Join Japanese Researchers working on this Aero Train
I always liked how those maglev trains can hover on the tracks, and Japanese Researchers are working on another type of floating train with this prototype that you see here.
I realize that this prototype looks more like a plane than a train, but this uses air and several plane wings in order to levitate like it does.
You can watch the video of how it hovers after the jump. You will note that it does tend to drag a bit.
Continue reading » Japanese Researchers working on this Aero Train
DTV Shredder gets your adrenaline pumping
If you are all decked out in your Master Chief gear, then you would surely love to get up and about in the DTV Shredder that you see here. Currently available for pre-order, it will cost you a whopping £3,500 which could be used to purchase a second hand vehicle, but then again would it have an equal cool factor attached to it?
The DTV Shredder intends to “eat up” rough terrain in a jiffy, but do make sure you wear the proper protective clothing before you start ambling about and around in this. This is somewhat a hybrid of skateboard, motocross bike and panzer tank in a single mode of transportation, making it the next generation of all-terrain vehicle.
Having picked up the attention of the US military, this rugged one-person vehicle will push the competition into the long grass where handling tough terrain is concerned. The rider will stand sideways on the Shredder, where he/she will be propelled by a couple of enormous caterpillar tracks.
UNO 3 changes from scooter to motorcycle
My Source states that the UNO 3 is the “world’s first real transformer”, and while it might not turn into a robot, it is a scooter that can shift into a motorcycle.
You should probably just take a look at the video after the jump to see more. I like the shot of the guy going into the elevator as a scooter, and then coming out and seeing it become a motorcycle.
He is able to do this without ever having to get off the UNO 3. It looks like a very smooth transition, and I don’t know if the driver had to learn some new skill to do this. Still, it is truly more than meets the eye.
Continue reading » UNO 3 changes from scooter to motorcycle
Waterskiing Chair for the adventurous
Do you have a penchant for adrenaline rushes? If the answer is in the affirmative, then you would do well to check out the Waterskiing Chair. The name itself is somewhat an oxymoron – have you ever seen anyone go water skiing sitting down in a relaxed position? Well, this patented chair will be mounted to a pair of waterskis, where it paves the way for both beginners and experts to ski from a stable seated position.
The idea isn’t new as it was introduced nearly half a century ago (!), where the chair comprises of a backless seat that is connected to broad, widely-spaced skis by a pivoting steering mechanism. If you happen to lean to one side in the chair, it will automatically cause the skis to carve the water in the same direction. Sounds like the perfect tool to get started without getting too wet in the process!
The asking price could prove to be a stumbling block though at $799.95 each, so make sure you have the missus’ approval before you sign that cheque!
The Aeros could start a new era of airships
I believe that there was a brief era when airships were in their prime, but the invention of the airplane as well as the Hindenburg accident changed all that.
Yes, zeppelins are simply not the most efficient means of air travel. The reason why has to do with a buoyancy problem which is about venting the helium in order to return to earth. This makes take-offs and landings quite costly. However, this Aeros airship by Ukrainian entrepreneur Igor Pasternak could bring back the age of the airship.
The Aeros solves the problem of the deliberately leaking helium by compressing the gas, in order to store it for later use. If everything goes according to plan, then the Igor Pasternak’s Aeros company will produce the first demonstration of his new style of airship, the Pelican, by the year 2013. This is assuming that the Mayans are incorrect about that whole end of the calendar thing.
Continue reading » The Aeros could start a new era of airships
Corner Drifting Go Cart
Ever played Mario Kart and drifted around the track, tackling those corners at insane speeds? Well, if you want to have a taste of real life action, then you can always take up actual go karting – or in this case, fork out $349.95 for the Corner Drifting Go Cart.
This is an electric-powered go-cart that will let you execute drifting slides into corners, impromptu straightaway fish tails, and perform nimble 180º hairpin turns without missing a beat. The rear tires of this puppy relies on injection-molded polyoxymethylene, a thermoplastic that was engineered using a low coefficient of friction, albeit being high abrasion- and heat-resistant.
That allows the tires to slip during turns without “burning rubber.” It also boasts of an electric motor that delivers ample torque to propel a rider up to 140 lbs. at a top speed of 12 mph. The U-shaped steering yoke will also be accompanied by a hand brake for the rear wheels and a variable-speed throttle. With a a rugged steel frame and a bucket seat, you need no rocket science degree to assemble this for your kid (or yourself).
Electric Unicycle that keeps you balanced with Gyroscopes
Being able to ride a unicycle is a cool skill to have, however having your own gyroscopic electric unicycle takes it to the next level of cool.
This is the briefcase-sized electric unicycle that keeps a rider perfectly balanced at all times with gyroscopic sensors. Equally suited for urban commuting and suburban recreation, the unicycle requires a rider to merely stand on its two folding feet pads; gyroscopic sensors detect a rider’s subtle feet movements while accounting for a shoulder-slung backpack or bag for its center-of-mass calculations. Forward leaning results in steady forward acceleration without jolting, while leaning backward brings the unicycle to a slow, steady stop. A rider
You can but the gyroscopic unicycle from Hammacher for $1800.
JetLev Flyer – are you Richie Rich?
If you so happen to inherit a really large sum of money from your late uncle Horatio and do not know what to do with it since nothing in life really appeals to you, how about purchasing a real adrenaline rush of a ride with the JetLev Flyer? We are talking about this £115,000 vehicle – or rather, personal mode of transportation, where it allows you to jet about above water – forget about the plebians who are messing on the water, they will definitely stop in their tracks just to see who the new kid on the block is.
This is a revolutionary personal flying machine works that is made out of a carbon-fibre body, where the JetLev will be tethered through a flexible supply hose to a separate boat-like unit that features a 4-stroke engine to move around. This is enough to whoosh pressurized water into the jetpack, which in turn will generate thrust by nozzle reaction force – to put it in layman’s terms, it is rather similar to riding a pair of high-powered, easy-to-control fire hoses. Better get this approved by the missus first though if you are thinking of blowing your life savings on it, lest you get sent to the divorce lawyer sooner than expected.
