WaterBee puts crop irrigation on a smartphone

With robots doing everything from milking cows to crop dusting, farming has come a long way since they days of plodding along behind a horse and plow. Irrigation practices are also benefiting from advances in technology. The large-scale WaterBee smart irrigation and water management system is a case in point: it allows farmers use their smartphones to not only switch on the water where and when it’s needed, but also to get up to the minute information on field conditions.

According to the World Wildlife Foundation, the world uses 2,500 trillion liters of fresh water every year for growing crops. Unfortunately, it estimates that 60 percent of this is wasted due in part to inefficient irrigation systems. One way to counter this is by taking a page from precision farming, which relies on precisely attending to small areas or even individual plants on farms. In this case, WaterBee tries to cut the water bill by making a detailed study of fields and figuring out which bit needs how much water.

Coordinated from Limerick, Ireland, the WaterBee Project is a two-year, industry-driven demonstration project for an inexpensive, intelligent, flexible, easy-to-use, but accurate irrigation management system using wireless networking, environmental sensors and improvements in crop modelling. It’s aimed at farms, vineyards, golf clubs, public authorities and landscape managers and will be provided throughout Europe through business partners.

WaterBee is made up of a series of modular smart sensors distributed over an area that monitor soil moisture and other environmental factors that affect crop development and plant health. The output from these sensors is fed through a ZigBee wireless sensor network and from there to a GPRS gateway, which goes to a central web service. This service uses an intelligent software package to analyze the data, make models, and provide farmers and other users with advice based on their particular needs. The end result is fed back to an “easy-to-use” app on the user’s smartphone or tablet.

According to the developers, this reduces water use by allowing farmers to precisely schedule where, when and how much to irrigate as well as improving plant health and crop yields with lower operating costs. They also say that the modular components are easy to install and the system is also very flexible and is able to adjust to changing conditions. Estimated water savings over conventional irrigation are in the neighborhood of 40 percent.

WaterBee is already in use at 14 reference sites in Estonia, Malta, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.

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IdeaPaint - Turn Any Surface Into a Whiteboard

Usually classrooms, laboratories and offices are equipped with traditional whiteboards. But sometimes the area of the whiteboard is not enough for all the ideas, equations, or random stuff that just needs to be there.
With this in mind researchers have come up with IdeaPaint, which virtually turns any surface it is applied to into a dry erase board.

As soon as the paint is dry, users can easily write on it with the help of standard dry erase markers, and then wipe off the written stuff using a soft cloth.

The authors of IdeaPaint also suggest that their invention could be applied to things like refrigerators, desk tops, lockers, or any other surface where people can leave notes or messages.

There are two versions of the paint: CREATE and PRO. The former comes in white, black, or clear (which, when applied, allows the color of the surface underneath the paint to show through). The price of the CREATE version (which allows to cover 50 square feet (4.7 square meters)) is US$225. You can apply the paint with the help of a roller or sprayer.

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Google glasses coming to stores this year?

A number of anonymous Google employees are reporting that the company is currently developing Android-powered glasses that can provide a heads-up display to the wearer and connect over wireless data services. The glasses will purportedly work like a wearable version of the Google Goggles app, providing real time information on a user's location via GPS and motion sensors. Even more surprising, the same sources are saying these "Google glasses" could be available to the public by the end of this year.The Google glasses have apparently been in production for quite some time at Google's secretive Project X lab, where the company designs its more outlandish projects, such as robots, space elevators, and the like. Anonymous employees have indicated that this is strictly an experimental program from Google, though it may look into future business applications depending on how successful the product is.Aside from a few buttons on the side, the glasses are said to resemble a regular pair of eyeglasses with a design similar to the Oakley Thumps (pictured below). The glasses will feature a low-resolution camera on the front for gathering information to relay to a small screen built into one side of the lenses. The screen will not be transparent, but will be located to the side of the frame, so as not to obscure a person's view but still give an augmented reality feel. The camera will also be able to take pictures, and have a built-in flash.

Using either WiFi or a 3G/4G connections, the device will tap into Google's cloud and relay information to the user on their environment, including locations or friends nearby and objects that they look at. The glasses will also work as a smartphone, allowing users to make calls, use certain apps, and connect with friends.Actually controlling the glasses will be a bit unique, as reading through information on the display will require a user to tilt their head to scroll and click. Sources at Google have noted that this function is actually a lot easier to use than it sounds, and will not be noticeable to others.Unnamed employees told the New York Times that the new Google glasses are expected to be priced much like a current smartphone (in the US$250 to $600 range) and are aimed for a 2012 release date.

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ITG-Vidix Goggles put the entertainment 'in your face'

ITG-Vidix Goggles offer the viewer a virtual 50” screen at approximately 6.5ft away with 320x240 resolution in 24bit color and weigh in at around 3.5oz. Offering a point of difference from other video glasses, the ITG-Vidix Goggles not only offer a 2GB built in Flash memory but feature a MicroSD slot capable of supporting up to 32GB of extra storage per memory card.

The glasses feature plug and play file transfer via USB 2.0 which not only acts as a memory card reader when connected, but also serves to charge the unit for up to three hours of use. Most popular formats are supported, and a built in media player and browser enables the user to view files including eBooks, photos and music.

Much like the Vuzix Wrap9203D glasses, the ITG-Vidix Goggles feature a composite AV input and can be used as a display device with a host of multimedia devices ranging from DVD players and iPods to camcorders and gaming devices.

Aesthetically, like other video glasses that have come before it, the wearer wouldn’t be flying under many radars. But when you have a personal entertainment unit strapped to your head, who cares, right?

ITG-Vidix Goggles are available for US$279.99 from the iTVGoggles website.

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Nike is actually making the MAG shoes from Back To The Future Il

Well, you may have heard rumblings about hints made at a mysterious press event that just took place in Los Angeles, but now it's official: Nike will be auctioning off 1,500 pairs of NIKE MAG high-top sneakers, just like the ones worn in the year 2015 by Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future II. While it isn't clear if the shoes automatically fit themselves to the wearer's feet (as Marty McFly's did), they are at the very least exact visual replicas of the kicks from the movie.

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Starting today at 8:30PM PST, 150 pairs of the shoes will go up for auction daily on eBay's Fashion Vault. The event will last for ten days, with all net proceeds going directly to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. In fact, all proceeds will be effectively doubled, through a prior US$50 million match donation to the foundation.

The shoes themselves have the same contours as the original pair, along with those shoes' glowing LED panel and electroluminescent NIKE logo in the strap. Pinching the "ear" of the high top will cause the LEDs will glow, with about five hours of glow time possible per charge - evidently, the MAGs don't generate their own power.

Now, if only someone can get working on the jacket with the self-adjusting sleeves that he wore with those shoes ...

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Sony's US$780 'Personal 3D Viewer' Head Mounted Display to go on sale in November

Sony has been quick to commercialize the prototype 'Personal 3D Viewer' HMD (Head Mounted Display) we first saw at CES earlier this year, announcing a much-changed version at IFA in Berlin a few hours ago which will be known as the HMZ-T1.

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Like most Sony product, the new HMZ-T1 will attract premium pricing, landing in stores in time for Christmas with a price tag in the vicinity of US$780. That's still a lot cheaper than a Bravia though, and the twin hi-def (1280 x 720) 0.7-inch OLED screens simulate a real 750-inch movie theater screen at a viewing distance of 20 meters.

The advantage of the OLED technology is that it has very fast (0.01 millisecond) response times, rendering smooth life-like video of the fast-moving imagery encountered in gaming and watching sport.
Gizmag's Tim Hanlon and Kate Seamer both tried the new units, and came away with mixed opinions - though both are interested to spend more time with a set once they hit retail, as the demonstration units were missing the straps to keep them locked in place.

"The video was crisp and high quality, but the goggles were too heavy", said Kate. "Sony's choice of demo footage (a filmclip with barely any depth to it) was bizarre. I don't know what they were thinking.", said Tim. "Below the goggles I could see in front of me, which destroyed the immersion."

The strengths of the unit are that with two separate screens, there's a much better 3D experience because you have one screen for each eye, and with a 5.1 surround sound system built-in, you get a much better audio experience.

The headset includes a processor unit to connect to Blu-ray™ Disc, Playstation®3 and other devices, and the audio experience can be switched between four different surround modes - standard, cinema, game and music.
Sony uses a colour separation technology to overlay a colour filter on top of the base white organic layer, delivering a broader range of colours and brighter, smoother pictures
Availability and detailed pricing in markets other than Japan has not yet been released.

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Film-maker's Camera Eye is up and shooting

When he was nine years old, Toronto film-maker Rob Spence received a severe injury to his right eye in a shotgun accident. After a period of hiding the aftermath under an eyepatch, six years ago he had the eye replaced with a prosthesis. Being a visual artist, however, he had an idea - instead of just an unseeing artificial eye, he wanted one that could capture images of what he was looking at, and wirelessly transmit them to an external recording device. He himself wouldn't be able to see through the eye, but the footage obtained from it could take film-making to new levels. It's been a few years since Spence began his Eyeborg Project, but he has just announced that the eye is now functioning.

Spence's artificial eye contains a tiny video camera, a battery and transmitter, and sends an understandably somewhat grainy live picture from that camera to a small handheld monitor - from there, it could be recorded. There aren't yet many details available on exactly how the camera works or was made, but Rob has promised on his blog that such information should be posted soon.

San Francisco artist Tanya Marie Vlach has a very similar project underway - she lost her left eye in a car accident, and is now working on replacing it with a camera eye, that will play a part in a variety of art works.

In the meantime, Spence has presented a short documentary on the current state of high-tech prostheses, which includes footage of his eye in action. Video game company Square Enix commissioned him to produce the piece to promote its Deus Ex: Human Revolution game, which features a character with a camera eye.

The Eyeborg Project documentary can be viewed below, but be warned, there are gory parts.

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EX3D launches first 3D glasses vending machines

The first modern vending machines are said to have appeared in London and New York in the 1880s and respectively offered post cards or chewing gum in exchange for a coin. Since then, folks on the move have used such machines to grab a quick snack, brush up on golf technique, make an emergency bike repair or get hold of amini gold bar. Now cinema-goers in California queuing to see the latest 3D blockbuster will be able to shun those boring flat passive 3D glasses handed out before you take your seat, and opt for some fashionable EX3D eyewear from the vending machine in the corner.

The first EX3D in-theater, self-service vending machines opened for business on August 12 at the Century Cinemark Theater Huntington Beach and the Mission Valley UltraStar in San Diego's Hazard Center the day after. Movie-goers are offered RealD-certified passive 3D eyewear featuring Marchon3D's patented, circular lens technology that's said to spin the light as it passes through the lens, allowing users to tilt their heads or look around without affecting the 3D perception.

Each machine sports an easy-to-use touchscreen interface and stocks a number of different styled EX3D glasses in various colors - from fashion to sport to casual, and kids, too. The chosen scratch-resistant EX3D eyewear is dropped in the collecting bay on the swipe of a credit card, and prices run from US$22 right up to US$70 for the limited selection varieties. After the movie, buyers can go on to use their new glasses with most passive 3D televisions, gaming systems and laptops - or can just stow them away for the next visit to the theater.

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Timesnap puts portable media on a wristwatch

Despite some initial similarities, this is definitely not another iPod nano strap, such as the TikTok or LunaTik, but Chinavision's new Timesnap MP3/MP4 multimedia player wristwatch. Although not touchscreen-based, it offers a number of features including music, image, text and video file playback, along with an FM radio, at a reasonable price.

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The Timesnap watch features a flexible strap and 1.5-inch display in a plastic casing, which looks weather-resistant. According to the product page, it can be worn either on a wrist, on the upper arm, or clipped somewhere to the user's bag or clothes. It supports music file formats such as MP3, WMA and WAV, and can record audio as well. It also plays MP4 and AVI video files, as well as JPEG, BMP and GIF graphic files and TXTs.

It is operated via four buttons (a pair on either side of the housing), and comes with a calendar and a feature that displays lyrics while playing an MP3 file. It's sold with a 4GB TF card, and supports cards up to 8GB. Its only connection port is a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is also utilized as a PC-connection for file transfer, and for charging via a 3.5 mm to USB cable.

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Sony unveils smaller new W Series Walkman

You like listening to music while you work out, but you don't like snagging your personal music player's cord with your arms, nor do you like ruining your earphones by getting them all sweated up. Yep, we know how it is. One solution could be to use a pair of JF3 Freedom Bluetooth Buds, that wirelessly receive music from your mobile phone, and are moisture-resistant. You could also get yourself a similar device made by a little Japanese company called Sony, however, as of next month. That's when the latest version of the W Series Walkman MP3 player for sports enthusiasts will be hitting the stores, in a smaller, lighter format.

Officially known as the NWZ-W260 model, the new W series consists of just two linked earphones, one of which has a built-in MP3 player. Unlike the JF3s, no other device is required. As compared to its W series predecessors, this particular model is reportedly 24 percent lighter, and one third the size. The whole shebang is water-resistant and rinsable, although it probably wouldn't be a good idea to wear it while swimming.

The music player is available in 2 GB and 4 GB capacities, the former holding approximately 470 songs, with the latter managing about 990. As with most music players, songs can be simply dragged and dropped from the user's iTunes or Windows-based music library.

The NWZ-W260 can run for up to eight hours on one charge of its battery, although by using its quick charge function, one hour of playback time can be achieved with just a three-minute charge.

Sony retailers should be carrying the latest W Series Walkman as of next month. It comes in black or white, and is priced at US$59.99 for the 2 GB version, or $79.99 for the 4 GB

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Cellwatch M500 wrist-watch phone

February 1, 2008 The wrist watch phone is one of those inventions we thought we would all be wearing by now, but despite the appearance of numerous designs in recent years seeking to make the Dick Tracey style communications device a commercial reality, the idea is still a long way from reaching its potential. The latest example to cross the Gizmag desk, and one of the most impressively designed and specced units we've seen to date is the Cellwatch M500. Billed as the world's smallest mobile watch, the M500 incorporates a 1.5-inch (128x160) color OLED touchscreen, 128 MB Memory, 80 hours standby time, plus web-browsing, Bluetooth, MP3 and video playback capabilities.

Designed by SMS Technology Australia, the M500 also features full sms functionality, USB connectivity for software uploads, downloads, 300 number memory storage and 40 embedded tones in a slim-line, 60 gm package that looks and wears like a standard watch... and yes, it even tells the time.

An initial release and official launch took place in November last year and according to MyMobile Watch, the product will be available again from March 2008.

Specification:
Tri Mode, touchscreen
Weight: 60 gm
Color: Gun metal or black with leather strap
Screen: OLED 1.5-inch color 128x160
Frequency: GSM900/1800/1900Mhz (GPRS), SIM
SMS, MMS capable
WAP enabled
MP3: Support AAC/MP3
MP4: Support video playing
Touch screen with built-in stylus
Memory: 128MB built-in memory
Battery: 350mAh, talk time 200 minutes (wired headset)
Standby time 80 hours
USB: For data transfer and recharging
Bluetooth 2.0
Languages: English, Turkish, German, Russian, Arabic language

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Orb Bluetooth headset redefines the ear-ring

Although Bluetooth headsets have come a long way in the style stakes, you can still look and feel a bit like a dork getting about town with one permanently affixed to your ear. Also, since they are usually designed to mold to the shape of the ear, they can be a little awkward to stuff in a pocket when not in use. An innovative new Bluetooth headset called the Orb solves this problem by transforming from a wireless earpiece into a ring that can be worn on your finger.

The Orb transforms from a ring with a simple twist to become a Bluetooth headset capable of hands-free calling. Incorporating NXT technology the Orb provides high quality bone conduction audio without the discomfort of placing a device inside the ear. A Deluxe edition also features a Flexible Organic Light Emitting Device (FOLED) screen to display caller ID, calendar reminders, and voice-to-text information for communication without taking the ring off the finger.

Developed through a partnership between Hybra Advance Technology Inc. andAbsolutelyNew Inc. the Orb will cater for the petite and stubby fingered alike through the availability of different ring sizes. Those who like their Bluetooth headsets with extra bling will be able to opt for a limited edition designer model featuring decorative gemstones. All units will offer a class 2 Bluetooth range of 30 feet.

The base model Orb is scheduled to launch in January 2010 carrying a suggested retail price of USD$129, while the Deluxe edition is due in April 2010 with a price of USD$175. The Limited edition designer models are also due in April 2010 with their price based on the value of the gemstones incorporated into the device.

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Spinovo: smart garment concept provides back pain relief

Industrial Design student Justine Smith has looked to new technology for a solution to one of the most common ailments in the world today – chronic back pain. The result is Spinovo (spine + new) – a concept smart clothing product that uses modular packs to treat pain through heating, cooling, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapies, as well as incorporating bend sensors to ensure the wearer maintains the correct posture.

Smith, who studied at the University Of New South Wales, Australia, designed Spinovo after watching her father struggle with long-term back pain. The concept aims to deliver a holistic approach to the problem and Ms Smith consulted physiotherapists, chiropractors and a teacher of the Alexander Technique in developing the modular Spinovo system.

The design incorporates electromyography (EMG) sensors and four therapy packs, with each pack located to target the major skeletal muscle groups. The system is powered by two rechargeable polymer lithium ion batteries in the front pockets, providing enough power to apply heat therapy for up to two hours on the full setting.

Applying TENS therapy, Spinovo attempts to alleviate muscle and nerve pain through mild electrical currents passing through the wearer's skin via four large adhesive pads, which the designer says helps prevent the electrical energy from being dispersed deep under the skin.

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Military tested, ultra rugged wearable computer system gets commercial release

Military computer manufacturer Black Diamond Advanced Technology has released its ultra-rugged wearable PC and communications kit as a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) system.

 Adaptable to a range of specialist missions, the Modular Tactical System (MTS) system is - as the name suggests - not just a pack containing a computer. Components are split-up are and integrated into different parts of the soldier's uniform and equipment so that mobility isn't compromised, and it's designed to make the transition from computer operation to direct combat engagement in seconds.

The system has been operationally tested in Afghanistan and is optimized for dismounted C4ISR (that's command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance). Worn as a vest, its rear plate carrier holds that processing platform, peripheral controller and power manager while a flip down 6.5-inch, sunlight-viewable, night vision goggle-compatible Universal Tactical Display (UTD) sits at the front and a GPS unit sits at the shoulder. In night-vision mode the UTD produces no detectable light beyond 33-feet and it can be worn at chest or lower torso height. Cables are routed through a cummerbund that integrates body armor and I/O ports while the computer itself has a 1.6 GHz Atom processor, 2 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, and an SD card slot. Depending on the configuration required, the system weighs between 1.8 and 3.5 pounds and it's designed to works with batteries already carried by the soldier, as well as vehicle power.

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BodyGuard stun-device to help mere mortal crime fighters

Crime fighters may soon be adding another tool to their arsenal - one that is literally designed to strike fear into the hearts of evildoers. With an integrated taser, video camera and protective forearm armor, the BodyGuard is a stun device that wouldn't be out of place on the forearm of a certain caped crusader in Gotham City. BodyGuard has already been used in Mock Prison Riots in West Virginia and is headed to real world city streets with testing and evaluation of the device due to commence in Los Angeles later this year.

Prompted by a number of cougar attacks on one of his favorite hiking trails in Orange County, Dave Brown set about developing a device to protect himself from animal attacks that could be worn while riding a bike. He hit upon the idea of a hands-free stun device and quickly recognized the potential for such a non-lethal device in the area of law enforcement.

The result is the BodyGuard, which houses its various components under a high-impact plastic shell attached to a forearm sleeve and glove. The current BodyGuard 9X1-HD01 prototype features two taser spikes mounted near the wrist that are designed primarily to act as a deterrent by sparking loudly and sending an arc of electricity between them to intimidate suspects. The spikes are activated by pulling a safety pin and pressing a button embedded into the palm of the BodyGuard glove.

An LED flashlight and a green laser target that lets the suspect know they are being recorded by the BodyGuard's 720p HD video camera are also designed to help keep any confrontations from escalating. But if things do get out of hand, the wearer can deliver a non-lethal jolt of electricity to temporarily incapacitate the suspect by touching them with the wrist-mounted electrodes.

Brown has also designed the BodyGuard to be modular to allow for the addition of a other equipment, such as GPS, radio communications, live video transmitter/receiver, biometric readers, automated license plate readers, chemical sensors, or a heart rate monitor to send out an alert for an officer in distress.

The device might share its name with a well-known movie, but the links to star Kevin Costner don't end there. Through his background as a motion picture operator, Brown has been able to enlist the support of Costner, who he counts as a friend and is one of the backers of Brown's company, ArmStar.

While the first pre-production run of BodyGuards are set to undergo evaluation with the Los Angeles sheriff's department later this year, Brown says the device has also attracted the attention of the Department of Defense, which is looking at how the BodyGuard could be used by soldiers in the field. Brown might also want to consider the burgeoning real-life superhero market.

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MUNITIO 9 mm earphones deliver a shot of music

There's something a little disturbing about the thought of jamming something that looks like a bullet into your ears, but then again, MUNITO's SITi (Standard Issue Titanium) Nine Millimeter Earphones clearly aren't your grandma's earbuds. Not only are their metal bodies modeled after 9 mm shell casings, but their flexible tips are actually trademarked as SiliconeHollowPoints. Lest you think that these earphones are all novelty and no substance, however, they do have some half-decent specs.

The SITis feature 9 mm speaker drivers with rare earth neodymium magnets, contained within a titanium-coated machined copper alloy housing. The company claims that this housing delivers "unmatched sound purity, natural noise canceling and durability."

Something known as the BassEnhancingChamber is claimed to produce tight, accurate bass without distortion, while the AccousticSoundFlowSystem reportedly allows for smooth mid to high frequency response with a minimum of ear fatigue.

The cable is reinforced with Kevlar for added durability, and the 3.5 mm stereo plug is coated in 24k gold, for better audio signal transfer.

MUNITO's SITi Nine Millimeter Earphones are available in silver or gold finish, via thecompany website, for a price of US$159. There is also a version with a built-in microphone, that sells for $179.

... and although they're billed as the world's first "Tactical Earphone," we're pretty sure that title already belongs to the QUIETPRO+ system.

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nyone inspired the often hilarious adventures of Antoine de Maximy but looking for a somewhat lighter and less cumbersome video camera rig may be interested in the launch of a new version of the Looxcie always-on wearable cam. Version 2 is 20 percent lighter than the original Looxcie and has twice as much onboard storage. Companion apps now offer a choice of capture quality options and the new Looxcie 2 comes with four adjustable earbuds and two earloops. Just like the original, the new Looxcie 2 can be used as a stand-alone video camera to record whatever happens in front of the wearer (with a 62.1 degree diagonal field of view) without the companion apps and the captured video transferred to a computer via USB. It sports the same f2.8 fixed lens with a 2-inch to infinity depth of focus, a similar battery performance, and the ability to be paired with a mobile phone and used as a Bluetooth headset.

Anyone inspired the often hilarious adventures of Antoine de Maximy but looking for a somewhat lighter and less cumbersome video camera rig may be interested in the launch of a new version of the Looxcie always-on wearable cam. Version 2 is 20 percent lighter than the original Looxcie and has twice as much onboard storage. Companion apps now offer a choice of capture quality options and the new Looxcie 2 comes with four adjustable earbuds and two earl oops.

Just like the original, the new Looxcie 2 can be used as a stand-alone video camera to record whatever happens in front of the wearer (with a 62.1 degree diagonal field of view) without the companion apps and the captured video transferred to a computer via USB. It sports the same f2.8 fixed lens with a 2-inch to infinity depth of focus, a similar battery performance, and the ability to be paired with a mobile phone and used as a Bluetooth headset.

When used with the free LooxcieCam and LooxcieMoments companion apps for Android (2.1 or above) and iOS (4.3 and above) devices, sharing captured moments with friends and family via social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube or via email can be done on-the-fly across mobile networks or Wi-Fi and the shortly-to-be-released LooxcieLive app will allow real-time, as-it-happens streaming to a chosen social network profile. Users also benefit from being able to view what's being captured via the viewfinder window on the smartphone or tablet screen.
Two processors inside the slimline device take care of both video capture and wireless communication, the former available as either 320p (at 15 frames per second and 800 kbps bitrate) or 480p (at 30 frames per second and 3000 kbps bitrate) video quality via the LooxcieMoments app or 480p/30fps/4000 kbps bitrate with the LooxcieCam app. All output is recorded as MPEG-4 video with AAC audio (with sound recorded by dual silicon MEMS microphones which benefit from DSP noise reduction technology).

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ForceShoes enable extremely precise tracking of how their wearer walks

There may not be many people interested in the precise measurement of all the forces and movements that are at play as someone walks, but for those few, a new tool has been developed to help them carry out their research - ForceShoes. Developed by researchers at the University of Twente's MIRA research institute in The Netherlands, these modest-looking sandals feature high-tech data-gathering electronics.

ForceShoes were developed as a means of facilitating the rehabilitation process of people who had suffered a stroke, and had a degree of paralysis on one side of the body. Those patients sometimes even have to learn how to walk again. During the rehabilitation process, it is often crucial to analyze what precise movements are being made as the patient walks, or what forces are being exerted on the ground. ForceShoes are reportedly a great help, especially given that they can be used outside a sophisticated lab environment.

Perhaps ForceShoes don't look very fashionable, but that's definitely not their purpose. The Dutch researchers located four sensor modules throughout the shoe sole. Each of the modules consists of a range of electronics that measures the wearer's force and movements. A wireless connection enables an automated transmission of the gathered data.


The sandals are not a fully commercial product yet, but researchers from theUniversity of Twente believe there is potential for applications other than medicine. For example, SmartShoes could be used in the area of ergonomics. "You can use the shoe to form an objective impression of the physical burden placed on people in their work situation. This is something that insurance companies are very interested in", says Prof. Peter Veltink, who leads the research group behind the device. Other possible applications include analyzing performances of top-level athletes or other sportsmen.

The university is now working closely on product development with its spin-off company Xsens. Technology evaluation kits are now available, but so far for research purposes only.

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'Hearing dummies' allow for tailor-made hearing aids

When a tailor is making an item of custom-fit clothing, they first take the client's measurements, then adjust a mannequin known as a tailor's dummy, to match those measurements. That way, as they're making the clothing, they can check the fit on the dummy, instead of repeatedly bringing in the actual client. When it comes to hearing aids, however, clients often need to pay follow-up visits to the hearing clinic, in order to get the device adjusted so it suits their particular type of hearing loss. Recently, though, a team from the University of Essex have developed software that creates virtual "hearing dummies." These could allow for hearing aids to be tailor-made for each client's needs, right from the start.

"Today's hearing aids don't help to separate sounds - they just amplify them," said project leader Prof. Ray Meddis, of the university's Department of Psychology. "So they often make everything too noisy for the wearer, especially in social situations like parties, and some wearers still can't make out what people are saying to them. They find the whole experience so uncomfortable that they end up taking their hearing aids out. This discourages them from going to social occasions or busy environments and may result in them withdrawing from society."

Meddis and his team developed a new type of hearing test, that more accurately identifies what type of hearing loss a client has - typical "threshold tests" simply measure how quiet of a sound a client is still able to hear, whereas Meddis' system places an emphasis on a variety of higher-level sounds, which users are more likely to encounter on a daily basis.

Using the results of these tests, a computer algorithm is adjusted until it matches those results - this is the so-called hearing dummy. In the immediate future, this model could be used to indicate what is causing the hearing loss, which could then potentially be addressed. In the long run, however, the model could be used for fine-tuning custom hearing aids. Instead of just boosting audio levels, each device would make the specific audio adjustments needed by each individual client.

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