

Filed under: Robots, Alt

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Source: IEEE Explore, New Scientist

I’ve always liked using the clock applications on my smartphone. You never really think about the design of the clock faces, but apparently they can be copyrighted works. Recently, Apple was sued for copying the Swiss Federal Railway’s clock design in iOS.

Apple will pay the Swiss Federal Railway $21 million for using their clock design in iOS without their permission. It’s fairly obvious to even the untrained eye that the clocks are almost identical. The initial iconic design was created in 1944 by Hans Hilfiker, an employee of the Swiss company. It has been in place in Swiss train stations ever since and has been honored by the Museum of Modern Art (New York) and London Design Museum (London).

Mondaine, a Swiss watch manufacturer, currently owns the rights to the analog clock and watch design. Now, since Apple paid the railway, they also have the rights, albeit digital ones.

[via C|Net via DVice]

If you thought the new iPad clock app in iOS 6 looked a little familiar, you’re not alone. The design is a near-exact replica of the iconic Swiss railway clock designed in 1955 by Hans Hilfiker and since licensed for use in Mondaine watches. Not surprisingly, both Swiss railway operator SBB and the Mondaine Group have also noticed the striking similarity, and they say they’re now looking at ways to remedy the situation with Apple. For its part, an SBB spokesperson tells Reuters that “SBB isn’t hurt, but proud that his icon of watch design is being used by a globally active and successful business,” while Mondaine co-owner Andre Bernheim notes that “the app is pretty much identical to our Mondaine watch,” and adds that these “three companies together — Apple, SBB and Mondaine — can together achieve something positive. We’ll see how this all ends up.” Apple has yet to offer a comment on the matter. Jump past the break to compare the two for yourself.

Continue reading Swiss railway says it’s ‘proud’ Apple is using its iconic clock design, still wants to get paid

Filed under: Tablets, Software

Swiss railway says it’s ‘proud’ Apple is using its iconic clock design, still wants to get paid originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I’m not sure if this makes it easier or harder to get your bike moving, but it certainly is different. The RaXibo Hand-Tret-Velo is Swiss made and features a pedaling system built into the handlebars so that you can use the strength in your arms as well as your legs to get going.

Granted, it looks pretty silly, but imagine the workout you would get compared to a traditional bike. Though it would make texting harder for text addicts. It isn’t clear how steering the bike works while you pedal with both your legs and feet, but it looks like you can still control it while you pedal, by simply nudging it in the direction.

The RaXibo Hand-Tret-Velo comes in a basic version with 26-inch wheels for about $2,600(USD) and there is also a special version with a larger 29-inch rear wheel for around $2,900.

[via Gizmag via Dvice]