Japan's Murata Manufacturing Co. showed off the exploits of Murata Boy and Murata Girl, whose gyroscopic innards enable them to balance on a bicycle and unicycle, respectively....[More]
BALANCING BOTS:
Japan's Murata Manufacturing Co. showed off the exploits of Murata Boy and Murata Girl, whose gyroscopic innards enable them to balance on a bicycle and unicycle, respectively. Murata Boy, a 50-centimeter tall bot who the company says "dreams of cycling around the world," rides his two-wheeler along a narrow beam without falling. Murata Girl's dream, fittingly, is to travel around the world with Murata Boy.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
NO CONTROL(LER):
Microsoft showed off its Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 game console. Microsoft says it has sold eight million Kinects since they went on sale in November....[More]
NO CONTROL(LER):
Microsoft showed off its Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360 game console. Microsoft says it has sold eight million Kinects since they went on sale in November. The addition of Kinect to the Xbox console enables video game play without the need for a controller, as shown here.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
SLEEK, YET STRONG:
Sony Corp. announced at CES that Corning's 0.7-millimeter thin scratch- and break-resistant Gorilla Glass is being designed into the Sony Bravia line of 40-inch and larger LCD televisions ....[More]
SLEEK, YET STRONG:
Sony Corp. announced at CES that Corning's 0.7-millimeter thin scratch- and break-resistant Gorilla Glass is being designed into the Sony Bravia line of 40-inch and larger LCD televisions. TV shipments across the consumer electronics industry reached more than 247 million units in 2010, a 17 percent increase from 2009 and the most growth since the start of the flat-panel TV transition, according to research firm DisplaySearch.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
3-D RELOADED:
Samsung's $150 battery-powered 3-D Active Glasses were on display at CES, enabling show-floor wanderers to take in 3-D on the company's monitors and laptops....[More]
3-D RELOADED:
Samsung's $150 battery-powered 3-D Active Glasses were on display at CES, enabling show-floor wanderers to take in 3-D on the company's monitors and laptops. The glasses work by first blocking the left and then the right lens so rapidly that the eye does not notice, creating what the company refers to as a "staggered" effect that results in 3-D images. The company also introduced at CES a newer, 25 percent lighter design for active 3-D viewing glasses weighing 27 grams. The SSG-3700CR uses a smaller circuit board and can be outfitted with prescription lenses.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
FORD GOES ELECTRIC:
Ford made it official at CES—its Focus Electric car will go into production by the end of the year. The company's first all-electric passenger car (Ford introduced an electric version of its Transit Connect commercial van last year ), the Focus Electric features an electric motor (pictured here) performs the conversion between electrical and mechanical power, which goes to the front wheels through a one-speed transmission....[More]
FORD GOES ELECTRIC:
Ford made it official at CES—its Focus Electric car will go into production by the end of the year. The company's first all-electric passenger car (Ford introduced an electric version of its Transit Connect commercial van last year), the Focus Electric features an electric motor (pictured here) performs the conversion between electrical and mechanical power, which goes to the front wheels through a one-speed transmission.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT:
Electric-powered vehicles (and their drivers) have different needs than their combustion-driven cousins, which typically are within a few miles of one or more gas stations in any given area....[More]
BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT:
Electric-powered vehicles (and their drivers) have different needs than their combustion-driven cousins, which typically are within a few miles of one or more gas stations in any given area. The Focus Electric features software that lets drivers set the time of day they wish to charge their vehicle, view the total distance it could travel on current battery charge and locate recharging stations within range. Unlike Chevy's Volt, there's no backup internal-combustion engine. The Focus Electric also features MyFord Touch, the latest generation of the company's SYNC voice-activated interface for hands-free phone, audio, video, navigation and other applications.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
BABYING THE BATTERY:
The Ford Focus Electric's lithium ion battery relies on heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and gas-free driving range . Whereas air-cooling methods work well for smaller battery systems used in gas-powered cars, the larger, more complex lithium ion battery technology found in all-electric vehicles calls for an aggressive thermal management system....[More]
BABYING THE BATTERY:
The Ford Focus Electric's lithium ion battery relies on heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and gas-free driving range. Whereas air-cooling methods work well for smaller battery systems used in gas-powered cars, the larger, more complex lithium ion battery technology found in all-electric vehicles calls for an aggressive thermal management system. Ford's active liquid system heats or chills coolant before pumping it through the battery thermal control system.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
IN-HOME CAR CHARGER:
The Ford Focus Electric's 23 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery can be recharged in three to four hours with a 220-volt outlet. The company is selling the home charging systems —which retail for $1,499, not including installation—via Best Buy....[More]
IN-HOME CAR CHARGER:
The Ford Focus Electric's 23 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery can be recharged in three to four hours with a 220-volt outlet. The company is selling the home charging systems—which retail for $1,499, not including installation—via Best Buy.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
ELECTRIC NETWORKED VEHICLE:
General Motors gave the public a rare glimpse of its two-wheel, two-person Electric Networked Vehicle (EN-V) in a parking lot outside the Las Vegas Convention Center....[More]
ELECTRIC NETWORKED VEHICLE:
General Motors gave the public a rare glimpse of its two-wheel, two-person Electric Networked Vehicle (EN-V) in a parking lot outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. The prototype EN-Vs come in three different designs. The blue diving helmet-shaped EN-V pictured here is called the Xiao, which is Chinese for "laugh". An EN-V can travel at up to 40 kilometers per hour with a range of up to 65 kilometers on a fully charged battery.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
TOMORROW'S URBAN RIDE:
Driver and passenger enter and leave the EN-V through a front panel that can be pushed away from the vehicle or, in the case of the Xiao, lifts up like a hatchback....[More]
TOMORROW'S URBAN RIDE:
Driver and passenger enter and leave the EN-V through a front panel that can be pushed away from the vehicle or, in the case of the Xiao, lifts up like a hatchback. Once seat-belted, the driver takes hold of a rectangular steering wheel about the size of a small tablet computer with handgrips on either side. The steering wheel is the interface with the vehicle's onboard computer, enabling the driver to manually steer the EN-V or set the vehicle to travel autonomously, connect to the Internet, and conduct a video chat with other EN-V drivers.
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LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
YES! Send me a free issue of Scientific American with no obligation to continue the subscription. If I like it, I will be billed for the one-year subscription.
unless there is no gasoline available anywhere at any price people will not buy an electric car. Sales will be limited to mall security and wildlife reservations.
I still await a dash mounted heads up display which would eliminate the need to look down,the cause of many accidents.It could also have built in radar that could show first yellow then red band across the top of the windshield warning the driver in any weather of up coming obstacle,with a verbal warning as well.It would of course have speed and all other auto functions as well.It could also have solar powered blind spot detectors that would mount to the rear view mirrors.sending a radio signal to the dashboard unit.This would be a all in one after market device.The lives that could be saved could be in the thousands.How about it,student's working toward an engineering degree,this could be your first great invention.If I had the smarts,time,and the money I would do it my self.I dare you to do it.And for a price under 1,000 dollars installed.It would sell like hotcakes if you will pardon the pun.Good luck to those who accept my dare.
I agree with the previous comment. These are not gizmos! We understand that "Scientific American: gets plenty of advertising dollars from "big oil", but spinning the thoughts on these vehicles in this manner just alienates your reading audience. Latest news on Electric vehicles? Several areas are considering making designated toll roads for gas powered vehicles (electric vehicles would be exempt).
Parking lots would be free for electric vehicles. Gas vehicles will still pay normal price.
We look for more increased taxes on gas, to help pay for long term health care costs due to pollution.
Where are the solar powered charging stations for the batteries for these cars? Are the "newest electronics" from the stone age, or are they presented in such a way for protecting the financial interests that be?
Where are the solar charged swappable batteries for all of the electronic "gizmos"?
I agree. Thought this was on the Consumer Electronics Show, Not the Auto Show. With the "current" technology electric cars are going nowhere, or, in the case of the Telsa, nowhere really fast. It's sort of fun watching all these VIPs (Very Intelligent People) spinning their wheels. Reminds one of the Edsel and the New Coke. Nothing can possibly go wrong go wrong gowrong gowronggowronggowronng.
6. bobgeezer
in reply to letxequalx08:09 PM 1/18/11
What nonsense. "People" will, and are now, buying electric cars in various configurations: hybrid, all-electric, etc.
I get 40 miles per gallon and 400+ range per tank on my $20,000 Honda Insight. It handles and parks like a dream, it's a Honda (my 5th) and it's just what I want in view of the coming gas price explosion.
How can you speak for "people" and their buying habits? Obviouisly you don't know what you're talking about. What do you think the price of gas will be when 10,000,000 Chinese buy their first car?
What percentage of available energy is consumed by thermal management?
Bobgeezer: You can get better mileage with a Jetta TDI, or any one of a number of small, high efficiency diesel vehicles available in Europe. Sadly, lifecycle costs of electrics and hybrids are still far to high to be practical, there is no supporting infrastructure, and if examined in toto, are not very green.
The EN-V looks like a duck. 40km/hr may be possible on flat roads, but what about hills? In 1980s Italy, there was an underpowered 500cc car that often got squashed just around the bend of mountain roads. They slowed down so much on the slope that they were nearly sitting still on the road when faster cars came roaring around the turn. Cars with only 500 cc engines were banned in Italy because of the hazards. 650 cc became the new minimum.
I expect these underpowered, underspeed vehicles to present a significant legal liability.
I think you may need to broaden your perception a little beyond what can be held in your hand and stared at. - Cars are beyond doubt a consumable product - and these cars are powered by electricity. Two obvious points that qualify them for inclusion.
:)
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9 Comments
Add Commentunless there is no gasoline available anywhere at any price people will not buy an electric car. Sales will be limited to mall security and wildlife reservations.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI still await a dash mounted heads up display which would eliminate the need to look down,the cause of many accidents.It could also have built in radar that could show first yellow then red band across the top of the windshield warning the driver in any weather of up coming obstacle,with a verbal warning as well.It would of course have speed and all other auto functions as well.It could also have solar powered blind spot detectors that would mount to the rear view mirrors.sending a radio signal to the dashboard unit.This would be a all in one after market device.The lives that could be saved could be in the thousands.How about it,student's working toward an engineering degree,this could be your first great invention.If I had the smarts,time,and the money I would do it my self.I dare you to do it.And for a price under 1,000 dollars installed.It would sell like hotcakes if you will pardon the pun.Good luck to those who accept my dare.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYeah, I don't consider electric cars as gizmos. 6 of these 10 slides are on cars.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI agree with the previous comment. These are not gizmos! We understand that "Scientific American: gets plenty of advertising dollars from "big oil", but spinning the thoughts on these vehicles in this manner just alienates your reading audience.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisLatest news on Electric vehicles? Several areas are considering making designated toll roads for gas powered vehicles (electric vehicles would be exempt).
Parking lots would be free for electric vehicles. Gas vehicles will still pay normal price.
We look for more increased taxes on gas, to help pay for long term health care costs due to pollution.
Where are the solar powered charging stations for the batteries for these cars? Are the "newest electronics" from the stone age, or are they presented in such a way for protecting the financial interests that be?
Where are the solar charged swappable batteries for all of the electronic "gizmos"?
I agree. Thought this was on the Consumer Electronics Show, Not the Auto Show.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWith the "current" technology electric cars are going nowhere, or, in the case of the Telsa, nowhere really fast.
It's sort of fun watching all these VIPs (Very Intelligent People) spinning their wheels. Reminds one of the Edsel and the New Coke. Nothing can possibly go wrong go wrong gowrong gowronggowronggowronng.
What nonsense. "People" will, and are now, buying electric cars in various configurations: hybrid, all-electric, etc.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI get 40 miles per gallon and 400+ range per tank on my $20,000 Honda Insight. It handles and parks like a dream, it's a Honda (my 5th) and it's just what I want in view of the coming gas price explosion.
How can you speak for "people" and their buying habits? Obviouisly you don't know what you're talking about. What do you think the price of gas will be when 10,000,000 Chinese buy their first car?
What percentage of available energy is consumed by thermal management?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisBobgeezer: You can get better mileage with a Jetta TDI, or any one of a number of small, high efficiency diesel vehicles available in Europe. Sadly, lifecycle costs of electrics and hybrids are still far to high to be practical, there is no supporting infrastructure, and if examined in toto, are not very green.
The EN-V looks like a duck. 40km/hr may be possible on flat roads, but what about hills? In 1980s Italy, there was an underpowered 500cc car that often got squashed just around the bend of mountain roads. They slowed down so much on the slope that they were nearly sitting still on the road when faster cars came roaring around the turn. Cars with only 500 cc engines were banned in Italy because of the hazards. 650 cc became the new minimum.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI expect these underpowered, underspeed vehicles to present a significant legal liability.
I think you may need to broaden your perception a little beyond what can be held in your hand and stared at. - Cars are beyond doubt a consumable product - and these cars are powered by electricity. Two obvious points that qualify them for inclusion.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this