Tag Archives: UC davis

Researchers Build 1,000-core Processor

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I’m sure you have heard of multi-core processors before. You’re probably reading this on one right now. But, I’m pretty sure you’ve never heard of anything like this. Engineers at UC Davis have developed a CPU called KiloCore, which has 1,000 cores. Oh yes, that is some processing power right there.

1000_cpu_1zoom in


The KiloCore has a whopping 621 million transistors, and a maximum throughput of 1.78 trillion instructions per second. This sort of mega-CPU comes in handy for tasks like encryption, crunching scientific data and encoding videos. Performance? Yeah it has loads, but it also has the ability to shut down individual cores when not in use, so the chip can handle 115 billion instructions per second while using only 0.7W of power. To put that into perspective, you could run it off of a single AA battery. Now that is impressive.

Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing something like in our PCs or PlayStations anytime soon. That’s because the university had IBM manufacture the chip using the old 32-nanometer process, while the industry’s newest processors are usually made with a smaller, more efficient 14nm technique. Still, it’s only a matter of time before CPUs like this will be on the way though.

[Science Daily via Engadget]

Augmented reality sandbox lets you change the course of rivers, won’t get you wet

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Ask any kid, playing in the sandbox is fun enough on its own, but too much moisture will turn your grainy playground into a lumpy mess. Researchers at UC Davis have cooked up one solution: an augmented reality sandbox. Much like last year's SandyStation, the project uses a Kinect sensor in conjunction with a digital projector and a bit of software to overlay topographical data and simulated water over a traditional -- and dry -- sandbox. The end result is an augmented environment that can be used to teach geographic, geologic and hydrological concepts. The team hopes the project will help them develop hands-on exhibits for science museums, teaching visitors about contour lines, watersheds, catchment areas and more. Check out the video above for a full demo, or scope out the source below for the technical nitty-gritty.

Augmented reality sandbox lets you change the course of rivers, won't get you wet originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 04:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceUC Davis, Okreylos (YouTube)  | Email this | Comments

Barobo’s Mobot goes up for pre-order, slinks toward your impressionable children (video)

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ImageIn what may be the first notable instance of a product actually losing the "i" in favor of building out its own persona, Barobo's iMobot is not only not going by Mobot, but it's also up for pre-order. The modular robotics platform can be claimed for $269.95 (with extension plates and the like available as optional extras), and we're told by the company that these will be on the move by August at the latest. Moreover, a grant has been secured to provide "at least $500,000 over the next two years to Barobo, with potential for up to another $500,000 in matching funds if the company can make sales and attract venture capital." Folks involved with the project are hoping to see Mobot used as a tool for teaching robotics as early as third grade, and given the choice of tinkering with one of these or fiddling with a TI-83 Plus... well, you know. For those unaware of Mobot's potential, head on past the break for a freshly cut video.

Continue reading Barobo's Mobot goes up for pre-order, slinks toward your impressionable children (video)

Barobo's Mobot goes up for pre-order, slinks toward your impressionable children (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceBarobo, UC Davis  | Email this | Comments