Zeno

The next step in human evolution isn't human

Zeno is the first of his kind. He’s a member of RoboKind™–cute, animated characters brought to life through Hanson Robotics’ breakthrough technology. Zeno lives in the “Inventing Academy” in the year 2027 with a whole group of other robot kids, learning and fighting to save humanity.

Right now, the Inventing Academy is still creating new abilities for Zeno and putting him together. He made his first appearance at Wired Magazine’s NextFest in 2007. Join Zeno’s blog to track how he is coming along, and come back here to check out the Zeno’s upcoming games and videos.

The 18” (37cm) tall Zeno will be available for $1500 US, and will be the smartest robot in the world, your friend at home, and a 6" (13cm) version for $300.

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Purchase Zeno products from Café Press

STRiDA 5.0 bicycle

The sleek form and clever functionality of British designer Mark Sanders’ foldable bikes have been earning accolades in Europe for over a decade. The latest, the Strida 5.0, is now available in the US bringing with it a new hybrid commute sensibility that is rolling in praise. More than just a utilitarian part of greener transport, this bike is an exercise in cool.

Specifikation:

Height Limit: 153cm – 193cm
Frame: 7000 Series Aluminum
Drive Train:Kevlar Greaseless Belt Drive (up to 50,000 miles)
Wheels: Alloy 16" Rim
Brakes: Disc Brakes
Speeds: Single Speed
Folded Size: 45" x 20" x 9"(114cm x 51cm x 23cm)
Grip: Gel Bottom
Bracket: Welded
Luggage Rack: Plastic or Alloy new option
Weight Limit: 100 kgs
Height Limit: 153cm – 193cm

What sets the Strida 5.0 apart from other collapsables is its tripod-like frame which folds easily into parallel tubes. Unfolded, the tubes form a triangle – handlebars and wheels occupy the three points and the adjustable seat slides along one side. The unique, patented frame streamlines the design and makes fold-up quick and easy - Strida boasts a six second shift from expanded bike to folded traffic-averting accessory. With the commuter user in mind, the 5.0 rolls with a silent, clean Kevlar belt – no greasy pant legs – and the folded design manages the sidewalk stretch with parallel tires that make it an agreeable sidekick while strolling. Although still in the single gear folder category, the bike has evolved from the earlier 3.2 version with tougher, lighter components that don’t need much attention - just tires and disc brakes need maintenance.

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World’s Smallest/Tiniest Solar Car

Talk about bringing solar power to the palm of your hand!
The World’s Smallest Solar Racing Car is a tiny, fully-functional solar powered vehicle topped with a minuscule photovoltaic panel.


When one thinks of toy cars for little ones, one typically conjures up images of die-cast Matchbox race cars with broad white stripes and tail fins. But in this new era of innovative product design - where the battery-packed has been redefined, it is refreshing to find renewable energy alternatives to toy cars and trucks as we know them.

Certainly too small to be a flashy Formula One kiddie vehicle or even drivable for that matter, but what this Lilliputian roadster lacks in size, it totally makes up for in power – real green zip power – not to mention full-throttle cuteness!

The World’s Smallest Solar Racing Car is a fully functional solar vehicle that is topped with a miniscule solar panel that amazingly generates enough electricity to turn run a small electric motor with four wheels attached. Measuring only 33×22×14 millimeters, it can run on solar power alone, or even on the light of a strong indoor source.

I think that it makes a great showcase for solar technology, and though it is definitely too bite-size to let small babies or toddlers play with, it serves as a fun example of future-forward design for the next generation and possibly the greener gadget geniuses in our midst.

As its name implies, the Select Solar Mini Racer can be run entirely on solar power, but can also be powered by the artificial light of a strong indoor source. We think it looks like a great educational eco-friendly toy for little kids and big kids (and your inner kid) alike. The Solar Mini is a fabulous showcase of solar technology, and it’s adorable to boot. Plus at a mere £11.99 it certainly is the most affordable solar car on the market.

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The Solar Spark Lamp Visualizes Energy Use

A modern lighting product that helps home owners in energy conservation. This is the new face of sustainable lifestyle. Understanding domestic energy consumption can be simple and convenient. The Spark lamp is a tool to help homeowners be more aware of their energy consumption and be a guide in achieving a more sustainable lifestyle.
It collects solar energy during the day and becomes a night lamp during the night.

What if measuring your entire home’s energy consumption was as simple as flicking on a light switch? That’s the idea behind Beverly Ng’s Spark Lamp, a solar-powered device that offers an ingenious approach to household energy monitoring. The sprout-like LED lamp changes color depending on the amount of power that your home has used during the month, providing an easy-to-understand visual cue to conserve more energy.

As part of Sweden’s efforts to control their energy consumption, the government recently decreed that all future houses must be equipped with a meter that allows households to monitor their energy consumption via the internet. Created in response to this legislation, the Spark Lamp aims to make that information easily accessible in a visual manner.

Conceived by Beverly Ng, the Spark Lamp is incredibly simple. During the day, the lamp is flipped upside down and placed next to the window to recharge. At night, the lamp is turned upright and switched on. At this point it establishes a wifi connection to the Internet and displays your home’s energy consumption by giving a soft green, yellow, or reddish glow for around three seconds. After a moment of eco-illumination, the light then turns white and works just like a regular lamp. Providing access to information is an important step in increasing energy efficiency, and we love Beverly’s elegant solution to the issue.

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