Puma BeatBot Robotic Pacer: Harder, Better, Faster, Bolter

In competitive running, pacers are hired runners who run at a pre-determined speed – and therefore time – so that the contestants can gauge their own pace or be motivated to run faster. To push its sponsored runners during training, Puma made Beatbot, a robotic pacer.

puma_beatbot_robot_running_trainer_1zoom in

You can think of BeatBot as a smart RC car. It’s equipped with a 9-axis accelerometer and infrared sensors to help it follow the lines on a racetrack. To set the robot’s pace, the runner enters the distance they want to run and the time they want to beat in a mobile app. Puma says BeatBot’s maximum speed is just under 45kph (approx. 28mph) – around the same as the personal best of Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive.

Understandably, Puma hasn’t said much about BeatBot’s hardware, but some are speculating that the robot is based on the Traxxas Rustler RC car. It’s a good starting point for anyone looking to make their own robot pacer.

[via Freshness]

Puma’s robotic running companion can keep pace with Usain Bolt

For some people, the RunKeeper coach's voice is enough to keep them motivated during a jog. Others need something physical to keep pace with. That's where Puma's BeatBot comes in. Developed by a NASA robotics engineer, a trio of MIT students and Puma...

Jadeveon Clowney Signs Puma Endorsement Deal


Jadeveon Clowney is now officially a Puma endorser. ESPN's Darren Rovell reports terms of the deal were not disclosed in his May 7 update: "The projected No. 1 overall pick for Thursday's...

PUMA Soundchuck Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

PUMA-Soundchuck-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Speaker

ASK Inc. Japan has listed a new waterproof Bluetooth speaker ‘PUMA Soundchuck’ from PUMA on its product page. Powered by a built-in 1100mAh li-ion battery, this wireless speaker (IPX4 standard) comes with a flexible arm, a micro-USB charging port, a 3.5mm mini jack and a magnet on the bottom of each speaker (can be installed in a desk or a wall of metal material), and can deliver a maximum power output of 4W (2Wx2). The PUMA Soundchuck is available now in black, navy, orange, pink, red and gray color options. [Product Page]

FAA approves first drones for commercial operations in US airspace

FAA approves commercial surveillance UAVs, sows seeds of Judgment Day

Insitu's Scan Eagle X200 and AeroVironment's Puma (above) are the first UAVs to snag FAA approval for commercial operations, and they're set to take to the skies later this summer. Prior to this, the only way the private sector could fly an unmanned vessel in US airspace was with an experimental airworthiness certification -- and that cert prohibits business activities. It's worth noting that these craft weigh less than 55 pounds and measure four and a half feet long; they aren't Predator drones, by any means.

Come August, a "major energy company" will use the X200 to patrol the Alaskan coast, keeping an eye on ice floes and migrating whales where the firm is doing petroleum exploration. Plans for the Puma sound slightly more action-packed, as it's expected to support oil spill emergency response-crews and watch over wildlife in the Beaufort Sea. See, this is how it all begins: First we start trusting them with our lives, then it all takes a turn for the worse.

[Image credit: Wikimedia Commons]

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Via: Gizmodo

Source: FAA

Wear ‘Em, then Recycle ‘Em: Puma InCycle Biodegradable Apparel

People have been pushing for a greener world, but it’s often hard to make the switch given the current lifestyles that we all have. For example, clothing. It used to be a whole lot harder to find biodegradable clothing, because most manufacturers don’t make them so they can go back to being part of the earth one day.

I say “used to” because Puma will soon be stocking shelves with their own line of biodegradable clothing, which they’ve aptly called the InCycle collection.

puma incycle biodegradeable clothingObviously, not all components that make up a backpack or pair of sneakers can be broken down, but Puma will take care of that for you. Green-minded people simply need to drop off their worn items into a Puma Bring Back Bin, where they later be will be disassembled into their biodegradable and recyclable components.

puma incycle process

The items in the collection are manufactured from materials that can be broken down in two processes: biological, where the organic and non-toxic fibers will be broken down by microorganisms; and technical. The latter part, which includes materials like metal fastenings and special textiles, will be sent off to factories to be re-used on new apparel after they’ve been collected in the bins.

The first products from Puma’s eco-friendly line of clothing will be available next month, including track jackets, shirts, sneakers, and backpacks.

[via Gizmag via Dvice]

Intel confirms partnership with Comcast, brings Xfinity TV viewing to Intel-based devices

Intel confirms partnership with Comcast, brings Xfinity TV viewing to Intelbased devices

Well, there's no new set-top box box per se, but most of those rumored Intel / virtual cable TV details have come true here at CES. Intel just announced a new partnership with Comcast, which will enable Xfinity TV viewers to watch television on Intel-based devices in the home. According to Intel, the collaboration will enable users to tap into Xfinity TV on "IP set-top boxes, Ultrabooks, Intel-based all-in-one PCs, tablets and smartphones, as well as smart TVs in the home." It's like Tru2way, but slightly less restrictive. Evidently, the back-end magic is being handled by Intel's Puma 6MG-bsaed XG5 multi-screen video gateway. In other words, this is Comcast opening up live TV streaming to more than just the HDTV connected to your set-top box, but unfortunately, there's no mention at all about this working remotely. We're also getting the impression that Intel's pitching this kind of scenario to other pay-TV providers, and if we hear of any others hopping onboard, we'll be sure to let you know.

Continue reading Intel confirms partnership with Comcast, brings Xfinity TV viewing to Intel-based devices

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Source: Intel