earthquake relief
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Fukushima plant operator uses modded robot vacuum to suck up radioactive dirt (video)
A few months ago, back when Japan was freshly reeling from that devastating earthquake and tsunami, it became obvious that robots could help survey radiation levels in Fukushima, even if they were powerless to lower them. Now, Tokyo Power Electric Co., the company that operates the damaged nuclear plant, is experimenting with an ad hoc system designed to clean at least some of the radioactive dirt from the reactors. What you see in that clip below is an industrial-grade vacuum cleaner attached to a Warrior, the most heavy-duty of iRobot's mobile bots. The idea is that workers can control the system from a safe distance, and let the robot handle the dirty work of removing toxic sand and debris. Head past the break to see it in action, combing the floor of the (eerily) empty plant.
Blizzard releases Cenarion Hatchling pet for Japan earthquake relief
Blizzard has just released a new pet at the pet store called the Cenarion Hatchling, a baby version of the hippogryph that once was only available as part of the old WoW TCG. A full 100% of the proceeds generated by this pet purchase will go to help the American Red Cross's Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief efforts, compared to the 50% from previous pets like the Pandaren Monk. The donation process will be ongoing through July 31.
Sonic and Football Manager iOS games discounted for charity
Speaking of iPhone ports of classic console games being discounted and the profits directed toward Japanese earthquake relief ... Sega has knocked down the prices on its iOS Sonic the Hedgehog games, including (App Store links) Sonic the Hedgehog ($1.99), Sonic 2 ($2.99), Sonic 4 ($3.99) and Sonic Spinball ($0.99), with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Red Cross through March 20. Additionally, proceeds from the $10 Football Manager Handheld 2011 will also be donated. Normally, we'd recommend against iPhone ports of console games, but when your money goes straight to helping save lives, we couldn't recommend them enough. You get a game that you may derive some enjoyment from, and the Red Cross gets a little more help.
