Techwright Posted June 29, 2024 Posted June 29, 2024 8 hours ago, ThaOGDreamWeaver said: Yeah. Add some body plating to protect it (and me), add a Personal Defence Mode, and chuck a little fire-engine red in there... ...I am Iron Gran. Or failing that... can I get flames on this? https://greatbritishmobility.co.uk/products/drive-sport-rider I dig it. Groovy, man. Some of these postings have reminded me of a Down Under group whose work I spotted two years before my dad died. He'd lost the use of his legs but not his mind, when I discovered videos from Rex Bionics. Unlike other cyber-skeletons, Rex's offering had a joystick control, which I thought would have been perfect for Dad and might have allowed him to come home rather than live out his days in a nursing facility. Unfortunately, I can't find anything on Rex after 2019, the last news posting on their website. I'm not sure if they're just keeping a low profile (hopefully), or if the website is on some sort of prepaid indefinite limbo with the company either having been bought or closed. I note the timing. 2019 was right before COVID hit the world, and it may have devastated Rex's funding.
ThaOGDreamWeaver Posted June 29, 2024 Posted June 29, 2024 (edited) Unfortunately I can't find anything financial or otherwise on Rex either at the moment. However, some of my favourite people - who I used to support charitably - have turned pro. Open Bionics makes prostheses for people - frequently kids - who've lost limbs. Originally I liked these guys because they built limbs that not only looked great, but worked purely with wire and elastic - thus tough and kidproof. However, with more funding... the Hero Arm and Gloves now come with myoelectric sensors. They read your other muscle groups, say further up the arm - and you can train the hand to respond and work to your liking via an app (called, naturally, Sidekick). They also have a longstanding Marvel partnership, so you can get Iron Man, Black Panther and of course Spidey covers if you're a kid. They're not a charity (any more), but they still make and deliver them for a fraction of what they'd cost from "normal" commercial makers. Oh, and they look the business. https://openbionics.com/en/bionic-heroes/ There's also an OpenBionics.org that formerly researched similar things, and has a GitHub for designs and 3d printer instructions. Edited June 29, 2024 by ThaOGDreamWeaver 1 WAKE UP YA MISCREANTS AND... HEY, GET YOUR OWN DAMN SIGNATURE. Look out for me being generally cool, stylish and funny (delete as applicable) on Excelsior.
Techwright Posted June 30, 2024 Posted June 30, 2024 On 6/29/2024 at 3:27 PM, ThaOGDreamWeaver said: Unfortunately I can't find anything financial or otherwise on Rex either at the moment. However, some of my favourite people - who I used to support charitably - have turned pro. Open Bionics makes prostheses for people - frequently kids - who've lost limbs. Originally I liked these guys because they built limbs that not only looked great, but worked purely with wire and elastic - thus tough and kidproof. However, with more funding... the Hero Arm and Gloves now come with myoelectric sensors. They read your other muscle groups, say further up the arm - and you can train the hand to respond and work to your liking via an app (called, naturally, Sidekick). They also have a longstanding Marvel partnership, so you can get Iron Man, Black Panther and of course Spidey covers if you're a kid. They're not a charity (any more), but they still make and deliver them for a fraction of what they'd cost from "normal" commercial makers. Oh, and they look the business. https://openbionics.com/en/bionic-heroes/ There's also an OpenBionics.org that formerly researched similar things, and has a GitHub for designs and 3d printer instructions. Why do I feel that youngster is Back Ally Brawler successor material? 1
UltraAlt Posted July 1, 2024 Author Posted July 1, 2024 ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/anime_manga/ Anime Encyclopedia: MECHANICAL DESIGNER https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2099003/ Link good until July 23, 2024 ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained an immense global following. In this episode, we feature the mechanical designers responsible for some of Japan's most famous anime and manga robots, including Okawara Kunio, creator of Gundam, and Kawamori Shoji, who built the elaborate mechas of Macross. How do they continue to come up with innovative designs for over 40 years? Get a glimpse into their creative process through rare drawings and prototype models. If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted July 1, 2024 Author Posted July 1, 2024 ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/anime_manga/ Legendary Creator Nagai Go https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2099010/ Available until February 25, 2025 The work of Nagai Go (aka Go Nagai) isn't just about robots, but he is created as being the creator of several genre including piloted robots. "...He is credited with creating the super robot genre; designing the first mecha robots piloted by a user from within a cockpit with Mazinger Z; as well as helping pioneer the magical girl genre with Cutie Honey; the post-apocalyptic manga/anime genre with Violence Jack; and the ecchi genre with Harenchi Gakuen..." - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_Nagai If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted July 1, 2024 Author Posted July 1, 2024 1 1 If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted July 2, 2024 Author Posted July 2, 2024 On 9/6/2023 at 7:54 PM, UltraAlt said: Meet ARCHAX, the human-piloted robot https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/2702/ If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted July 2, 2024 Author Posted July 2, 2024 JR West to start using robot for railway maintenance https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240702_14/ West Japan Railway says it will start using a truck-mounted robot for maintenance and inspection work from this month. The move comes as train operators tap new technologies to counter labor shortages and improve safety. JR West developed the machine with a robot startup and others. The device has two arms that can carry objects weighing up to 40 kilograms. It also has a reach of as high as 12 meters, and can replace parts, paint, and trim trees. An operator controls the machine using a goggle headset connected to cameras. When the user turns their head, the robot does the same. The weight of lifted objects can also be felt through control levers. Hasegawa Kazuaki, President of West Japan Railway, said, "Increasing the use of robots is important to meet the challenges of maintenance work and to ensure stable and sustainable railway operations."] JR West says the robot could reduce maintenance workloads by about 30 percent. It is also expected to improve safety when work is needed in hazardous environments, such as with electric cables. If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted July 2, 2024 Author Posted July 2, 2024 If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
Techwright Posted July 4, 2024 Posted July 4, 2024 On 7/2/2024 at 5:06 AM, UltraAlt said: The device has two arms that can carry objects weighing up to 40 kilograms. It also has a reach of as high as 12 meters, and can replace parts, I presume then that the robot doesn't replace damaged track. A single rail would exceed that 40 kilos (88 lbs.) Too bad. The idea of a robot that can removed warped rails and rebuild track is very appealing in a USA context, especially if it can work more or less 24/7. We might one day actually get a decent rail infrastructure if that were to be put into effect. 1
UltraAlt Posted January 21 Author Posted January 21 1 If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted March 8 Author Posted March 8 If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted Tuesday at 05:27 AM Author Posted Tuesday at 05:27 AM If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
Techwright Posted 20 hours ago Posted 20 hours ago On 8/19/2025 at 1:27 AM, UltraAlt said: Watching the boxing robots, I feel we're one step closer to needing Magnus: Robot Fighter. By the way, having re-watched part of the video in your March 8 posting, I'm not sure I'm really going to be enthusiastic about A.I. androids wearing very human features and synthetic skin. I realize it might be important in certain areas, for example, a possible overhaul of the Disney World Hall of Presidents show, but for day-to-day service bots, I'd much prefer there to be a clear distinction. I don't have to be coddled and live in a world of illusion that this thing working in front of me is a person. There's lots of examples, both real and in sci-fi projects that show something merely in the arrangement of a head is sufficient for humans to interact with it, for example, the glass bubble on the Robot in the 1960s and 1990s interpretations of Lost In Space. 1
Techwright Posted 20 hours ago Posted 20 hours ago I was looking at this recent video on robotics technology, and the segment on "Vision 4 Rescue" got me thinking. One of my buddies is something of an understated genius and is deep into developing what hopefully will become a new low-cost, one-button alert system, currently in wristband format, though other designs, like neck wear are anticipated. I encouraged him to look into possibilities beyond just the elderly needing assistance, and among those things discussed was a low-cost solution for hikers summoning help in national and state parks when they are lost or injured. The problem is that his technology utilizes cell tower emergency bands to transmit, and there are large sections of the parks where cell tower don't reach. The national park service and he have been considering options. That brings me back to this video and its rescue equipment discussion. It has a drone in the kit and refers to it as a mobile command center. I'm now wondering if such a drone could be kept at ranger stations and launched with gear that will act as a mobile emergency band relay, allowing his technology to be utilized deep in the national and large state parks to pinpoint requests for help, and possible find the lost faster. I've relayed this to him for consideration. 1
UltraAlt Posted 8 hours ago Author Posted 8 hours ago 11 hours ago, Techwright said: Watching the boxing robots, I feel we're one step closer to needing Magnus: Robot Fighter. By the way, having re-watched part of the video in your March 8 posting, I'm not sure I'm really going to be enthusiastic about A.I. androids wearing very human features and synthetic skin. I realize it might be important in certain areas, for example, a possible overhaul of the Disney World Hall of Presidents show, but for day-to-day service bots, I'd much prefer there to be a clear distinction. I don't have to be coddled and live in a world of illusion that this thing working in front of me is a person. There's lots of examples, both real and in sci-fi projects that show something merely in the arrangement of a head is sufficient for humans to interact with it, for example, the glass bubble on the Robot in the 1960s and 1990s interpretations of Lost In Space. There is that thin line between making robot or android humanoid without creating something that can fool humans into believing that it is a human ... even if only the upper part of the body is showing and people are seeing it on television or in a video broadcast ... like ... if I remember correctly ... in Philip K. Dick's The Penultimate Truth If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
UltraAlt Posted 8 hours ago Author Posted 8 hours ago (edited) 11 hours ago, Techwright said: That brings me back to this video and its rescue equipment discussion. It has a drone in the kit and refers to it as a mobile command center. I'm now wondering if such a drone could be kept at ranger stations and launched with gear that will act as a mobile emergency band relay, allowing his technology to be utilized deep in the national and large state parks to pinpoint requests for help, and possible find the lost faster. I've relayed this to him for consideration. Well, you can make a cell phone a mobile hotspot. I'm assuming that flying drones could be set up the same way - without a password (or simply 911 as password). One drone flies out the extent of the ability its ability to receive a signal by trying to stay with range (perhaps somehow tethering itself to the top of a tree or outcropping) then another flying drone that is connected through the first drone's hotspot flies out to do the same thing related to the first), etc. Of course, it would need to be setup for emergency use only due to the probably bandwidth and probably follow the same laws and regulations as any other 911 call. I don't know if that would work in actuality or the cost factor that may be incurred, but it seems like it could possibly for areas without cell phone towers. Another option would be drones large enough to carry and power an uplink to Starlink or one of its upcoming competitors (preferably) with the ability to work as hotspot as well. (which I'm assuming would still be cheaper than using a human-piloted helicopter to do the same thing) The video reminds me of a couple of Hawkwind songs. Edited 8 hours ago by UltraAlt If someone posts a reply quoting me and I don't reply, they may be on ignore. (It seems I'm involved with so much at this point that I may not be able to easily retrieve access to all the notifications) Some players know that I have them on ignore and are likely to make posts knowing that is the case. But the fact that I have them on ignore won't stop some of them from bullying and harassing people, because some of them love to do it. There is a group that have banded together to target forum posters they don't like. They think that this behavior is acceptable. Ignore (in the forums) and /ignore (in-game) are tools to improve your gaming experience. Don't feel bad about using them.
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