Two COOL gadgets

'Thinking' Copter

Looks like less is more when trying to master flight. This small helicopter is using a brain that is based on the brain of an insect!

"As tiny as insect brains are, they can still perform extraordinary acrobatics in the air that human flying machines have yet to match. Now scientists reveal a miniature helicopter, with an electronic brain inspired by insects, that could help lead to better takeoffs, flights and landings for robotic aircraft.

Insects and other animals capable of powered, flapping flight are somehow able to execute controlled takeoffs and landings and keep flying at proper altitudes despite their lack of the sophisticated instruments available to human aviators.

"It's extraordinary to see flies navigate with just their small 10-milligram brains," said researcher Nicolas Franceschini, a neurophysiologist and engineer at France's National Center for Scientific Research and at the University of the Mediterranean in France. "

Via: The Raw Feed and Gear Live

http://tinyurl.com/yqd78h

I bet you can make your own of this one:

Reveal Projects Gently Moving Shadows, Looks Real Professional lighting designers know about throwing a pattern of light on a wall, using what they call a cookie (cucalorus), a metal pattern slipped into a holder just next to the projected light. Now, Reveal projects a stationary pattern of a window onto the wall, and it also makes a shadow of trees move as if they're being cast about by a gentle breeze. In most circumstances, there's no such thing as too many windows, and with this device, you can add another one without punching any holes in the walls. This would be a great-looking decor item, or could even be used as lighting for shooting videos. Neat. No pricing was announced, but it's set to ship in April of this year. – CHARLIE WHITE  Product Page [Adam Frank Inc., via The Uber-Review]

http://tinyurl.com/3y6w5p

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