Classic cars have always been a hit among auto enthusiasts, and that group includes the classic Ford Bronco. California-based startup Zero Labs Automotive decided to create an all-electric version of that iconic vehicle, or to be more specific, it’s a fully restored and re-engineered original Bronco, complete with aerospace grade carbon fiber bodywork, handcrafted walnut / bamboo interior panels, premium leather, a retro-styled digital gauge cluster and more than 1,000 newly-designed parts. Two caveats: it’s expected to cost between $275K – $325K and limited to just 150-units worldwide. Read more for two additional videos, pictures and information.
Facebook AI Research team unveiled an AI called Vid2Game that grabs real people from videos and turns them into playable game characters, similar to those ’80s full-motion video games (Night Trap, Ground Zero Texas, Prize Fighter, Corpse Killer, etc.). Put simply, it uses neural networks to analyze random videos of people performing specific actions and then proceeds to recreate that character and action in virtually any environment. Read more for a tech demo video and additional information.
Whether it be combat zones, camps, or civilian uses, Mifram Security’s modular vehicle barrier is a non-lethal solution that helps stop vehicles and assists vehicular control in seconds, without destroying them. They can be installed in just about any length required to create a barrier adapted for numerous wide road widths according to users intend application. Plus, it’s even effective against vehicles that have run-flat protection fitted as opposed to spike systems. Read more for another video and additional information.
Uber’s autonomous vehicle unit has just received a $1-billion investment from a coalition of investors comprised of SoftBank Group Corp ($333-million) and Toyota / Denso ($667-million) ahead of its public stock offering, valuing the division at $7.25-billion. “This investment and our strong partnership with the Toyota Group are a testament to the incredible work of our ATG team to date, and the exciting future ahead for this important project, alongside great partners. The development of automated driving technology will transform transportation as we know it, making our streets safer and our cities more livable. Today’s announcement, along with our ongoing OEM and supplier relationships, will help maintain Uber’s position at the forefront of that transformation,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. Read more for another video of Uber’s self-driving car technology and additional information.
For those who don’t know the PUMA Fi self-lacing training sneakers are a direct descendant of AutoDisc, a wirelessly-connected adaptive-fit shoe Puma announced way back in 2016. Unlike Nike’s Adapt BB, which automatically tightens, these shoes have a swipe-activated motor on the tongue that tightens the hidden laces. Wearers simply swipe up to tighten, swipe down to “untie” and / or control them using the Fit Intelligence app over Bluetooth. The motor is powered by a battery concealed within the shoe’s insole, and when it runs low, you can recharge it by placing the sneakers on a wireless charging plate. Read more for a hands-on video and additional information, including a link to the sign-up page.
What better way to show off your new robot than by using them to haul a giant truck? That’s exactly what Boston Dynamics did to showcase their Spotpower robotic dog. Based on the SpotMini, this 66-pound robot can perform a variety of tasks, like climbing stairs, traversing rugged terrain and transporting up to 31 pounds. Best of all, the video announced that the SpotPower model will be available to the public for a “range of applications soon.” Read more for another video comparing the SpotMini to a competitor.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 S Coupe have been revealed ahead of the NY Auto Show, both sporting new headlight / taillight designs, an AMG grille, an updated sports exhaust, a matte gray paint option, as well as a fresh set of optional 21-inch wheels. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged V-8 in the GLC 63 that generates 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the S gets 503 hp and 516 lb-ft, mated to a nine-speed automatic, meaning 0–60 mph times of 3.8 seconds and 3.6 seconds, respectively. Read more for an in-depth video, additional pictures and information.
Aston Martin’s Rapide E, the company’s first all-electric vehicle, has been officially unveiled at 2019 Auto Shanghai. It’s powered by 800V, 65 kWh battery encased in carbon fiber and Kevlar, complete with over 5600 ltihium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells, that generates 601 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in just 4-seconds. You can expect a driving range of over 200 miles on a full charge, and the high power AC on-board charger can fully power the battery in just 3-hours at the standard 185 miles per hour through a common 400V 50kW charger or fast charging at 310 miles per hour. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Scientists from Tel Aviv University (TAU), Israel have created the world’s first 3D vascularized, engineered heart with real human tissue and blood vessels. “This is the first time anyone anywhere has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers,” said professor and the study’s lead researcher Tal Dvir of TAU’s School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and the Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology. Read more for a video and additional information.
Industrial engineer Guillermo Martinez purchased his first 3D printer for $172 in 2017, and them promptly started watching YouTube tutorials that showed how to build robots and other devices for fun. One day, he stumbled upon a tutorial for a prosthetic hand, and that video changed his life forever. “I started making many 3D-printed hand prostheses for fun…then I thought to myself, ‘what if this can actually help someone?’ I had already prepared my trip to Kenya and I contacted the NGO Bamba Project, as well as one of the orphanages that operates in Kenya. I didn’t think I was going to find anyone,” said Martinez. Read more for a video and additional information.