This week we feature tech that takes us somewhere - from highways to skyways on both Mother Earth and Mars.
1. Electromobile
The two-wheeled self-balancing Electromobile is a perfect example. Designed by Chinese entrepreneur Zhu Lingyun, the energy-efficient electric vehicle has a battery that consumes just 1/3 of the energy used by a Tesla Model S and has a range of 1000 km (621 miles). It was unveiled this past week at the Mobile Developer Conference China 2014.
2. Saietta Electric Motorcycle
The Saietta electric motorcycle was displayed at the Innovate UK technology show in central London this week. Agility Motors touts the vehicle as its flagship, urban sport cycle. With the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds, riders will not be at the intersection for very long. The battery has a range of 120 miles. [Video]
3. Flex Foil Wing
This week, NASA conducted tests of its FlexFoil technology on a modified Gulfstream III business jet. FlexFoil is a shape-changing wing assembly that replaces conventional air flaps that pivot and slide. Unlike the mechanical flaps, FlexFoil is a seamless, bendable aerofoil that automatically adjusts to the flight conditions. It reduces noise during take-offs and landings and increases the plane's aerodynamic shape whenever it needs to turn and blank or ascend and descend. [Video]
4. Detroit Electric
Look out, Tesla Motors. Car maker Detroit Electric is coming up on your left. The company claims its SP:01, which is due to go on sale in 2015, will be the world's fastest production electric sports car. The motor is designed to propel the car forward at 155 mph and do 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Recently, it unveiled the final design for its exterior, including a large rear wing and an under-body diffuser to reduce lift at those high speeds.
5. Paint-Powered Car
A concept car from Mercedes-Benz embeds a variety of technology that aims to generate electricity from just about ever inch of the car. For starters, the paint on the Sports Utility Coupe does double duty. The "multi-voltaic silver" finish works like a solar panel to convert sunlight to electricity, but also transfers the energy of the wind buffeting the sides into power.
The car also has two electric motors - in front, a turbocharged hydrogen combustion engine drives the wheels and in back an electric motor drives the rear wheels. Regenerative braking and plug-in technology common on other hybrid vehicles is also here.
6. Prototype Aeroplane for Mars
This week at the 2014 China International Industry Fair, a group of technicians showed off their prototype rover designed to probe the planet Mars.
7. Fiat's FCC4 Utility Pick-Up Truck
Fiat's new FCC4 merges utility vehicle, pickup and sedan into one stylish little vehicle. It has a high ground clearance, a four-door body and what some auto enthusiasts are calling a quirky - even weird - rear fastback hatch. It was unveiled at this year's São Paulo Motor Show and although it's getting mixed reviews for its strange design mashup, we think it's adorbs.
8. Ad Specs
For those having a problem seeing the world clearly, a trip to the eye doctor and a new pair of glasses usually does it. But for children living in poverty, that otherwise simple solution is out of reach. In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, there is only one optometrist for every 1 million people.
Adspecs for Children, which were on display at the Innovate UK technology show in central London, are eyeglasses the wearer can adjust on their own, without a professional. The lenses are made from a clear membrane filled with silicon oil. Adding or removing oil using a special syringe lets the wearer "dial up" the right prescription.
9. Seaboard Grand
This soft, pliable, almost "keyless" keyboard was also featured at this year's Innovate UK. The Seaboard Grand offers musicians a different way to "tickle the ivories." The surface is touch-sensitive so that changes in pressure modulate the pitch, volume and timbre. Because the surface is so "squishy," sliding between notes or manipulating individuals notes and chords is easy. Additionally, pitch ribbons have been embedded above and below the playing area. Players can emote one keywave and then slide to any other in a fluid gesture.
10. Up3 Fitness Band
This week, Jawbone announced two new fitbands - the Up Move, for beginners, and the higher end Up3 (shown here).
The Up3 costs US$179.99 and come equipped with multiple sensors, including those that track movement, heart rate and body and air temperature. It also counts daily steps and calories burned and tracks your sleep. The rechargeable battery lasts up to seven days. Pre-orders are available now and the company says shipments should occur by the end of the year.
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