Funktionide Part II from eltopo on Vimeo.

“Based on EAP-technology “Funktionide” is a concept for an emotional robot that substitutes human contact. In a future where technology will play a huge part in our lifes it is very likely that some day it will shift from satisfiying our basic funtional needs to include our emotional needs as well.”

All I want to know is if it can turn into a ladder?

Late last year, our very own Davis Freeberg lamented the lack of a Redbox video game rental kiosk. Hope was renewed this spring when Redbox announced they’d begin testing combo DVD+gaming kiosks and postal mail game rental-co Gamefly launched a self-service machine at Texas Tech University. Now, as the Inside Redbox blog learned, Redbox’s long awaited video game inventory rollout has begun. And it looks like Reno is one of the first markets to offer video games.

Inventory seems limited (13 Xbox 360 games listed). However, the convenience factor could be huge. Not to mention, some (me) often use game rentals as a trial to determine which titles I’m going to need to purchase. However, I’m not yet convinced this model will fly. While games and movies utilize the same flat optical media, usage patterns and demographics differ

Touchable Holography presented by SIGGRAPH2009

Part 1:
A holographic image floating in mid-air is no longer a mere dream. Provision Holo provides floating images by utilizing a concave mirror. Although you can see the images, you cannot feel any reacting sensation. We use the wiimotes for a simple tracking system.

Part 2:
We use the “Airborne Ultrasound Tactile Display” developed in our lab. Ultrasound pushes objects in the direction of its propagation. Force is generated at the focal point of the ultrasound. The focal point can be moved by controlling the phase delays.

Part 3:
The tactile display attached on the roof gives contact force. You can feel rain drops falling on your hand, or a small creature.