Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

What if you could talk… without really talking? Aside from saving you all the effort required to move your lips, don’t you agree that it would be the sexiest thing in mobile communications since the RAZR? Well, Ambient Corporation promises to give you just that, the ability to say words without opening your mouth. Just think of all the possibilities this will bring. Now, you can continue to annoy your peaceful old neighbors without even moving your lips, you talkative freak of nature you.

In a recent conference held by microchip manufacturer Texas Instruments, Michael Callahan of Ambient Corporation demonstrated how “Audeo”, the groundbreaking technology developed by their company, can let a user “speak without speaking” via a neckband and a nearby computer. The neckband is used to interpret the nerve signals in the user’s vocal cords and then wirelessly transmits it to the computer to be spoken aloud by a robotic voice. It doesn’t read your thoughts, though, but only the words that you “want to say”. I believe this is a significant step forward in the field of wireless communications. You have to see it for yourself to believe it (keep reading for a video demonstration).

MORE »

Reuters had this great story and image I just had to share.  Japanese scientists from Waseda University in Tokyo demonstrated their biped robot WL-16RIII on Wednesday.  They are currently developing the two legged robot robotic chair to aid elderly and handicapped individuals climb dubious stairways.  While it may take 5 years to develop, since the current prototype is still slow, somewhat cumbersome with heavy loads, and requires the occupant to “hop up” on the nearly 4 foot high seat, the duo’s ultimate goal is to create greater mobility for those with physical limitations.

Think we can get one of this to get up the stairs at the Gadgetell headquarters?