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Video: Robot Dresses Dummy

Posted: 31 Oct 2011 03:49 AM PDT

naist robot

And we’re another step closer to Robocalypse: researchers at the Nara Institute Of Science And Technology (NAIST) in Tokyo are working on a robot that’s supposed to one day dress humans autonomously. The current prototype, which NAIST says is the world’s first robot of its kind, can help to put a T-shirt on a dummy in about 10 seconds.

What’s interesting is that for the arms, NAIST uses WAM, robots arms with 7 joints that are made by MIT spin off Barrett. According to the institute, the robot comes with 10 high-precision cameras to perform the (for a robot) difficult task and will be improved in the next few years.

This video shows the robot, which is supposed to help make life easier for the elderly or handicapped people, in action:

Please click here [JP] for another (non-embeddable) video.

Via Robonable [JP]

NextGoals Is A Cheaper, Cooler Fitness Tracker

Posted: 31 Oct 2011 02:14 AM PDT

NextGoals

NextGoals is an app that attempts to motivate the lethargic to exercise and stay fit. How does it work? By asking you to work out and then verifying that you actually rolled off the couch and out to the gym.

The system uses a device called the G-Band. It is a pedometer worn on the wrist and gives you real-time data on your PC and phone. You can gauge your progress over time and you can also connect with friends and family via various social networks.

The dashboard is quite clean and clever and it sends out status updates based on your current activities. You can also work with your friends to get more fit using NextGoals’ collaboration tools.

When compared to other health trackers, the G-Band is fairly compelling. First, it is only $29 and much cheaper than any other mini tracking device. They are aiming the product at China immediately and may move overseas later. They are also partnering with gyms in the country.

Click to view slideshow.


UPcload Uses Your Webcam To Help You Order Clothes That Actually Fit

Posted: 31 Oct 2011 01:33 AM PDT

upcloudshot

I’m the sort of person who likes to buy things online. Batteries? Yup. Groceries? You bet. And I just bought a garbage can that opens automatically when you get close to it (magic!).

But there’s one big area where online shopping has always fallen short: clothes shopping. If you’ve ever tried ordering a shirt or jeans off the web, then you know the feeling — the site says it’s a medium, but you’re not sure if you should move up to the large instead. And then when the shirt actually arrives, you find that it drapes in all the wrong ways and looks vaguely like a poncho. Even when there’s free return shipping, it’s still a pain to get another size.

If only there were a better way.

UPcloud is a new startup launching today at TC Disrupt Beijing, and it thinks it has it.

The company is doing something that many of us have wished for: it uses your computer’s webcam to size you up, then recommend clothing that will fit you well. You calibrate the service by standing in front of a camera and holding a CD (which have a consistent shape). Then you can shop across any of the sites that have integrated UPcload. Each site gives UPcload size information about each item, which is matched against your fit profile.

The question, then, is whether it really works. Our first tests were promising, and the site already has one major vote of confidence: it’s currently in testing with The North Face.

Click to view slideshow.

Crunchbase

Company: UPcload
Website: upcload.com

UPcload measures individual dimensions in a few minutes via standard webcam. For the first time ever customers get to know their exact body dimensions such as arm length, chest circumference and many more. The measurement process works easily and is followed by reliable clothing size recommendations. UPcload aims to become the benchmark and protagonist in social shopping.

Learn more


Gadgets Week In Review: Windows Of The World

Posted: 31 Oct 2011 01:00 AM PDT

Weekly Watch Round-Up

Posted: 30 Oct 2011 05:07 PM PDT

Clerc-Hydroscaph-Chronograph-10

It is hard to pull of a good futuristic dive watch design as more traditional looks tend to be more timeless. Clerc however has done well with their Hydroscaph collection. Check out a review of the Clerc Hydroscaph Limited Edition Chronograph watch here.

For another (and much more expensive) take on futuristic divers we thought the Blancpain X Fathoms watch had a suitably vague but fun sounding name. It has a mechanical depth gauge and some other neat features. Did we mention it is about 55mm wide on the wrist?

Those looking a clean looking Breitling watch will like the Transocean Automatic. It has a retro-inspired look but a modern size that is easy to read and very well designed.

The ultimate is personalization is getting a watch with custom art engraved on the mechanical movement surface. High-end brands like Blancpain offer services such as this. To showcase their work they are making special versions of the Blancpain Villeret Grande Decoration watch for certain cities around the world.

New English brand Schofield releases their first watch in honor of a lighthouse. With a design that is both modern, minimalist, and masculine the Schofield Signalman GMT timepiece is an attractive first offering.

For a lot of people mechanical watches with open dials and skeletonized movements are the ultimate in horological fascination. Probably the best simple high-end Skeletonized watch for next year will be the record holding (for thinness) Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin watch.

Click to view slideshow.