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#robots
MacroSwiss 6x6 Spyrobot Is Nearly Indestructable, Can Be Armed
When we last saw MacroSwiss's Spybot it only had four wheels and minimal sensors. Their new Spyrobot model adds thermal sensing, synthetic aperture radar, and two extra wheels, which help give it the ant-like ability to carry four times its own weight. MacroSwiss also added the ability to navigate back to home base autonomously, similar to some UAVs. Apart from that limited intelligence, the weapon ready robot is still fully controlled by a remote operator—for now. [MacroSwiss via gizmag] More » -
#robots
Robot Drummer Gets More Ass Than Led Zeppelin In The 70's
Musically inclined hackers too lazy to play drums themselves need to check out this amazing "Yellow Drum Machine". The robot basically wanders around searching for "playable" surfaces, then creates and combines samples on the fly into rhythms. Possibly the coolest feature is that when it hears your stomping or clapping, it joins in after measuring the speed for four beats. Check out a video of it playing on a glass of lemonade after the jump. More » -
#piracy
Japanese ISPs Plan To Cut Off P2P Pirates
Japanese internet service providers plan on disconnecting evil filesharing pirates in some of the most severe anti-p2p tactics worldwide. Due to pressure from music, video game and movie companies, the ISPs would warn the offender via email before cutting the cord if the bootlegger in question didn't cease and desist. Though such a punishment may not seem as bad as the multimillion-dollar fines levied by the RIAA here in the US, we think a life without internet may be worse than one without money. [AFP] More » -
#spying
House Denies Warrantless Wiretapping Immunity For Telcos
In a textbook display of checks and balances, the House of Representatives defied President Bush and the Senate yesterday by passing their version of a surveillance bill without legal immunity for telcos. The bill passed by only 16 votes, far from the 2/3 majority needed to override Bush's inevitable veto. It looks like this legislative battle could continue until the next president takes office in 2009. As we have seen, an Obama administration would deny immunity, McCain would grant immunity, and Clinton? Who knows. [dslreports] More » -
