Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[DARPA realizes it needs contact lenses, opts for those nice AR tinted ones (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/darpa-innovega-ioptik-augmented-reality-contact-lenses/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/darpa-innovega-ioptik-augmented-reality-contact-lenses/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/darpa-innovega-ioptik-augmented-reality-contact-lenses/#commentsDARPA realizes it needs contact lenses, opts for those nice AR tinted ones (video)DARPA saw the battlefield potential in AR glasses ages ago, when even Sergey Brin was happy to wear regular Ray-Bans. It's now stepped up its investment, giving more cash to one of its research contractors -- a company called Innovega -- to produce prototype contact lenses that could make military wearable HUDs smaller and less conspicuous. Innovega's iOptik lenses don't actually include a display, but rather allow the human eye to focus on an image from a separate accessory that sits right up close to the eyeball. The lenses have different zones that give the wearer multiple areas of focus, so they can see the overlaid augmented reality HUD -- such as a feed from an overhead drone -- but also warlike events going on in the immediate environment. Judging from the video after the break, however, calling them plain 'bifocals' might be taboo.

Continue reading DARPA realizes it needs contact lenses, opts for those nice AR tinted ones (video)

DARPA realizes it needs contact lenses, opts for those nice AR tinted ones (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARaugmented realityAugmentedRealitybifocalcombatcontact lenscontact lensesContactLensContactLensesdarpafocusglassesgogglesheads up displayHeadsUpDisplayHUDinnovegaioptiklensmilitarymulti-focusvideowarFri, 13 Apr 2012 05:31:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's next Grand Challenge to focus on humanoid robots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/darpas-next-grand-challenge-to-focus-on-humanoid-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/darpas-next-grand-challenge-to-focus-on-humanoid-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/darpas-next-grand-challenge-to-focus-on-humanoid-robots/#comments DARPA's next Grand Challenge to focus on humanoid robots
DARPA's Grand Challenges have already helped put plenty of self-driving cars on (closed) roads, but it looks like the agency has something a bit different in mind for its next one. As first reported by Hizook, DARPA has apparently set its sights on humanoid robots as its next target -- specifically, robots that are human-like enough to navigate rough terrain, drive a vehicle and manipulate regular tools (the idea being to simulate assisting in an industrial disaster zone). What's more, participants will have to develop robots that can do all of that "semi-autonomously," with only "supervisory teleoperation" permitted. No word on a timeline for the challenge just yet, but DARPA will apparently have more to say when it makes things completely official within the next few weeks.

[Thanks, Travis]

DARPA's next Grand Challenge to focus on humanoid robots originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darpadarpa grand challengeDarpaGrandChallengegrand challengeGrandChallengehumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotrobotroboticsrobotsFri, 06 Apr 2012 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA envisions disposable SeeMe satellites for on-demand reconnaissance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/darpa-envisions-disposable-seeme-satellites/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/darpa-envisions-disposable-seeme-satellites/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/darpa-envisions-disposable-seeme-satellites/#comments DARPA envisions disposable SeeMe satellites for on-demand reconnaissanceA new project from DARPA could successfully bring satellites to the same throwaway status as paper cups and Charlie Sheen's income (#winning). At $500,000 a pop, the orbitals would hardly be chump change, but the Pentagon insists these airborne systems could provide reconnaissance within 90 minutes of deployment and would deliver valuable tactical information to areas not covered by current satellites. Known as SeeMe, the systems would be launched in groups of 24 -- which equates to a $12 million cluster -- and would remain in orbit for 60 to 90 days, at which point they'd burn up upon atmospheric re-entry. Currently, DARPA is seeking contractors that can manufacture the systems rapidly at low costs, which can also "develop advanced technologies for optics, power, propulsion and communications to keep size and weight down." It's said to further discuss the project at a March 27th event known as Proposers' Day. In the meantime, we're going to hit the junkyard and see what we can cobble together.

DARPA envisions disposable SeeMe satellites for on-demand reconnaissance originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darpamilitarypentagonreconnaissanceresearchsatelliteseemewarwargadgetThu, 15 Mar 2012 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Snail turned into living battery, should have taken the blue pill]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/cyber-snail/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/cyber-snail/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/cyber-snail/#comments
You know how those mad scientists at DARPA are obsessed with generating power from insects? A team from Clarkson University, New York and Ben-Gurion University, Israel has gone one better by turning a Snail into a cybernetic power generator. A pair of Buckypaper electrodes were charged by the electro-chemical reactions in the slow-moving invertebrates "hemolymph," its equivalent to blood. Its hoped the Snails will provide a sustainable way to power listening devices for the Department of Homeland Security, so if you suddenly find your crawlspace full of gastropods, be careful what you say.

[Image credit: American Chemical Society]

Snail turned into living battery, should have taken the blue pill originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-Gurion UniversityBen-gurionUniversityBio-Power GenerationBio-powerGenerationBuckypaperClarkson UniversityClarksonUniversityCyber SnailCyberSnailCyborg InsectsCyborg SnailsCyborgInsectsCyborgSnailsDARPADepartment of Homeland SecurityDepartmentOfHomelandSecurityHemolymphPowerPower GenerationPowerGenerationSnailSnailsWed, 14 Mar 2012 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA director exits agency for Google, assumes mysterious role]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/darpa-director-exits-agency-for-google-assumes-mysterious-role/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/darpa-director-exits-agency-for-google-assumes-mysterious-role/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/darpa-director-exits-agency-for-google-assumes-mysterious-role/#comments Not even the federal government's factory of scifi dreams can hold off the likes of Google's recruiters. According to Wired, Regina Dugan, DARPA's current director, will be moving on from the Department of Defense's fantastical research arm for an unspecified "senior executive position" with the folks from Mountain View. Dugan's served in her role for the past three years, winning over the likes of the Pentagon by shifting her agency's focus from out-there R&D experiments to more practical military applications, while also ruffling a few feathers with her brazen statements. No word was given on when exactly she'll officially join the search giant's ranks other than a vague mention of "sometime in the next few weeks." Look out Uncle Sam, the Google brain drain's got its sights set on you. Now, no government sector is safe.

DARPA director exits agency for Google, assumes mysterious role originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DARPAexitGooglehiringPentagonRegina DuganReginaDuganMon, 12 Mar 2012 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: interview with Chevy, breakthrough LED light and spider silk violin strings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/chevy-interview-led-light-spider-silk-violin-strings/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/chevy-interview-led-light-spider-silk-violin-strings/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/chevy-interview-led-light-spider-silk-violin-strings/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
This week the Chevy Volt lit up the newswires after GM announced plans to temporarily halt its production -- Inhabitat brought you an interview with Chevy on the shutdown and explained why it doesn't foretell electric vehicle doomsday. We also showcased you the hottest new vehicles straight from the Geneva Motor Show -- including Infiniti's sexy Emerg-E sports car, Toyota's ultra-compact FT-Bh hybrid, and Nissan's Hi-Cross hybrid crossover. On the lighter side of things, this week a LEGO space shuttle soared into the stratosphere, we featured an insane Russian bicycle powered by a chainsaw, and DARPA's robotic cheetah broke a world land speed record.

Groundbreaking green architecture projects reached for the sky as Tokyo's Sky Tree was crowned the world's second tallest building and the eVolo Skyscraper Competition unveiled its futuristic finalists -- including an energy-generating tower made entirely from trash, a spiraling water-storing spire for the Himalayas, and a spherical underwater skyscraper that recycles plastic pollution. New York City also made waves as Mayor Bloomberg called for a solid waste to energy facility, Terreform proposed plans for a self-sufficient NYC covered with vertical gardens, and a new cupcake ATM hit the streets of Manhattan.

It was also a big week for consumer tech as Apple launched its brand new iPad -- however in the light of recent criticism over Apple's labor conditions we took a look at the human cost of Apple's products and we shared 5 things you should know before buying the iPad 3. Meanwhile, researchers at MIT developed a breakthrough LED light that exceeds 100 percent efficiency, and we brought you an inside look at 5 high-tech green data centers that serve the environment. Finally, scientists discovered several amazing new uses for spider silk by weaving it into violin strings that create superior symphonic sounds and insulation that conducts heat 800 times better than any other organic material.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: interview with Chevy, breakthrough LED light and spider silk violin strings originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatmbloombergchevychevy voltChevyVoltDARPAecoelectricenergy efficientEnergyEfficientinhabitatinhabitats week in greeninhabitatsweekingreenipadLEGOorganicorganic materialsOrganicMaterialsthisweekingreentokyotransportationSun, 11 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's robotic cheetah sets a land speed record racing into your nightmares (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/darpas-robotic-cheetah-sets-a-land-speed-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/darpas-robotic-cheetah-sets-a-land-speed-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/darpas-robotic-cheetah-sets-a-land-speed-record/#comments DARPA Robotic Cheetah
Sleep tight.

Continue reading DARPA's robotic cheetah sets a land speed record racing into your nightmares (video)

DARPA's robotic cheetah sets a land speed record racing into your nightmares (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boston dynamicsBostonDynamicscheetahDarpaDarpa Robotic CheetahDarpaRoboticCheetahm3Maximum Mobility and ManipulationMaximumMobilityAndManipulationrobotrobot apocalypserobot cheetahRobotApocalypseRobotCheetahrobotic cheetahRoboticCheetahrobotsvideoMon, 05 Mar 2012 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/#comments In a fevered mash up of blockbuster films directed by James Cameron, DARPA is looking to put soldier controlled bi-pedal robots on the battlefield. Think Terminator meets Avatar. The agency has set aside $7 million of it's $2.8 billion 2012 budget to develop an "Avatar program" that will "develop interfaces and algorithms to enable a soldier to effectively partner with a semi-autonomous bi-pedal machine and allow it to act as the soldier's surrogate." DARPA isn't talking about simple remote control rigs, either -- these 'bots are being designed to clear rooms, and facilitate sentry control and combat casualty recovery. The new budget also sets aside $4.1 million to design laser countermeasures to protect military weapons, well, lasers -- ensuring that the future's robot soldiers will be nigh indestructible when they rebel against their human hosts.

DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armautonomousavatardarpahandhandsmachinesmilitaryrobotrobot apocalypserobot avatarRobotApocalypseRobotAvatarrobotssurrogatesurrogate soldiersSurrogateSoldiersterminatorwargadgetSun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA planning high-speed wireless for soldiers in the field]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/darpa-planning-high-speed-wireless-for-soldiers-in-the-field/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/darpa-planning-high-speed-wireless-for-soldiers-in-the-field/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/darpa-planning-high-speed-wireless-for-soldiers-in-the-field/#comments UAVDARPA has its hands and, more importantly, its money in just about everything. Weapons, robots, thermal sensors -- it's a staple of the scientific community. But, it's also a military agency with basic needs, like internet access. The research group's newest project doesn't carry heavy loads (unless you're weighing your cargo in kilobytes) and can't break the sound barrier, but it should be able to deliver 4G speeds to even the most remote of battlefields. DARPA has $11.8 million set aside for its Mobile Hotspots program which will use millimeter-wave signals to deliver high-speed data connections to dismounted soldiers, forward-operating bases and tactical centers. Most importantly, each node in the network extends its range building out a mesh that isn't reliant on existing infrastructure. For more details hit up the PR after the break.

Continue reading DARPA planning high-speed wireless for soldiers in the field

DARPA planning high-speed wireless for soldiers in the field originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gDARPADefense Advanced Research Projects AgencyDefenseAdvancedResearchProjectsAgencymilitaryMillimeter WaveMillimeterWavemobile hotspotsMobileHotspotswargadgetwirelesswireless networkingWirelessNetworkingThu, 16 Feb 2012 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[GE turns butterfly-inspired tech into cheap, accurate thermal sensors (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/ge-turns-butterfly-inspired-tech-into-cheap-accurate-thermal-se/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/ge-turns-butterfly-inspired-tech-into-cheap-accurate-thermal-se/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/ge-turns-butterfly-inspired-tech-into-cheap-accurate-thermal-se/#comments GE butterfly sensorWhen last we heard from GE and its Morpho-butterfly inspired sensors, all the talk was about detecting chemicals. And, with $6.3 million in funding coming from DARPA, we're not surprised. In the latest issue of Nature Photonics, however, the company's researchers show that the wing-like structures are just as good at detecting heat as they are ricin attacks. By coating them with carbon nanotubes the team was able to create a sensor sensitive to temperature changes as small as 0.02 degrees Celsius with a response rate of 1/40 of a second. The sensors could eventually find their way into imaging devices and medical equipment, and are expected to cost just a fraction of similar technologies currently on the market. Of course, since DARPA is still involved with the project, there are some potential security uses as well -- such as screening devices and fire detection. Head after the break for a video and some PR.

Continue reading GE turns butterfly-inspired tech into cheap, accurate thermal sensors (video)

GE turns butterfly-inspired tech into cheap, accurate thermal sensors (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>butterfliesbutterflycarbon nanotubesCarbonNanotubesDARPAGEgeneral electricGeneralElectricmorpho butterfliesMorphoButterfliesnanostructuresthermal imagingthermal sensorThermalImagingThermalSensorvideoWed, 15 Feb 2012 02:52:00 EST<![CDATA[AlphaDog robo pack-mule begins outdoor trials, noisily hikes into your nightmares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/alphadog-robo-pack-mule-begins-outdoor-trials/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/alphadog-robo-pack-mule-begins-outdoor-trials/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/alphadog-robo-pack-mule-begins-outdoor-trials/#commentsBoston Dynamics LS3 AlphaDogBoston Dynamics' LS3, better known 'round these parts as AlphaDog, has already wowed us with a display of its stability, power and mobility. Thing is, that little clip we caught back in October took place entirely within the safe and purposefully laid out confines of a laboratory. So, the question is, what happens when you take the rather noisy quadruped outside and strap a bunch of weight to it? Well, pretty much the same thing that happened while it was nice and cozy inside -- the beast powered through the reasonably rugged terrain with nary a hitch. By the end of the tests DARPA hopes to have a mighty robotic porter capable of carrying 400 pounds of gear up to 20 miles without refueling. Though, the trek is expected to be slow and arduous as a full 24 hours is target time frame for such a journey. For full PR and to see the bot in action head on after the break.

Continue reading AlphaDog robo pack-mule begins outdoor trials, noisily hikes into your nightmares

AlphaDog robo pack-mule begins outdoor trials, noisily hikes into your nightmares originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphadogboston dynamicsboston dynamics alphadogboston dynamics bigdogBoston Dynamics LS3BostonDynamicsBostonDynamicsAlphadogBostonDynamicsBigdogBostonDynamicsLs3darpaLS3militaryRobopocalypseRobotApocalypsevideoWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's crowdsourced UAV competition heats up, takes off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/darpa-crowdsource-uavforge-uav-star-wars/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/darpa-crowdsource-uavforge-uav-star-wars/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/darpa-crowdsource-uavforge-uav-star-wars/#comments
Late last year, DARPA launched UAVForge -- a competition that invites contestants to create their very own unmanned aerial vehicles, and submit them for voter-based evaluation. The project is far from over, but competing teams have already started sending in their proof-of-flight videos, giving us a glimpse of what's to come. So far, it looks like the GremLion UAV (pictured above) is the early favorite, after coming out victorious in the first round of voting. Developed by a team from the National University of Singapore, the GremLion looks like a bite-sized Death Star and flies around using a coaxial set of rotors that expand tulip-style out of its shell. Also included in the UAVForge showdown is a guy known as X-MAUS -- an Arduino-controlled quadcopter that can apparently transform into a more aerodynamic plane form upon liftoff. And, rounding out the list of notables is a submission from TU Delft known as the QuadShot, which is basically a miniature B-Wing from Star Wars. Except it's real. Hit up the break to see all three in action.

Continue reading DARPA's crowdsourced UAV competition heats up, takes off (video)

DARPA's crowdsourced UAV competition heats up, takes off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinob wingBWingcompetitioncrowdsourcingdarpadeath starDeathStarflightgremlion uavGremlionUavnational university of singaporeNationalUniversityOfSingaporeplanequadcopterquadrotorquadshotsciencestar warsStarWarsTU DelftTuDelftuavUAV ForgeUAVForgeunmanned aerial vehicleUnmannedAerialVehiclevideoX-MAUSWed, 08 Feb 2012 04:58:00 EST<![CDATA[F-BOMB $50 surveillance computer hides in your CO detector, cracks your WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/28/f-bomb-50-surveilance-computer-hides-in-your-co-detector-crack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/28/f-bomb-50-surveilance-computer-hides-in-your-co-detector-crack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/28/f-bomb-50-surveilance-computer-hides-in-your-co-detector-crack/#comments F-BOMB $50 surveilance computer hides in your CO detector, cracks your WiFiWhat happens when you take a PogoPlug, add 8GB of flash storage, some radios (WiFi, GPS) and perhaps a few sensors, then stuff everything in a 3D-printed box? You get the F-BOMB (Falling or Ballistically-launched Object that Makes Backdoors), a battery-powered surveillance computer that costs less than $50 to put together using off-the-shelf parts. The 4 x 3.5 x 1-inch device, created by security researcher Brendan O'Connor and funded by DARPA's Cyber Fast Track program, is cheap enough for single-use scenarios where costly traditional hardware is impractical. It can be dropped from an AR Drone, tossed over a fence, plugged into a wall socket or even hidden inside a CO detector. Once in place, the homebrew Linux-based system can be used to gather data and hop onto wireless networks using WiFi-cracking software. Sneaky. Paranoid yet? Click on the source link below for more info.

F-BOMB $50 surveillance computer hides in your CO detector, cracks your WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AR DroneArDroneBrendan OConnorBrendanOconnorCloud EnginesCloudEnginescomputerCyber Fast TrackCyberFastTrackDARPAF-BOMBGPSLinuxParrotParrot AR DroneParrotArDronePogoPlugsecuritysensorssurveillanceWiFiSat, 28 Jan 2012 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[June 6th 2012: IPv6 goes live]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/june-6th-2012-ipv6-goes-live/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/june-6th-2012-ipv6-goes-live/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/june-6th-2012-ipv6-goes-live/#comments
When Vint Cerf and his friends at DARPA concocted a system that allowed for 4.3 billion IP addresses, it was never conceived that everyone's computer would be able to access the internet -- before the age when your telephone, fridge and air conditioning unit would too. The IPv4 system officially ran out of addresses last year, but fortunately the moment was prepared for: June 8th 2011 was "World IPv6 Day," where a host of sites including Google, Bing and Facebook quietly tried out the new system for 24 hours to make sure it wouldn't cause the internet to explode. June 6th this year will see the final activation of the new network provision that has a capacity of around 340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456 unique addresses, which we figure will keep us going until Black Friday, at least.

June 6th 2012: IPv6 goes live originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DARPAInternetIPv4IPv6June 6thJune 6th 2012June 8thJune 8th 2011June6thJune6th2012June8thJune8th2011The InternetThe IT CrowdTheInternetTheItCrowdVint CerfVintCerfWorld IPv6 DayWorldIpv6DayWed, 18 Jan 2012 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Cornell scientists perform optical illusion, herald invisibility through bending of light (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/cornell-scientists-herald-invisibility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/cornell-scientists-herald-invisibility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/cornell-scientists-herald-invisibility/#comments Taken at face value, you'd almost think that Cornell scientists had successfully bent the fabric of time. With gobs of fiber optics at their disposal, the researchers have devised a method to distort light in a way that makes events in time undetectable to observers. Initial success in this Pentagon-backed invisibility project has cloaked an event for 40 trillionths of a second, leading Cornell scientists to tout, "You kind of create a hole in time where an event takes place. You just don't know that anything ever happened."

The feat is performed by separating light into more fundamental wavelengths, first by slowing the red and speeding the blue. A resultant gap forms in the beam, which leaves a small window for subterfuge. Then, as the light passes through another set of fibers -- which slow the blue and speed the red -- light reaches the observer as if no disturbance had taken place at all. While the brilliant researchers ultimately imagine art thieves being able to pass undetected through museums with this method, the immediate challenge will be in prolonging the light gap. This could prove frustrating, however, due to the scattering and dispersion effects of light. As Cornell scientists dream of their ultimate heist, visual learners will most certainly want to check the video after the break.

Continue reading Cornell scientists perform optical illusion, herald invisibility through bending of light (video)

Cornell scientists perform optical illusion, herald invisibility through bending of light (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloakcloakingcornellcornell universityCornellUniversitydarpafiber opticfiber opticsFiberOpticFiberOpticsinvisibilityinvisibility cloakInvisibilityCloakinvisiblelightoptical camouflageOpticalCamouflagepentagonresearchscientistsstealthtimevideoFri, 06 Jan 2012 02:08:00 EST<![CDATA[US Army's A160 Hummingbird drone-copter to don 1.8 gigapixel camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/us-armys-a160-hummingbird-drone-copter-to-don-1-8-gigapixel-cam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/us-armys-a160-hummingbird-drone-copter-to-don-1-8-gigapixel-cam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/us-armys-a160-hummingbird-drone-copter-to-don-1-8-gigapixel-cam/#comments Starting in July of 2012, the United States Army will deploy three Boeing A160 Hummingbird drones to Afghanistan as part of a one-year trial program. Unlike the Predator drones already in combat, the A160 is a rotor-based aircraft capable of vertical take-offs and landings. What's more, the craft will be affixed with the DARPA-developed ARGUS-IS imaging system -- which boasts a 1.8 gigapixel camera the Army says can "track people and vehicles from altitudes above 20,000 feet." The A160 Hummingbird platform will provide the Army with the ability and flexibility to: take off and land without a runway; fly for twelve hours or more without refueling; and monitor up to 65 enemies of the State simultaneously. Test flights of the unmanned chopper are scheduled for early 2012 in Arizona, but residents hoping to get a glimpse of the A160 in action best have great eyesight -- the ARGUS-IS system can see targets from almost 25 miles down range. Oh, and don't forget to smile when you look up. You want to look your best for the eye in the sky, right?

US Army's A160 Hummingbird drone-copter to don 1.8 gigapixel camera originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.8 gigapixel1.8GigapixelA160a160 hummingbirdA160HummingbirdARGUSargus-isarmedArmyDARPAdroneforcesgigapixelhelicopterStatesUAVUnitedUnited StatesUnitedStatesunmanned aerial vehicleUnmannedAerialVehicleus armyUsArmyvertical takeoff and landingVerticalTakeoffAndLandingvtolVTOL-UASwargadgetTue, 27 Dec 2011 23:34:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT's got a way of using encrypted data without decrypting it, next stop, traveling without moving]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/mits-got-a-way-of-using-encrypted-data-without-decrypting-it-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/mits-got-a-way-of-using-encrypted-data-without-decrypting-it-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/mits-got-a-way-of-using-encrypted-data-without-decrypting-it-n/#comments
Excepting Jersey Shore participants, people generally value privacy and it's a bigger issue when so much data is stored online. Ethical data controllers will keep it encrypted, but much like leaving food in a fridge, you have to take it out if you wanna use it, which is when it's most at risk. A team from MIT, thinks it's found a solution: a database that allows you to ask it questions without taking it out of the fridge... wait, what? CryptDB works by turning data into "homomorphic" information: strings of numbers, which you can then calculate against one another to get the answers you require. The frankensoftware is comprised of other encryption services, layered like an onion -- but capable of switching between processes instantly. The project was funded by Google and Citigroup and has been so successful that DARPA might be rolling some tanks up Massachusetts Avenue to offer the team a $20 million bounty. Head on down to our source link to read the paper that's so complex it made our eyes go cross-eyed.

Continue reading MIT's got a way of using encrypted data without decrypting it, next stop, traveling without moving

MIT's got a way of using encrypted data without decrypting it, next stop, traveling without moving originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CitigroupCryptDBCryptographyDARPADatabasesGoogleHomomorphicHomomorphic EncryptionHomomorphicEncryptionMITSecure DatabasesSecureDatabasesFri, 23 Dec 2011 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA to develop biometric sensor capable of seeing through walls, pulling your heartstrings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/darpa-to-develop-biometric-sensor-capable-of-seeing-through-wall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/darpa-to-develop-biometric-sensor-capable-of-seeing-through-wall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/darpa-to-develop-biometric-sensor-capable-of-seeing-through-wall/#comments The feds may soon know the way to your heart. Literally. Earlier this month, the forward-thinkers over at DARPA announced plans to develop new technologies capable of identifying human life through walls. The program, known as "Biometrics-at-a-distance," would essentially combine two pre-existing Pentagon projects: the Radar Scope, a device that can see through walls, and 2009's LifeReader, a system that uses Doppler radar to detect heartbeats. Though the military already employs a handful of devices to help soldiers see humans from behind walls, DARPA apparently thinks there's room for improvement. Most contemporary technologies, for example, only work from a maximum distance of eight meters, and aren't as accurate within more densely populated areas. DARPA wants its next project to extend this range beyond ten meters, while sharpening its ability to penetrate thicker obstructions. The agency also wants its sensor to identify individual humans using electrocardiography, which traces the heart's electrical activity. According to DARPA, this could allow users to pinpoint up to ten people at the same time, which could pay dividends during disaster rescue efforts, military operations, or your next Eyes Wide Shut party.

DARPA to develop biometric sensor capable of seeing through walls, pulling your heartstrings originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armybiometricbiometric IDBiometricIdbiometrics at a distanceBiometricsAtADistanceconceptDARPAelectrocardiographyfederalfedsgovernmentheartheartbeathumanlifereadermilitarypentagonprojectradarradar scopeRadarScopescansensortechnologywallswarwargadgetMon, 21 Nov 2011 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA tests advanced hypersonic weapon prototype, makes railgun sweat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/darpa-tests-advanced-hypersonic-weapon-prototype-makes-railgun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/darpa-tests-advanced-hypersonic-weapon-prototype-makes-railgun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/darpa-tests-advanced-hypersonic-weapon-prototype-makes-railgun/#comments

The US Army completed testing of its hypersonic weapon yesterday, launching a test projectile across the Pacific Ocean. The glider flies at a lower trajectory than typical missiles, traveling at several times the speed of sound, making it capable of hitting anywhere on this peaceful ball of blue and green within an hour. We saw DARPA's hypersonic aircraft's successful launch earlier this year -- the Falcon HTV-2 (pictured above) managed to hit the dizzying speed of Mach 20 during its tests, before it crashed. Despite recent military funding issues in the US government, hopefully all things hypersonic will get to fly again soon.

DARPA tests advanced hypersonic weapon prototype, makes railgun sweat originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Hypersonic WeaponAdvancedHypersonicWeaponarmyDARPAFalcon HTV-2FalconHtv-2hypersonicmilitarymissileprojectilespeed of soundSpeedOfSoundUS armyUsArmywargadgetweapon systemsWeaponSystemsFri, 18 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Self-moving robot leads automatons in impending robot apocalypse (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/self-moving-robot-leads-automatons-in-impending-robot-apocalypse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/self-moving-robot-leads-automatons-in-impending-robot-apocalypse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/self-moving-robot-leads-automatons-in-impending-robot-apocalypse/#comments Just in time for All Hallow's Eve shenanigans, scientists at MIT's DARPA and Boeing funded Chembots program have just introduced an uber creepy self-propelling robot quite capable of leading the robot apocalypse single-handedly. The automaton moves with the help of a pneumatic battery -- a power source that utilizes a hydrogen peroxide catalyst to inflate a soft silicone pod, in turn forcing the bot forward. With electropermanent magnets to regulate built-in valves, all it takes is a small current to activate the bot, which can regulate just how much H202 it will employ for a completely solo and super creepy zombie-like C-walk. Jump past the break to check out the video... if you dare.

Continue reading Self-moving robot leads automatons in impending robot apocalypse (video)

Self-moving robot leads automatons in impending robot apocalypse (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoeingChembotschembots programChembotsProgramcontainedDARPAelectromagnetic valvesElectromagneticValveselectropermanent magnetsElectropermanentMagnetsH202hydrogen peroxideHydrogenPeroxideMITpneumatic batteryPneumaticBatteryrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypserobotsself-propellingsiliconevideoThu, 27 Oct 2011 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics Alpha Dog makes Alyx Vance's pet look like a toy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/boston-dynamics-alpha-dog-makes-alyx-vances-pet-look-like-a-toy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/boston-dynamics-alpha-dog-makes-alyx-vances-pet-look-like-a-toy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/boston-dynamics-alpha-dog-makes-alyx-vances-pet-look-like-a-toy/#comments
Boston Dynamics' BigDog is one of our favorite insane-level DARPA projects; a robotic pack-mule that can carry 400 pounds of kit for troops. At some point, the Massachusetts mechanics decided the bot would be far better if it was the size of a bull, or, you know, an SUV. The Alpha Dog loses the un-stealthy buzzing noise of its predecessor, has a range of 20 miles and can take much more punishment. If you check out the video after the break, you'll see two people unsuccessfully attempt a takedown on the monster -- Half-Life 2 diehards might experience a combat flashback at the mere sight of it. AT-AT Jr is expected to see field testing sometime next year when it won't have a test bed of rocks to contend with, but the US Marines. Mark our words: we expect 'em to appear in every nightmarish dystopia of the 2020s, and take a starring role in the forthcoming Robopocalypse.

Continue reading Boston Dynamics Alpha Dog makes Alyx Vance's pet look like a toy (video)

Boston Dynamics Alpha Dog makes Alyx Vance's pet look like a toy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpha DogAlphaDogAlyx VanceAlyxVanceAt-ATBig DogBigDogBoston DynamicsBoston Dynamics LS3BostonDynamicsBostonDynamicsLs3DARPADogHalf-Life 2Half-life2Military RobotsMilitaryRobotsRobopocalypserobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseUS MarinesUsMarinesvideoSun, 02 Oct 2011 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA harvests energy from cyborg beetles to keep them brainwashed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/darpa-harvests-energy-from-cyborg-beetles-to-keep-them-brainwash/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/darpa-harvests-energy-from-cyborg-beetles-to-keep-them-brainwash/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/darpa-harvests-energy-from-cyborg-beetles-to-keep-them-brainwash/#comments
Beetles packing cybernetic implants that control their brains make a cheaper and more useful micro-air-vehicle than a fully robotic one -- but due to the weight of the battery packs required, development has been slow. Now a DARPA-funded team at the University of Michigan thinks it's eliminated that problem. By attaching piezoelectric generators to each wing, the researchers can harvest the energy generated in flight and use it to juice the mind-control circuits. At present, the system generates about half the energy the team thinks it can produce, as innovations in ceramic production of the miniature devices should solve that. An experimental robotics project in competition with a cyborg one? This all feels a bit too RoboCop for us.

DARPA harvests energy from cyborg beetles to keep them brainwashed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CyborgCyborg BeetleCyborgBeetleDARPAEthem Erkan AktakkaEthemErkanAktakkaHanseup KimHanseupKimKhalil NajafiKhalilNajafiMAVMAVsMicro Air VehicleMicro Air VehiclesMicroAirVehicleMicroAirVehiclesUniversity of MichiganUniversityOfMichiganWargadgetThu, 01 Sep 2011 19:43:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM's cognitive computing chip functions like a human brain, heralds our demise (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/ibms-cognitive-computing-chip-functions-like-a-human-brain-her/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/ibms-cognitive-computing-chip-functions-like-a-human-brain-her/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/ibms-cognitive-computing-chip-functions-like-a-human-brain-her/#comments
After having created a supercomputer capable of hanging with Jeopardy's finest, IBM has now taken another step toward human-like artificial intelligence, with an experimental chip designed to function like a real brain. Developed as part of a DARPA project called SyNAPSE (Systems of Neuromorphic Adaptive Plastic Scalable Electronics), IBM's so-called "neurosynaptic computing chip" features a silicon core capable of digitally replicating the brain's neurons, synapses and axons. To achieve this, researchers took a dramatic departure from the conventional von Neumann computer architecture, which links internal memory and a processor with a single data channel. This structure allows for data to be transmitted at high, but limited rates, and isn't especially power efficient -- especially for more sophisticated, scaled-up systems. Instead, IBM integrated memory directly within its processors, wedding hardware with software in a design that more closely resembles the brain's cognitive structure. This severely limits data transfer speeds, but allows the system to execute multiple processes in parallel (much like humans do), while minimizing power usage. IBM's two prototypes have already demonstrated the ability to navigate, recognize patterns and classify objects, though the long-term goal is to create a smaller, low-power chip that can analyze more complex data and, yes, learn. Scurry past the break for some videos from IBM's researchers, along with the full press release.

Continue reading IBM's cognitive computing chip functions like a human brain, heralds our demise (video)

IBM's cognitive computing chip functions like a human brain, heralds our demise (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectureaxonbrainchipcognitivecognitive computing chipCognitiveComputingChipcomputingCPUDARPAdesignibmibm researchIbmResearchlearningmemoryneuronneuroscienceneurosynaptic computing chipNeurosynapticComputingChipparallelpowerprocessorprototyperesearchsupercomputersynapsesynapsesthinkingvideovon neumannVonNeumannwatsonThu, 18 Aug 2011 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's Maple leaf Remote Control drone takes first flight (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/darpas-maple-leaf-remote-control-drone-takes-first-flight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/darpas-maple-leaf-remote-control-drone-takes-first-flight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/darpas-maple-leaf-remote-control-drone-takes-first-flight-vide/#comments After five years behind locked doors, researchers at Lockheed Martin's Intelligent Robotics Laboratories in New Jersey have emerged with a working prototype of the "Samarai," a tiny DARPA-commissioned surveillance drone. The nano air vehicles (NAVs), modeled after falling Maple leaf seeds, are designed to be super light weight and agile for vertical lift off, hovering, and navigation in tight spaces. Like your favorite $5 Subway sammie, these surveillance bots are a foot long, but instead of being shoveled in your mouth, they're thrown like boomerangs into flight and controlled using a tablet app or a basic remote. These eyes in the sky will officially launch next week at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Conference, but until then you can check out the video of their first flight below.

Update: Lockheed Martin wrote in to let us know that although originally commissioned by DARPA, this project is currently funded internally. Lockheed also noted that the flight recorded in the video is only a test flight, rather than a first flight for the Samarai.

Continue reading DARPA's Maple leaf Remote Control drone takes first flight (video)

DARPA's Maple leaf Remote Control drone takes first flight (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armyassociation for unmanned vehicle systems international conferencAssociationForUnmannedVehicleSystemsInternationalConferencedarpadroneintelligenceLockheed Martin Corplockheed martin intelligent roboticsLockheedMartinLockheedMartinCorpLockheedMartinIntelligentRoboticsMaple LeafsMapleLeafsnano air vehicleNanoAirVehicleNAVNAVsrobotrobotssamaraisoldierssurveillanceUAVuavsunmanned vehicle systsmes internationall conferenceUnmannedVehicleSystsmesInternationallConferencevideoThu, 11 Aug 2011 21:51:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 hypersonic aircraft launches today, does New York to LA in 12 minutes (update: lost in flight)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/darpas-falcon-htv-2-hypersonic-aircraft-launches-today-does-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/darpas-falcon-htv-2-hypersonic-aircraft-launches-today-does-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/darpas-falcon-htv-2-hypersonic-aircraft-launches-today-does-ne/#comments
All eyes are on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California today, where DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 unmanned aircraft is scheduled to launch into space at hypersonic speeds, as part of a critical test flight. Measuring just 12 feet in length, the HTV-2 maxes out at a speed of about 1300 16,700 miles per hour (Mach 22), theoretically allowing it to jet from New York to Los Angeles in just 12 minutes and to reach anywhere in the world in less than an hour. The main obstacle, however, has been transitioning from theory to practice. During its first test flight back in April, the craft lasted just nine minutes before intentionally crashing, due to technical failures. DARPA still doesn't know what went wrong during that fateful test, though the agency speculates that the Falcon may have simply overheated. This time around, engineers have adjusted plane's center of gravity and angle of descent, in the hopes that their creation will fare better when it launches on the back of a Minotaur IV rocket, later today. If the test proves successful, it may help fuel similarly inter-galactic defense projects that the Pentagon is exploring as a means to combat terrorism and enemy states. We'll have to wait a little longer to find out whether this initiative actually takes off, but in the meantime, head past the break for a demo video from DARPA.

Update: Sadly, while the Minotaur IV rocket launch and separation were successful, the Falcon HTV-2 itself was lost nine minutes into its flight this morning just as its predecessor was. DARPA did manage to collect data up until the crash (somewhere in the Pacific Ocean), however, and says that it plans to review it over the coming weeks. Third time's the charm, maybe?

Continue reading DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 hypersonic aircraft launches today, does New York to LA in 12 minutes (update: lost in flight)

DARPA's Falcon HTV-2 hypersonic aircraft launches today, does New York to LA in 12 minutes (update: lost in flight) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darpadefenseFalcon HTV-2FalconHtv-2flighthypersonichypersonic flightHypersonicFlightmach 22Mach22minotaur ivMinotaurIvpentagonrocketspaceterrorismtest flightTestFlightvandenberg air force baseVandenbergAirForceBasevideowarThu, 11 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuel-electric hybrid air car wants to take flight, needs funding to do it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/fuel-electric-hybrid-air-car-wants-to-take-flight-needs-funding/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/fuel-electric-hybrid-air-car-wants-to-take-flight-needs-funding/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/fuel-electric-hybrid-air-car-wants-to-take-flight-needs-funding/#commentsIt's a bird, it's a plane, it's a... fuel-electric hybrid air car? Well, yes actually, but right now it's more ready-to-go concept than airborne reality. This brainchild of Trek Aerospace designer Michael Moshier and test-pilot Robert Bulaga employs the same ducted-fan tech the duo used in their DARPA-funded, NASA design-assisted, Popular Science 'Invention of the Year' winning SoloTrek. Like its predecessor, this hybrid air car is ideal for those close-quartered take-off and landing situations thanks to its enclosed propulsion system -- good news for birds, trees and even human heads everywhere. Though still in the design phase, the pair hopes a generous round of funding will propel this 1960s Jetsons promise into a world-class fleet. While we can't see the DMV rushing to approve licenses of this sort for the common joe, the copter-car should prove beneficial in roadless third-world nations, and maybe even lend a covered-propeller hand to first-world emergency service units. Pay attention billionaires of the world, this flying car's got your bank account written all over it. PR for the deep-pocketed after the break.

[Image credit via Michael Moshier/Robert Bulaga]

Continue reading Fuel-electric hybrid air car wants to take flight, needs funding to do it

Fuel-electric hybrid air car wants to take flight, needs funding to do it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DARPAflying carFlyingCarfuel-electric hybrid air carFuel-electricHybridAirCarMichael MoshierMichaelMoshierRobert BulagaRobertBulagaTrek AerospaceTrekAerospaceThu, 30 Jun 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's XC2V FLYPMode crowd-sourced combat vehicle revealed, now in desert khaki (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/26/darpas-xc2v-flypmode-crowd-sourced-combat-vehicle-revealed-now/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/26/darpas-xc2v-flypmode-crowd-sourced-combat-vehicle-revealed-now/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/26/darpas-xc2v-flypmode-crowd-sourced-combat-vehicle-revealed-now/#comments DARPA's XC2V FLYPMode crowd-sourced combat vehicle revealed, now in desert khaki (video) Okay, so perhaps the specific color here is up for debate, but one thing is clear: the XC2V FLYPMode is one imposing looking vehicle. Also known as the Experimental Crowd-derived Combat Support Vehicle, DARPA has billed this mean machine as the "first crowd-sourced, militarily relevant vehicle design." After being selected as the winning entry to DARPA's design-the-next-Humvee competition, Local Motors tricked out the XC2V FLYPMode in just 14 weeks. For now, it is but a "proof of principle project," meaning we probably won't see this thing riding dirty in the desert anytime soon, if ever. You can, however, see at least a portion of the beast's birth in a time-lapse video after the break.

Continue reading DARPA's XC2V FLYPMode crowd-sourced combat vehicle revealed, now in desert khaki (video)

DARPA's XC2V FLYPMode crowd-sourced combat vehicle revealed, now in desert khaki (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crowd-derived Combat-support Vehicle Design ChallengeCrowd-derivedCombat-supportVehicleDesignChallengecrowdsourcecrowdsourcingDarpaFLYPModelocal motorsLocalMotorsmilitaryvideowargadgetXC2VXC2V FlypmodeXc2vFlypmodeSun, 26 Jun 2011 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA setting up a $130 million 'virtual firing range' to help battle cyber attacks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/darpa-setting-up-a-130-million-virtual-firing-range-to-help-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/darpa-setting-up-a-130-million-virtual-firing-range-to-help-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/darpa-setting-up-a-130-million-virtual-firing-range-to-help-b/#comments The US government is serious about online security, just ask any one of its cyber commandos. Adding to its arsenal for battling the big bad hackers, Reuters reports that DARPA is working on a National Cyber Range, which would act a standalone internet simulation engine where digital warriors can be trained and experimental ideas tested out. Lockheed Martin and Johns Hopkins University are competing to provide the final system, with one of them expected to soon get the go-ahead for a one-year trial, which, if all goes well, will be followed by DARPA unleashing its techies upon the virtual firing range in earnest next year. The cost of the project is said to run somewhere near $130 million, which might have sounded a bit expensive before the recent spate of successful hacking attacks on high profile private companies, but now seems like a rational expenditure to ensure the nuclear missile codes and the people crazy enough to use them are kept at a safe distance from one another. DARPA has a pair of other cleverly titled cybersecurity schemes up its sleeve, called CRASH and CINDER, but you'll have to hit the source link to learn more about them.

DARPA setting up a $130 million 'virtual firing range' to help battle cyber attacks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cybercyber securitycyber warfareCyberSecurityCyberWarfaredarpaexperimentationfiring rangeFiringRangehackhackinginternetjohns hopkinsJohnsHopkinslockheedlockheed martinLockheedMartinnational cyber rangeNationalCyberRangeonlinepentagonresearchsecuritytrainingususavirtualwargadgetwebMon, 20 Jun 2011 03:49:00 EST<![CDATA['Miraculous' Aeros airship set to fly by 2013, thanks to DOD funding]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/miraculous-aeros-airship-set-to-fly-by-2013-thanks-to-dod-fun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/miraculous-aeros-airship-set-to-fly-by-2013-thanks-to-dod-fun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/miraculous-aeros-airship-set-to-fly-by-2013-thanks-to-dod-fun/#comments
Are you nostalgic for a time when the word "zeppelin" stood for leisurely intercontinental travel for the rich and famous, rather than bass-heavy portable sound and MotoBlur phones? Take heart, as Ukrainian entrepreneur Igor Pasternak claims to have solved the "buoyancy problem" that has long limited the usefulness of airships. The problem is that burning fuel or dropping cargo lightens the ship, which then needs to vent costly helium to return to earth; without a way to control buoyancy, take-offs and landings become complicated to the point of uselessness. Pasternak claims to have solved this sticking point by compressing the pricey gas, thereby conserving it for later use. The Defense Department (which loves its warblimps) has contracted his company, Aeros, to provide a working demonstration by 2012-13. Dubbed Pelican, it will only fly without a payload at first -- but if the technology proves feasible, we might just see a new Era of Airships.

'Miraculous' Aeros airship set to fly by 2013, thanks to DOD funding originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerosAirshipairshipsBlimpblimpsBuoyancyControl Of Static HeavinessControlOfStaticHeavinessCoshDarpaDirigibledirigiblesHeliumIgor PasternakIgorPasternakpelicanPentagonZeppelinzeppelinsMon, 09 May 2011 05:38:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's new Space Surveillance Telescope will keep our satellites safe from interstellar debris]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/darpas-new-space-surveillance-telescope-will-keep-our-satellite/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/darpas-new-space-surveillance-telescope-will-keep-our-satellite/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/darpas-new-space-surveillance-telescope-will-keep-our-satellite/#commentsWhat's that in the sky? A bird? A plane? Oh, it's just some junk floating around in space, posing major threats to our military's spy satellites. To help keep an eye on it, engineers at DARPA, MIT and the Air Force have unleashed a new $110 million telescope that's been in the works for nine years now. The new Space Surveillance Telescope (SST) is capable of delivering wide-angle views of the Earth's firmament thanks to a curved CCD. This allows for a massive 3.5m aperture and f/1.0 exposure settings, capturing more light in a day that your average scope can in a week. As part of the Air Force's Space Surveillance Network (SSN), the telescope's primary task will be to look out for any microsatellites, meteors or other alien droppings moving at the same speed at which the Earth rotates. The system developed its first images earlier this year and the Air Force may eventually place SSTs all over the world, creating a 360-degree surveillance blanket and going a long way toward keeping our spycraft warm, cozy, and safe from galactic hazards.

Continue reading DARPA's new Space Surveillance Telescope will keep our satellites safe from interstellar debris

DARPA's new Space Surveillance Telescope will keep our satellites safe from interstellar debris originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air forceAirForceApertureccdcurved charge coupled deviceCurvedChargeCoupledDevicedarpadebrisImage CaptureImageCaptureimageslightMeteormilitaryMilitaryTechmitopticssatellitespacespace debrisspace surveillance networkspace surveillance telescopeSpaceDebrisSpaceSurveillanceNetworkSpaceSurveillanceTelescopespyspy satelliteSpySatelliteSSNsststarstelescopewargadgetTue, 26 Apr 2011 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's next-gen wearable display: augmented-reality, holographic sunglasses]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/darpas-next-gen-wearable-display-augmented-reality-holographi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/darpas-next-gen-wearable-display-augmented-reality-holographi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/darpas-next-gen-wearable-display-augmented-reality-holographi/#comments The US military seems to adore the idea of wearable displays, hence its continued efforts to make them a reality. We know it seems like just yesterday that DARPA tapped Lockheed Martin to build low-power, lightweight augmented-reality eyewear, and it was actually four full years ago when the wild and wonderous dream was to craft HMDs as small and light as "high-fashion sunglasses." Well, that dream lives on, this time with holograms: the lenscrafters at Vuzix just received a cool million to develop goggles that holographically overlay battlefield data on the wearer's vision. It all sounds very Dead Space (or, you know, like a Top Secret version of Recon-Zeal's Transcend goggles), promising realtime analysis of anything within sight. The company believes the finished product will be no more than 3mm thick and completely transparent when turned off. If all goes well, expect this to trickle down to consumers in short order; soon you'll have full "situational awareness" -- including relationship status -- of that mysterious stranger you've been eyeballing from across the room.

DARPA's next-gen wearable display: augmented-reality, holographic sunglasses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARaugmented-realityaugmentedrealityAwareness VisualizationAwarenessVisualizationbattlefield visionBattlefieldVisiondarpaDead SpaceDeadSpacedefensegogglesheads-up displayHeads-upDisplayhmdhmdshologramsholographichudmilitarysituational awarenessSituationalAwarenesssunglassesUrbanLeaderTacticalResponseVuzixwarwargadgetwearable displayWearableDisplayTue, 12 Apr 2011 23:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Download DARPA's sub-hunting sim, help train its ACTUV automaton]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/#comments DARPA dabbles in all matter of defense drones, and it's no stranger to leveraging the wisdom of the masses to help develop tomorrow's military machinery. The agency's latest program to go the crowdsourcing route is its Anti-submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV), and it wants you to help develop the software that'll control the thing. DARPA's borrowed a bit of the Sonalysts Combat Simulations Dangerous Waters game to create the ACTUV Tactics Simulator, where players complete missions tracking a target sub while navigating through and around commercial ocean traffic. Would-be captains can then choose to submit their strategies and game data to DARPA for use in shoring up the autonomous seabot's strategic submarine pursuit software. Hit the source link for a free download and dive into the sub-hunting action.

Download DARPA's sub-hunting sim, help train its ACTUV automaton originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACTUVACTUV tactics simulatorActuvTacticsSimulatorACUTUV x shipacutuv x-shipAcutuvX-shipAcutuvXShipautonomousboatcrowdsourcecrowdsourcingDARPAmilitarynavyrobotshipsimsimulationsimulatorsoftwaresubmarinetrackingwargadgetFri, 08 Apr 2011 23:47:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM shows off 155GHz graphene transistor in the name of DARPA research]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/ibm-shows-off-155ghz-graphene-transistor-in-the-name-of-darpa-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/ibm-shows-off-155ghz-graphene-transistor-in-the-name-of-darpa-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/ibm-shows-off-155ghz-graphene-transistor-in-the-name-of-darpa-re/#commentsIBM might be cautious about touting graphene as a a silicon killer, but that hasn't stopped it from pushing the production of ever faster graphene transistors. With the recent demonstration of a 155GHz graphene transistor, the firm successfully outdid its previous record-setting efforts, which produced a cut-off frequency of 100GHz. What's more, the thing is also IBM's smallest to date, with a gate length of 40 nanometers; that's 200 nanometers less than the 100GHz iteration. This smaller, faster transistor was produced as part of a DARPA research project that aims to develop high-performance RF (radio frequency) transistors. So, no, we probably won't be seeing the things in our PCs anytime soon, but it looks like they could be right at home in war machines of the future.

IBM shows off 155GHz graphene transistor in the name of DARPA research originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>155GHz graphene transistor155ghzGrapheneTransistorDARPAfastest graphene transistorFastestGrapheneTransistorgraphenegraphene transistorGrapheneTransistornanonanotechnanotechnologytransistorwarwar machineWarMachineworlds fastestworlds smallesworlds smallestWorldsFastestWorldsSmallesWorldsSmallestFri, 08 Apr 2011 20:16:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA BOLT initiative wants real-time spoken translation, Douglas Adams' ghost says it's about time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/darpa-bolt-initiative-wants-real-time-spoken-translation-dougla/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/darpa-bolt-initiative-wants-real-time-spoken-translation-dougla/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/darpa-bolt-initiative-wants-real-time-spoken-translation-dougla/#commentsDARPA launches BOLT initiative for real-time spoken translation, ghost of Douglas Adams readies spectral patent lawyers Thanks to online tools like Google Translate we're now able to communicate with people in nearly any language -- maybe not perfectly, but well enough to get the general idea across, and livened up by the occasional humorous mistranslation. Now DARPA wants that done wholesale and with military precision, launching the BOLT initiative. That stands for Boundless Operational Language Translation, and DARPA is giving interested parties until May 19th of this year to submit proposals for how they'll manage to achieve the department's lofty goals, which include written and spoken translation into English of "multiple languages." If you're thinking of competing you can find all the details at the source link, though curiously you won't find a single Vorgon dialect mentioned.

DARPA BOLT initiative wants real-time spoken translation, Douglas Adams' ghost says it's about time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automatic translationAutomaticTranslationbabelfishboltboundless operational language translationBoundlessOperationalLanguageTranslationdarpatranslationwargadgetWed, 06 Apr 2011 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul Baran, early internet engineer and architect, passes away at 84]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/paul-baran-early-internet-engineer-and-architect-passes-away-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/paul-baran-early-internet-engineer-and-architect-passes-away-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/paul-baran-early-internet-engineer-and-architect-passes-away-a/#commentsMost of you may not believe it, but the internet as we know it didn't really exist a mere 20 years ago. Paul Baran, an engineer of the ARPANET (an early attempt at a networked information superhighway) has passed away today at the age of 84. As the father of packet-switching -- the basis of all online information exchanges -- he was initially scoffed at by major communications players like AT&T, who thought the tech was too advanced to be realized at the time. However, after the US Department of Defense saw the need for an effective large-scale information network following WWII, the ARPANET was eventually -- and successfully -- built based on these packet-switching concepts and evolved to form the current interweb. We've definitely lost a visionary in the field of networking, and here's to hoping the next generation of like-minded innovators has the same perseverance and success.

[Image: Computer History Museum]

Paul Baran, early internet engineer and architect, passes away at 84 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arpa netarpanetdarpadarpanetdeathinternetobitobituarypacket switchingPacketSwitchingpaul baranPaulBaranMon, 28 Mar 2011 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's Urban Photonic Sandtable Display enables 3D battlefield planning without goofy glasses]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/darpas-urban-photonic-sandtable-display-enables-3d-battlefield/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/darpas-urban-photonic-sandtable-display-enables-3d-battlefield/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/darpas-urban-photonic-sandtable-display-enables-3d-battlefield/#commentsDARPA's Urban Photonic Sandtable Display enables 3D battlefield planning without goofy glasses You probably point and laugh at your friends when they have big, bulky 3D glasses perched on their noses in theaters. That kind of tomfoolery just won't do amongst the military brass, who frown at the slightest hint of snickering in the operations room. This new 3D system, called the Urban Photonic Sandtable Display (UPSD), should help. It's a DARPA project, a fully holographic table (no glasses required) that can be scaled up to six feet diagonally and allows visual depth of up to 12-inches. The technology comes courtesy of Zebra Imaging, which earlier wowed us with some insane 3D printouts, and the data will come from LIDAR systems like this ROAMS bot. No word on when the system will be deployed to the field, but it should allow grizzled commanders and uppity businessmen to find unobtanium deposits, even if they happen to be located right under a big 'ol tree.

Continue reading DARPA's Urban Photonic Sandtable Display enables 3D battlefield planning without goofy glasses

DARPA's Urban Photonic Sandtable Display enables 3D battlefield planning without goofy glasses originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ddarpaglasses-free 3dGlasses-free3dholographiclidarupsdurban photonic sandtable displayUrbanPhotonicSandtableDisplaywargadgetzebra imagingZebraImagingMon, 28 Mar 2011 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA M3 program to make cheaper, more mobile robots for the US war machine]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/darpa-m3-program-to-make-cheaper-more-mobile-robots-for-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/darpa-m3-program-to-make-cheaper-more-mobile-robots-for-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/darpa-m3-program-to-make-cheaper-more-mobile-robots-for-the-us/#commentsDARPA, that governmental black magic factory that gave us the flying Humvee and Hummingbird spybot, has unveiled its new Maximum Mobility and Manipulation Program (M3) program that plans to put us on the fast track to our robotic future. M3 aims to improve robotic research through four specialized development programs -- design tools, fabrication, control, and prototype demonstration -- that divvy up the work between commercial labs and universities. The program will not replace existing bionic projects, but some, like the Autonomous Robotic Manipulation (ARM) program, will be folded into the new scheme. DARPA anticipates that the plan will result in cheaper bots superior to those we have today, but not superior to man... we hope.

DARPA M3 program to make cheaper, more mobile robots for the US war machine originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyborgdarpadefensem3researchrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseroboticsrobotsWed, 23 Mar 2011 00:46:00 EST<![CDATA[GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/#comments
It's no secret: if your laptop sits atop your lap for an extended period of time, you're going to get burned -- okay, so maybe not burned, but you're definitely going to feel the heat. Luckily GE has been working (under contract for DARPA) on a new phase-change based thermal conductor that promises to cool electronics twice as well as copper, at one-fourth the weight. The breakthrough means big things for those of us who'd like to make babies one day, but we doubt that's why DARPA's shelling out the big bucks -- the new material functions at 10 times normal gravity, making it a shoo-in for on-board computing systems in jetliners. Using "unique surface engineered coatings" that simultaneously attract and repel water, the new nanotechnology could mean not only lighter, cooler electronics, but also an increase in computing speeds. Goodbye scrotal hyperthermia, hello cool computing! Full PR after the break.

Continue reading GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally

GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changeconductorcoolcoolercoolingDARPAGEgeneral electricGeneralElectricheatheatinghigh gravityHighGravityhotlap toplaptopnanonanotechnanotechnologyoverheatingphasephase changephase-changePhaseChangeresearchtemperaturethermal conductorThermalConductorWed, 16 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA's Global Hawk completes unmanned airborne refueling simulation, will do it for real next year (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/nasas-global-hawk-completes-unmanned-airborne-refueling-simulat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/nasas-global-hawk-completes-unmanned-airborne-refueling-simulat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/nasas-global-hawk-completes-unmanned-airborne-refueling-simulat/#comments
While some bot makers are busying themselves designing AI to simulate humans' natural and distinct lack of intelligence, it's nice to see there are still old-fashioned researchers out there keeping the Skynet dream alive. Northrop Grumman's aeronautics gurus have paired together a Global Hawk unmanned aircraft with a manned Proteus ship way up in the skies -- 45,000 feet, to be precise -- with the vessels of ingenuity managing to fly in tandem at a distance as short as 40 feet. Unsurprisingly, this is the first time such intimacy has been reached between UAVs (the Proteus had a monitoring crew on board to ensure the insurance bill wasn't through the roof) in high altitude, and the ultimate goal of having two Global Hawks doing the deed without any human intervention is said to be within reach by next year. That's when these light and agile air drones will be able to refuel themselves and go on for a mighty 120 hours in the air... plenty of time to complete a well planned extermination down below, if one were so inclined.

Continue reading NASA's Global Hawk completes unmanned airborne refueling simulation, will do it for real next year (video)

NASA's Global Hawk completes unmanned airborne refueling simulation, will do it for real next year (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerialairaltitudeartificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligenceautonomousdarpademonstrationdroneglobal hawkGlobalHawkhigh altitudeHighAltitudekq-xnasanorthropNorthrop GrummanNorthropGrummanrefuelrefuelingrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypserobotsrq-4simulationtestuavunmanned aerial vehicleUnmannedAerialVehiclevideowarwargadgetThu, 10 Mar 2011 03:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics Cheetah and Atlas robots get DARPA funding, getting ready to find you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/boston-dynamics-cheetah-and-atlas-robots-get-darpa-funding-gett/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/boston-dynamics-cheetah-and-atlas-robots-get-darpa-funding-gett/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/boston-dynamics-cheetah-and-atlas-robots-get-darpa-funding-gett/#commentsOkay, so it may not look quite as impressive as some other mechanical cheetahs Okay, so it may not look quite as impressive as some other mechanical cheetahs we've seen in the past, but this new one from Boston Dynamics certainly has a lot of potential. That robot, plus a new humanoid called Atlas, have won DARPA contracts and so will be put into at least limited production, much like the company's earlier BigDog. Cheetah is said to run "faster than any existing legged robot and faster than the fastest human runners," while Atlas can "move through difficult terrain using human-like behavior," meaning neither running nor hiding will work. That leaves only fighting, so get ready to buck up.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Boston Dynamics Cheetah and Atlas robots get DARPA funding, getting ready to find you originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlasboston dynamicsBostonDynamicscheetahdarpadefensefundedfundingrobotTue, 01 Mar 2011 03:13:00 EST