We started our series of green architecture in one of our previous articles regarding the cacti resembling building in Qatar. This article is about the idea which takes over most of the modern architects, and that is placing green surfaces at the roofs of the buildings. This article is about the amazing green roof at… »
With this article we’re starting a new series on our website and it is about architecture. Due to the changes regarding our environment and temperature it is important to emphasize the new ideas and techniques that bring more balance between our creations and nature. Creating architecture which mimics nature or shows technological advances covers two… »
We decided to start writing articles regarding the combination of art and technology since it’s more frequent and exceptional. We hope you’ll find these combinations as much as we do. The series will start with a story about a Dutch artist Theo Jansen who has been working for almost 2 decades in order to create… »
The 3-year project ‘Cargo Screening Ferret’ began in October 2008 and it involves researchers from the University of Glasgow, Loughborough University, City University London and defense and security specialists Qinetiq. The ferret will offer major advantages in combat against human trafficking. Currently, it is very difficult to detect people hidden in freight containers. Sensors on… »
Drug smugglers and terrorists may soon meet their match: a handheld chemical detector powered by trained wasps or bees. Nicknamed “The Wasp Hound” the prototype tool houses five parasitic wasps that react to the smell of explosives, illegal drugs, and plant diseases. In theory, the insects’ movements set off an alarm to alert authorities. Although… »
Humans have always wondered how water beads roll off flowers, as well off caterpillars and some other insects, and how insects like water striders are able to walk on water. It’s a property called super hydrophobia. Self-cleaning counter tops, fabrics, walls, even micro-robots that can walk on water – all those things and more could… »
Many plants are heliotropic, gradually tilting towards the sun to optimize solar energy capture. Current sun-tracking solar panels involve the use of motors and electronic control systems, but we believe a biomimetic heliotropic solar panel can be created with the use of alternative materials and designs. Practically, the heliotropic solar panel could be useful in… »
A number of robotic fish are going to be used in an experiment in the port of Gijon in Spain in order to evaluate how effectively and cost-efficiently they can detect water pollution. The carp-shaped robots are part of a three-year research project of Huosheng Hu and his robotics team at the School of Computer… »
