aston
Latest
Intelligent micro-drill carefully delves through tissue
While the idea of a robotic surgeon always makes us a bit weary, a new micro-drill crafted in the UK is earning its stripes (and the public's trust) the old fashioned way: by executing its duties without harming someone. The intelligent medical drill was developed by Peter Brett and colleagues at the University of Aston and David Proops, a surgeon at University Hospital Birmingham, and is "used to bore small holes in the side of a patient's head so that a surgeon can install an implant." Aside from being just slightly creeped out at that imagery, a surgical device that has worked perfectly in three actual operations demands respect, as the device has successfully allowed doctors to "give profoundly deaf patients cochlear implants." This device stands out due to its uncanny ability to sense pressure, torque, and force, and can automatically shut down if it feels it's going to pierce a membrane that shouldn't be punctured -- and for all you fellows who greatly prefer your hair over just about anything, we're sure the implant industry is already checking into it.[Via NewScientistTech]
Aston prepping Bee-Box WiFi media streamer
French electronics manufacturer Aston looks set to get in on the WiFi media streamer action, with details of its forthcoming Bee-Box unit now coming to light. While the field's getting increasingly crowded, the Bee-Box looks like it'll set itself apart in at least one respect, being based largely on the open-source VLC media playback software. That means that if VLC can play it (in other words, just about everything), you'll be able to stream it to up to four different TVs within range of your WiFi network (with a Bee-Box on each, naturally). If that's not enough, you'll also be able to put it to work streaming some IPTV, including France's Freebox TV service. Look for it to launch in Europe this March for an even 100 Euros ($130).[Thanks, Fred]
