The practical applications of 3D printing truly go far beyond the needs of humans. Recently, a team of animal-loving geeks found a way to save a handicapped duck’s life by giving him a 3D printed foot. Continue reading One thing everybody does is walk. You could drive a car or ride the bus to work or to school, but you’d still have to walk to do various stuff throughout your day. Now a group of students called the ‘Agitation Squad’ from Rice University are taking that very basic action and coming up with ways to use that kinetic energy, starting with the PediPower.
The PediPower is a prototype device that’s meant to be attached to the heel of your shoes. Energy is generated every time the heel hits the ground (or with every step that you take), and the PediPower harvests this as you go along. The device has an arm attached to the heel of the shoe which hits the ground first and moves up as the person puts his or her weight on the foot. The arm, in turn, is attached to a gearbox, where gears turn with every step to drive a motor that has been mounted on the side of the shoe.
This movement generates electricity, which is transported via a voltage regulator and through wires to a belt-mounted battery pack.
The initiative was a response to a challenge from Houston-based company Cameron International, which called for the creation of a device that could harvest energy from human activity.
The Agitation Squad gives an overview of the PediPower in the clip above. Check it out to see how putting your foot down will one day generate energy to maybe even power up your gadgets!
[via Gizmag]
You may recall back in March when we first talked about the Stinky Gaming Footboard. This device is a video game controller that is specifically made to allow you to use your feet for control input. The project was originally seeking $75,000 via Kickstarter to go into production. The company’s Kickstarter campaign wrapped up yesterday and officially raised $79,562, so it’s definitely being made now.
The Stinky Footboard features four buttons with screens that allow the user to adjust the resistance and more. It’s definitely an interesting way to control your favorite games.
During the fundraising effort, a pledge of $89 was enough to get you one of the Stinky Footboards. Shipping is estimated for July 2013. It’s important to keep in mind that ship date is estimated, as production delays are very frequent with Kickstarter projects.
Foot-based controllers are nothing new; perhaps the most famous example would be the dance pads for Dance Dance Revolution games. Some of you may also remember Nintendo’s Power Pad, which was introduced back in the late 80s. But the soon to be released Stinky controller has one simple but very significant advantage over its predecessors: it’s much smaller.
Invented by Stelulu Technologies, the Stinky is basically a directional pad for your feet. DDR pads have nine sections, but the Stinky should be more useful even if it only has four buttons because all of those buttons are within reach of your foot. It will come with a Windows program so you can configure its keys. Speaking of which, the Stinky’s buttons are Cherry MX switches, the kind used in mechanical keyboards. You’ll also be able to adjust the tension on the buttons with different removable springs.
Even if hardcore gamers are not as stoked by the Stinky, I’m sure that many disabled gamers will consider getting it as an alternative controller. As mentioned in the video the Stinky will be available July 2013 for $119 (USD), but Stelulu will also set up a Kickstarter soon where backers can snag one for as low as $89. Head to Stinky’s website for more info on the controller.
[via DVICE]
It was five years ago that prosthetics took a very literal step forward when Arizona State University's SPARKy foot offered a more natural walk, capturing the inherent kinetic energy that previously needed a big motor to replicate. Belgium's Vrije Universiteit Brussel may well carry the torch for the next wave of artificial limbs. Its second-generation Ankle Mimicking Prosthetic Foot (AMP-Foot 2.0) uses a pair of force sensors to determine the leg's relative position and let an actuator build energy when the foot bends, locking the power away to use only when the owner pushes off. The efficiency produces all the torque needed to let a 165-pound person walk, but with just a 30W to 60W motor versus SPARKy's 150W -- a big help to battery life that also reduces the AMP-Foot 2.0's weight to that of the fleshy kind. We don't know how likely it is the Belgian prosthesis goes beyond the prototype phase; if we had our way, it would move just as quickly as future wearers undoubtedly will.
Continue reading AMP-Foot 2.0 prosthesis gives the power of real feet, keeps a light step (video)
AMP-Foot 2.0 prosthesis gives the power of real feet, keeps a light step (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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