While it still may be tough for recent college graduates to find jobs, some students still in school are trying to make the best of their time by creating incredible technologies and gadgets. Continue reading to see five of the coolest.
1. Lock-Cracking Machine
Whether if you know one number, two, or even none for a Masterlock, the LockCracker robot can solve it. Built by students at the Olin College of Engineering, this clever robot “consists of a clamp, which hold the lock in place using a thumb-screw, and a puller, a solenoid-controlled grabber which yanks the loop of the lock to try to open it, and a stepper-motor which actually turns the knob and dials in the combinations.” Continue reading to see it in-action.
2. Kinect-Controlled JediBot
Called the JediBot, this innovative Kinect-controlled robot, developed by Stanford University students, “can wield a foam sword (light saber, if you will) and duel a human combatant for command of the empire.” The robot strikes using a set of predefined attack motions. When it detects a hit (when its foam light saber comes in contact with its opponent’s foam light saber and puts torque on the robotic arm’s joints), it recoils and moves on to the next motion.
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3. World’s Fastest Solar Car
That’s right, as of January 8, 2011 in Australia, the Sunswift IVy soared past the world record for the fastest solar car in the world, traveling at more than 88km/h.” It was designed and built by students at the University of New South Wales; the car is entirely powered by silicon solar cells and produces about 1200 watts – the same amount of power required to run a toaster.
4. Laser Backpack
Students at UC Berkley have built a laser backpack capable of generating instant 3D maps. The system uses “a suite of laser scanners and positional sensors that enable it to capture images of building interiors as a fleshy assistant roams their halls.” Those images can then be automatically pieced back together to create a 3D representation.
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5. DDR-Controlled Tetris
Here’s a first: a DDR-pad controlled Tetris game. This setup was created by three MIT students “who had an urge to play an LED matrix game of Tetris in a new way — LEDs inside tubes light up and create the game in front of your eyes.” For those who’d like to recreate this experience, check out this page for more information.
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