The Spybot- SRV-1 Blackfin

I've been getting asked a lot of questions regarding the SRV-1 Blackfin that we showcased on CNN so I thought I would post a little info on it.

I was putting together a spy segment and was searching around for the a bot that was made for home monitoring. I recalled the Rovio but to my surprise they had stopped manufacturing them (though there are a few still trickling around on the web). I came across Surveyor Corps and that's where I discovered this gem.

The SRV-1 is primarily used for research and education utilizing powerful components and a Blackfin processor.

The SRV-1 runs on your network as a virtually controlled webcam and a "self-navigating autonomous robot". You control it using any web browser. It has a camera on its face and you can tap into the feed like a helmet cam. The bot moves incredibly fast sometimes hard to control. I would ideally have liked in my experience to take down the speed which can be easily manipulated.

For funs I also enjoyed the dual laser pointers that lay on both sides of the camera.

Must note that this unit is being used in tests for Google's Lunar Landing Contest. (Which rewards the first one to reach the moon's terrain with a prize of 30million)

Non-tech savvy individuals need not apply. However, if you have the slightest interest in engineering the operation of this bot will blow your mind. For $525 hard to say if the practicality at this point is beyond the early adopter stage but I think we are moving in the right direction towards ...well...something...

See links: http://www.surveyor.com/blackfin/
http://osbots.com/shop/product/Surveyor/

EMILY - The Robotic Lifeguard.

I had the pleasure of showcasing EMILY today on CNN.

Utilizing cutting edge technology EMILY looks just like a flotation device but is really a robot made to save lives. Weighing around 20lbs and with speeds of up to 28 mph (6x faster than a lifeguard) she has built in sonars that detect a distressed swimmer. She can cut through the waves no problem. And of course it goes without saying, in these types of situations seconds are critical.

She makes her debut in Malibu this weekend and hopefully we will soon see more of her in locations across the globe.

She is controlled via remote from the lifeguard and has built in speakers to calm a swimmer down. Next spring a self automated bot will roll out.

She holds a decent price tag of $3500. Why not?

Thanks to Tony Mulligan @ Hydronalix for bringing us the bot!

Rent-A-Petz

Urghh! Another great idea of mine telepathically stolen. Rent-a-pet.

I can barely take care of myself, and I travel too much but more than anything I would like a 'bat dog' ie boston terrier. They are insanely weird looking and make me happy just to be around their spunky personalities. So, I was thinking to myself, maybe I could just rent one for a few hours? Well, that's exactly what FlexPetz.com offers.

Flexpetz takes in dogs that can no longer be cared for and gives them a foster kind of situation. It also makes sure you are properly trained and go through the proper courses.

Its genius on a number of levels for people on the other hand:

• Great to teach kids responsibility
• Great to just try it out and see if its for you
• Great for someone missing their canine companion

I just like the idea of an abandoned foster dog to get some love for a few days... and maybe some preferential treatment if hes a bat dog.

Over Your Minutes?

Sadly, my largest cell phone bill was $999. I've called Verizon so many times about going over my minutes that they actually gave me my own dedicated line representative. No joke. Its a constant battle. I signed up for overage text alerts and I never have gotten one. And yes, I'm fully aware I can use #MIN to see my minutes balance, I just don't remember.

It would probably make the most sense to just get the highest plan but its so strange how erratic minute usage month to month can be.

With that said, I like the idea of OverMyMinutes.com. Put in your email address and they will let you know if you go over. Its a one time shot. This is also a great way to monitor family plans.

En Fuego. Chili Pepper Grenades.

We all know that one guy in high school that maced himself just to try it out. We semi felt bad for him. But that is nothing compared to being hit with the power of the jolokia.

India has released a new weapon ; a chili pepper grenade. The Jolokia, also known as ghost chili, it is 1000x hotter than the average spice. And according to Guinness Book of World Records it is the hottest chili in the world.

When the grenade explodes it peppers (no pun intended) its victim with blindness and even breathing problems that can last upwards of hours. !@#? The lead scientist said it would work in choking a terrorist to come out of hiding. Intense.

Now, if I could only convince them that unleashing the smell of the popcorn flavored Jelly Bellys in a regimented air assault would be as equally repulsive, we could be on to something...

Pic ctsy: nydailynews.com

Totes for Realsies - A Helpful Parental Post.

Over the past few years I have started writing documents and emails in text speak - forcing me to double and triple check everything I send out . I also find myself using more slang than ever and confuse many people. However, I'm not alone. And if you ever are the recipient of said 'code'- here is a great resource to better help you understand what one may be trying to say: the Teen Chat Decoder.

Its like an online translator for our abbrevs!

Ctsy: Mashable via Teen Chat Decoder

Devices Are Controlling Me!!

I read this article in the Times last night and think everyone should read it. While a little extreme, I think it hits home for many of us. It's also pretty sad when you wake up and seven people have sent it to you as well.

In just the past two days alone I have tried to rewind a real-life situation via DVR, hoped I got the mystery box bullet in a cab (Mario Kart - someone understands), and fell asleep with my BlackBerry and iPad more times than I'd like to admit. I also laughed out loud when I couldn't finish the (linked) article due to lack of focus. Irony.

pic ctsy: exploding dog

Panic.

Happy National Donut Day!

Courtesy of MSN.com here is where you can get a free piece of goodness on this great American holiday, or just smear some Crisco on your thighs - same thing.

•Krispy Kreme: All customers receive a free doughnut. No purchase necessary.

•Dunkin' Donuts: Free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage.

•LaMar's: All customers receive a free Ray's Original Glazed doughnut. No
purchase necessary.

•Shipley Do-Nuts: Free glazed doughnut with purchase
until noon.

img ctsy: Threadless.com

Okay, we get it.

My best friend and I cracked up at this place for like 10 nerdy minutes.

Okay, we get it. You have internet. All thats missing is a ring of fire that says "INTERNET".

Listen, we dont want your low fat yogurt and dial up.

"Hears" a good one.