Hasta La Gadget!

It’s hard to deny the appeal of a space-bound robot like NASA’s Robonaut 2, fears of subversion notwithstanding. The space agency and Florida’s Institute for Human and Machine Cognition know it, and they want to put that technology into an exoskeleton with a nobler purpose than performing chores on space stations. The in-development X1 (not yet pictured) adapts the Robonaut’s skills to a body-hugging frame with 10 points of movement that might give humans an assist when they need it the most. In space, the X1 could automate and add challenge to exercise for astronauts in low gravity, or provide the extra muscle for that fabled day we return to manned surface exploration. NASA envisions its exoskeleton having more grounded uses as well, such as rehabilitation for leg injuries or walking for those who never had the chance. Although we’re not expecting a rapid turnaround knowing NASA’s lengthy schedules, we might see the X1 in use sooner than most such products in the wake of a purposefully quick development cycle — and, no doubt, a few interested customers here on Earth.

Continue reading NASA and IHMC building X1 exoskeleton to give us a lift, keep us fit in space and on Earth

Filed under: Robots, Wearables, Science

NASA and IHMC building X1 exoskeleton to give us a lift, keep us fit in space and on Earth originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The storied ThinkPad line has just turned 20 and, over all those years, the brand has established itself as something that (mostly) successfully straddles the line between boring corporate accessory and classy consumer choice. Stoic is an apt term for the machines and, through those two decades, they’ve only gotten better and better — well, most of the time, anyway.

Welcome, then, to what is the latest and, therefore, what should be the best: the $1,499 ThinkPad X1 Carbon. It’s an evolution of last year’s X1, thinner and lighter than that pre-Ultrabook despite having a larger display. The Carbon moniker here not only describes this machine’s matte black exterior but also applies to the woven and resin-impregnated composite structure within, delivering a rare mix of light weight, svelte dimensions and durable construction. It’s a wonder to behold but can it improve on the previous ThinkPad X1‘s shortcomings? There’s only one way to find out.

Continue reading Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon review: the definitive Ultrabook for pros

Filed under: Laptops

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon review: the definitive Ultrabook for pros originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon has been a known entity since May, when the company gave us a look at the 14-inch, Ivy Bridge-packing Ultrabook. Up until now, though, the successor to the ThinkPad X1 remained somewhat shrouded in mystery, with no pricing or specific availability information to its name. But no more — Lenovo’s just raised the official curtain on the Carbon, announcing a pricing scheme of $1,399 and up and targeting an on-sale date of August 21st at Lenovo.com. The entry-level model will run a 1.7GHz Core i5-3317U CPU with 4GB, and it includes a 128GB SSD and Intel’s HD integrated graphics. Like on the ThinkPad X1, 3G connectivity will be an optional feature. Head past the break for more info on the business-centric Ultrabook.

Continue reading Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook gets official: on sale August 21st for $1,399 and up

Filed under: Laptops

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook gets official: on sale August 21st for $1,399 and up originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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