A Gasoline-Powered Robotic Exoskeleton Designed Just for Kids

Because even toddlers need to smash

If you think you can’t motivate the kids to put down the Sega or whatever it is they’re playing with these days, Japanese robotics manufacturer Sakakibara-Kikai would beg to differ. The company that created the Landwalker bi-pedal exoskeleton has created a five-and-a-quarter-foot exoskeleton just for the kiddies that is sure to captivate even the most technophobic youngster, assuming such a thing exists.

Sakakibara-Kikai developed the Kid’s Walker exoskeleton after repeated requests by children to ride in the much larger Landwalker which, at just over eleven feet tall, might be a bit too much machine for a market segment still mastering the common pedal-powered bicycle. Kid’s Walker is powered by gasoline, weighs nearly 400 pounds, and, quite frankly, is kind of menacing.

That being said, it actually seems pretty safe by appearances. Rather than bounding destructively along Avatar-style, Kid’s Walker shuffles slowly around, maintaining a stable center of gravity. The hand controls are also restrained to acceptably safe levels, prohibiting balance-threatening fast motions. Moreover, features like Gatling cannons and shoulder-mounted rocket installations do not come standard, so you’ll have to figure out how to acquire those on your own.

The most menacing thing about Kid’s Walker is actually the price: the manufacturer hasn’t officially set one, but they have said that in Japan it would likely sell at around $21,000.

 [ By Clay Dillow Posted 10.04.2010 at 3:14 pm ] 

IMM - Banquet food court - Char Kway Teow

This is nice, however a little too sweet and hot. Can try again next time... just request to reduce the sweetness and chilli.

Wii-Powered Robot Chair Lets Infants Zoom Around On Their Own

"Independent mobility is crucial in the development of typical infants," says the research Baby Transporter Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.

A baby transporter for mobility-impaired children would ensure confidence, independence and proper cognitive development, researchers say. So they recommend babies start driving around on sonar-equipped robots.

At a rehabilitation conference in Las Vegas, researchers at Ithaca College described attaching a child seat to a Wii Fit balance board and mounting the whole setup on a Pioneer 3 robot. Like an infant Segway, it moves in whatever direction the baby leans, and built-in sonar helps avoid collisions.

It worked for babies aged 7 to 9 months, according to a paper on the Wii ‘bot. Babies leaned forward to grab a toy or a drink, and they wheeled forward. They also zoomed around on their own without coaxing, the paper says. Parents can assume control using a wireless joystick that acts as a master override switch.

Doctors say such a contraption could help children with spina bifida or cerebral palsy who can’t explore the world on their own. Independent movement is crucial for infant development, the Ithaca researchers say.

We say giving mobility-impaired babies a way to move around is a great idea. As an added bonus, it prepares them for a future wearing an Iron Baby exoskeleton.

Dilemma for Genuine Home Buyers

Key points:

• Barring external shocks or economics downturn, the measures by themselves are unlikely to drag prices down significantly, if at all. Under the present positive market conditions, sellers are on a stable footing and under no pressure to slash prices.

• It would be worthwhile waiting if prices do eventually decline substantially, but delaying also runs two main risks: Higher interest rates and stronger measures imposed by the Government that may affect even genuine home buyers.

• Together with inflation concerns, the current low interest rates and expectations of long term capital appreciation, it appears that buyers would likely be drawn back to the residential property market after an expected period of hesitation.

Sculpting a Steady State

Key points:

• Experience has shown that when assets are attractively repriced, it can potentially encourage sidelined buyers to enter the market if overall economic fundamentals are in place.

• If prices see continual correction throughout the year, there would be significant opportunities for a turnaround after the year as the new demand base may emerge stronger, if economic fundamentals stay firm.

In defence of the Valuers

Living with Market cooling measures

Based on historical analysis, a drop in total sales volume over four quarters tends to lead to a fall in the overall Urban Redevelopment Autority's private residential price index.

Other factors affecting Property price

• Rental market weaken in the same period. Rents fell.
• Interbank three-month Sibor rose. Buying property for investment became less appealing.
• Stock market began to decline over the same period. Decline in business environment.
• Loss in wealth in the stock market motivates investors to sell assets.
• Higher unemployment

With the increase of the Deterioration of property market basics coupled with rises in "wealth destructive" factors will negatively affect property prices.

What's now...

Going into the new year, the wealth creation effect appears to be largely on track. The Singapore stock market is expected to perform well this year, on the basis that forward price-to-earnings ratios are still undemanding compared with previous peaks.

Business prospects look more promising and employers are planning to expand hiring and increase wages and bonuses. A sharp increase in interest rate appears to be muted.

Looking forward...

Expect more market cooling measures, which will remain as market risk in 2011.

Expect the market to face immediate downward pressure on volume and prices, the year-on-year price fall in 2011 could be marginal. In the meantime, people interested in properties should keep watch for any of the "wealth destruction" catalysts, which in some instances can fall into place very fast.

Buyers should note the potential for a weaker rental market from next year due to the large number of housing units to be completed from then onwards. Buyers who are stretching their last dollar to buy their dream home might want to dream less and work their numbers based on more prudent assumptions and exit strategies.