In the prehistoric past, man’s survival relied on preserving as much energy as possible by using the least amount of effort possible to complete a task. Today, that might sound a little like laziness, but it was that spirit of necessity that gave birth to many of humanity’s greatest inventions, from cars to smartphones to this rather ingenious walking wooden table. A product of passionate craftsmanship, computer wizardry, and creative imagination, the Carpentopod and its 12 crawling legs could be the semi-automated table you’ve dreamed of that will bring your snack and drink at your command, or a sci-fi nightmare come to life that will haunt your waking hours.
Given our advancements in robotics, you might think that making a table walk would be a trivial pursuit, but unlike a wobbling and bouncing quadruped, a table needs to be stable and level if it’s to be useful. The biggest puzzle to this project, therefore, is designing legs that would move the table without jiggling and potentially spilling its contents. To solve this, computer software was used to generate thousands of leg linkage variations and have them compete with each other based on certain criteria. In other words, a kind of machine learning to create the best leg design that can move smoothly in a horizontal direction.
The result is a design that looks like a fusion of Theo Jansen’s iconic Strandbeest mechanism and the movement of multi-legged creatures like centipedes. The table moves with no less than 12 legs in four groups, as each leg can only do a third of the walk cycle on the ground. As you can imagine, the assembly of this wooden machine is no trivial task. The leg linkages themselves were CNC’ed from laminated bamboo for the sake of precision. All in all, There were more than a hundred bamboo parts involved in the construction, each of which was sanded and lacquered.
The Carpentopod isn’t just a mechanical wooden sculpture, however. There are motors used to move the legs, specifically the smooth, brushless motors used for automated curtain products. There’s also plenty of electronics involved, though the majority of them are for controlling the table remotely. Curiously, these non-wooden parts are all hidden inside a central hollow compartment, almost like the belly of the beast, so to speak. The table can be controlled using a custom wand-like remote not unlike a Wii-mote.
It’s definitely mind-blowing how the table can walk so smoothly without toppling things on top of it or spilling their contents. There’s still a bit of shaking, of course, but still within safe ranges. One can only imagine how the basic design of the Carpentopod could be improved with some sensors and automation, delivering your food while you sit on your couch and then parking itself away once its job is done.
If you are searching for a way to keep your lawn perfectly manicured without you lifting a finger. You might be interested in checking out the ANTHBOT Genie. This smart, plug-and-play robot lawn mower is designed to take the hassle out of lawn care, offering advanced technologies for mapping, obstacle avoidance, and safety. Here’s why […]
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 10 introduce a wealth of innovative features designed to transform the user experience, elevate health monitoring capabilities, and push the boundaries of technological advancements. The video below from HotshotTek delves into the intricacies of these innovative models, providing an in-depth exploration of the features that set them apart […]
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently made a bold claim that technological advancements are surpassing the well-known Moore’s Law, coining the term “Moore’s Law Squared.” This assertion is supported by remarkable increases in computational power, efficiency, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The implications of these advancements are far-reaching, spanning hardware, software, […]
Apple’s iPadOS 18 introduces a wealth of new features designed to enhance user experience on compatible iPads. These features span across various aspects of the operating system, from improvements in existing apps to entirely new functionalities. The primary focus of iPadOS 18 is on productivity, privacy, and user convenience, ensuring that your iPad remains a powerful and versatile tool for […]
Local GPT has undergone a major upgrade, transforming into Local GPT Vision. This update introduces a new user interface and integrates vision language models to transform document interaction and information retrieval. With Local GPT Vision, you can now upload and index a wide range of documents, including PDFs and images. When you ask questions, the […]
iOS 18 brings a wealth of hidden features that Apple hasn’t prominently highlighted. These enhancements span across various aspects of the operating system, offering improved functionality and user experience. From battery settings and video recording to Wi-Fi sharing and flashlight adjustments, iOS 18 has something to offer for every user. The update also includes notable […]
Power BI Desktop, a powerful business intelligence tool from Microsoft, empowers users to analyze data and share insights effectively. With its user-friendly interface resembling other Microsoft 365 tools, Power BI Desktop is accessible for beginners, making it an ideal choice for those starting their journey in data analysis and visualization. The seamless integration with Power […]
In recent years, Japanese design philosophy and principles have been discovered by the rest of us, and since then they have slowly but surely taken over the world. There’s something about products with a Japanese touch that instantly makes you feel at ease. They have a sense of warmth and tranquility to them, one that spreads in the space that they’re placed into. There’s something so efficient, functional, and yet unique about Japanese-influenced stationery, in particular. And we’ve got you covered with a collection of innovative Japanese-inspired stationery! These beautifully designed products are all you need to introduce some Japanese zen and peace to your workdesk.
1. Kintsugi Plain Notebook
This stunning notebook draws inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which involves repairing or fixing cracks in pottery with gold lacquer. It has a simple yet beautiful design cover, which embodies a deeper meaning. It encourages users to reflect, think, and write creatively, allowing them to leave imperfect little marks on the paper.
The Kintsugi Plain Notebook urges you to note down your happy memories or creative ideas with total freedom. The notebook is built from sustainable bagasse paper, and it embodies your inner healing, as well as the healing of the planet.
What we like
Perfectly represents the beauty and essence of Japanese culture
The black cover showcases lovely branch-like golden lines
What we dislike
It is only available in a plain paper version and doesn’t have a lined variant
2. Forest Crayons
Forest Crayons is a project that utilizes the pigments extracted from different recycled forest trees, and then merges them with other sustainable ingredients to create crayons. Each crayon has a different shade, influenced by the species of recycled tree, and the way it was grown. For magnolia, they’ve created a light green color, while there is a deep turquoise for fungus-stained wood.
Why is it noteworthy?
The different pigments are combined with wood, rice wax, and rice oil. The Forest Crayons set includes ten colors: Bayberry, Bogwood, Cedar, Chinaberry, Cybress, Hazenoki, Katsura, Kaizuka, Magnolia, and Zelkova.
What we like
Designed to “breathe new life into Japanese wood”, creating an appreciation for the country’s forests
What we dislike
Unsure how dark and long-lasting the colors will be
3. Inseparable Notebook Pen
Named the Inseparable Note Book Pen, this stationery design is the ultimate companion to your notebook. It perfectly combines with your notebook, helping you note your thoughts, ideas, and memories. It has a subtle and minimal design, a comfortable grip, and a harmonious ink flow, allowing it to be more than just a writing tool.
The pen is sophisticated and yet simple. It is a natural and harmonious extension of the book and has a sleek form which makes it great for effortless writing. The pen is an embodiment of the timeless and classic aesthetic everyone adores.
What we like
Creates a smooth and seamless writing experience for you
Has a compact form that easily gets attached to your notebook
What we dislike
It is placed outside the notebook, allowing it to get stained faster
4. Bento Jot
Say hello to the Bento Jot! This modern stationery set is designed to support you on your creative journey. The set is inspired by a Bento Box, and it includes 12 writing tools. The 3-layer bento box design is unique and appealing! It includes 3 layers – the Øver layer, the Mid layer, and the Base layer. All the layers include tools for handwritten notes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The 12 tools were designed specially for the Bento Jot. The tools have been built from premium materials, creating a satisfying tactile feel. The Mid-layer even includes a lovely vegan leather carrying case!
What we like
It has a Japandi-inspired emotive design
What we dislike
The entire box could be inconvenient to carry around
5. Japanese Memo Block
Named the Japanese Memo Block, this compact design is the perfect place to write down your creative and exciting thoughts, so that none of them escape you. It has an easy-to-carry form, so you can take it almost anywhere with you, ensuring you never lose any of the wonderful ideas that come into your mind.
With the Japanese paper Memo Block, you can note down your priceless thoughts the minute they get into your head. You can jot them down before you get distracted all over again. It has quite a small footprint, so you can easily carry it wherever you go.
What we like
Features a pure black/white surface which is a great space for your creative thoughts
Made from high-quality Japanese paper
What we dislike
Aesthetically it does look like an ordinary notepad with nothing special
6. Quick Access Pencil Sharpener Stand
Meet the Quick Access Pencil Sharpener Stand – it lets you eliminate dull pencils, as this sharpener is present whenever you need it, and it holds your pencil for you too. The design is disc-shaped, and works as a pencil sharpener and a pencil stand, making it the ideal stationery product.
It is equipped with a brass mechanism that prevents the wooden cover from opening by mistake and spilling the shavings within. It keeps your favorite pencil always sharp and within reach.
What we dislike
Functions as a sharpener and a sophisticated pen stand
Features a specially angled sharpener which makes the pencil last longer
What we dislike
The product doesn’t look very portable to carry around
7. Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Scissors
These are the Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Scissors! The handcrafted scissors are inspired by the motifs of famous Japanese samurai swords of the past. They are a special series of scissors that adopt the design and form of different popular Japanese swords. These swords were used by different heroes and legends during the Sengoku Jidai or Warring States Era(1467-1568) in English or the Bakumatsu period at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Samurai scissors adopt the different motifs of the sheath designs, swords, and the house seals of different warriors. The scissors have been handcrafted by craftsmen, and they are made one by one.
What we like
Compact products that are made in Japan
What we dislike
They can only be used to cut paper, not strong enough to cut anything else
8. Sushi Eraser
Designed by Iwako, these adorable erasers are a must-have for sushi lovers! The erasers are available in all kinds of sushi – from Salmon Egg sushi to Cuttlefish sushi and even Nigiri Shrimp sushi. The resemblance to actual sushi pieces is uncanny, and each element of the erase is a puzzle piece and can be taken apart and then put together.
Why is it noteworthy?
The erasers bring Japanese culture and sushi fever to your boring desk, and they’re also perfect for stocking stuffers, decorations, and fun little games. The erasers are eco-friendly and made in Japan. They’ve been put together by hand!
What we like
Economically priced
Represent all the different varieties of sushi, with loads of choices available
What we dislike
We are unsure how efficient the erasers will be at erasing, they do look more decorative than functional
9. ONEBOX
Named the ONEBOX, this little woodworking design merges different tools into a fascinating interlocking Jenga-like stationery box. The box utilizes the same traditional mortise and tenon joining technique that was used to construct massive buildings in ancient times. Once the ONEBOX has been put together, it looks like any regular wooden box!
Why is it noteworthy?
When you pull the pieces of the box apart, you realize that each piece is a stationery tool or a fidget toy. The multi-part storage box is built from poplar, beech, or black walnut wood, showcasing a warm and wooden aesthetic. The various wooden pieces can be converted into a container for your stationery as a phone stand or even an adjustable ruler!
What we like
The pieces feature flawless tenon and mortise joints
Serves as much more than just an ordinary stationery box
What we dislike
You have to ensure you don’t lose a piece, or else you’ll have trouble putting the box together again
10. Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Letter Opener
Another important addition to a desk is a letter opener, and we just discovered a Samurai-style letter opener for you! The Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Letter Opener is inspired by the iconic Japanese Samurai Katana, and it is a compact and functional stationery piece for your work desk, especially if you’re a lover of Japanese culture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The letter opener adopts the essence of the old legendary swords of famous leaders from history. Each sword is built by specialist masters of their craft, delivering a quality that is truly unmatched and special.
What we like
Handcrafted with a perfected edge
What we dislike
It can only be used to open a letter, it isn’t as sharp as a knife
If events in the last few years have felt like a higher power playing Mad Libs with our lives, then it looks as if it’s running out of options. “SpaceX,” you imagine it pulling out “gets sued by…” and then the sounds of paper rustling until it says, “Cards Against Humanity.” Turns out the silly game jokesters own an acre of land near to SpaceX’s facility in Texas, which the latter has been using for its own purposes.
If the higher power in question wants some help with some suggestions, it could do worse than suggesting Engadget’s humble newsletter writers win a billion pounds each on the same day in completely different competitions.
Now, I’m not mad the plant is being reactivated, since nuclear offers safe, clean and abundant energy. TMI reactor one remained in operation from 1985 until 2019, so it’s got a healthy track record too. But I am mad at the reason Microsoft’s cutting the check: to power its AI data centers!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-spacex-gets-a-surprising-new-enemy-111503179.html?src=rss
