RideLust

When we think of robots I have a feeling that most of us think of some type of humanoid and or terminator type of contraption. I mean let’s face it, quadrotor helicopters are not the first thing that comes to mind. Regardless though, with all the technological advancements that are going on it should come as no surprise that people are figuring out ways to make even the most ridiculous things behave autonomously. The following experiment was conducted at The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, and utilizes autonomous flying robot quadrotors as they perform the James Bond Theme. Sure the entire experiment is a bit on the weird side, but you’ve got to respect the technology and ingenuity that went into making this happen.

Source: Youtube.com

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Have you ever wanted a Segway scooter, but thought that having two wheels was one-to-many? Well ladies and gentlemen, here’s your solution. It’s called the RYNO Micro Cycle and it seeks to take transportation in an even weirder direction. The RYNO is for all intents and purposes, the worlds first electric production one-wheeled cycle. It employs a gyroscopic stabilizer to keep you pointed upwards and is said to be able to obtain speeds of 25 mph with a 30-mile range. Powered by a lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack, its recharge time is just an hour and a half. Not bad if you ask me. RYNO is not targeting the traditional scooter buyer, nor are they looking at the Segway customer. Instead their focus is for those who seek reliable green transportation with space saving capabilities.

It’s cool, but honestly this thing just screams FACE PLANT every time I look at it.

Source: Ryno Motors

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Ever since I moved out to the West Coast I’ve been noticing a trend amongst those who drive hybrids and electric cars. For one, they’re generally more aggressive behind the wheel and two, they seem to feel that because they drive an economy car that this gives them the right to act like complete assholes on the open road. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been known to fracture an occasional traffic law from time to time, but these hybrid drivers, especially those who pilot the Toyota Prius, are in a class by themselves. On the highway for instance it’s more often than not that I see Prius drivers motoring at 80-85 mph through traffic. I’ve been flashed by them, tailgated by them and even flicked off by a few. I’ve also been chastised by owners while getting coffee for driving what they consider to be gas guzzling automobiles.

Back in NYC the Prius driver used these cars as they were intended – to get great economy. They drove them in a normal fashion and simply enjoyed their little hybrids. Out here in California though it’s almost as if owners used them as a way to be passive aggressive on the open road – “Yes of course I’m speeding and driving erratically, but I drive a Prius, so it’s ok…” Now I suppose I could be imagining this, but I highly doubt it. What I’m curious to know is, has anyone out there experienced a similar occurrence or am I the only one?

Earlier this year I took part in a documentary series in which BMW asked questions about the Future of Mobility. We talked about existing car technology, profiled electric car technology and discussed why our driving habits as a society needed to change if we wanted to move forward. That series was a small introduction to what BMW is doing now with their new i3 & i8 concept electric vehicles. The concept vehicles and the surrounding infrastructure that BMW has planned is nothing short of visionary, which is good, because right now there is a lot of trepidation in the electric car marketplace. By addressing the issues of range anxiety and conveying that electric cars can in fact be fun to drive as well as environmentally conscious, BMW has seemingly moved how we the looked at the electric car into a different, much brighter light.
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Assembled Volt battery packs. Image: Alan Holmes

As you get older, you begin to realize that some things just aren’t possible, no matter how badly you want them. Part of becoming an adult is drawing that line in the sand between fantasy and reality, and accepting that Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and honest politicians simply don’t exist. Break from that reality often enough and you’ll wind up heavily medicated, living in a padded cell without a view, holding in-depth conversations with the voices in your head. The United States Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, appears to be going down the path to three-hots-and-a-cot himself, based on a a recent story in the Los Angeles Times. Read More…

I’ve got a buddy of mine who always insists that he does better when he purchases second hand parts. For some reason though, his car never runs properly and thus, he’s never around. Purchasing anything used is a total crap shoot in my opinion as it’s very difficult to find honest sellers. If you’ve ever gone to any type of outdoor swap meet then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t get me wrong, if you’re careful and do your due diligence then there are deals a plenty to be had. In order to get these deals though, you’d better know what you’re looking at and be able to tell the good from the bad. I’ve purchased some used parts in my time and more often then not, I just end up reselling them because I simply don’t trust them. I’ve also sold used parts, however when I do I’m VERY careful about putting down an accurate description and setting them at what is considered to be fair-market-value.
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I wonder if Steve McQueen realized that he was going to become the new standard for “cool” when he was alive. Seriously, it seems that everything this guy did turned to gold. From a motor sports perspective you got to give him full props, as not only did he do all of his own stunt driving, but he raced cars and motorcycles as well. From what’s been said he was also pretty dapper with the ladies as well. Just about everyone tries to honor Steve McQueen at some point or another, and why not, he’s still a super marketable commodity even though he’s been dead and buried for quite sometime. The latest McQueen-esq pieces of merchandise to hit the market are the TAG Heuer Meridist phone series. The Gulf Meridist was inspired by Steve McQueen’s character in the 1971 film “Le Mans,” and features Gulf Oil’s signature light blue and orange color scheme. There’s no doubt that this is a pretty piece of electronic equipment, at least it is until the next version comes out. Either way though, it’s good to see that there are companies out there who still see fit to honor the, “King of Cool”.

Source: BornRich.com

Ok, so you say you want to improve your track skills and run with the boys? Well, have I got the car for you. Right now, up on eBay is a what some may call the ultimate in track day weaponry. What are viewing is a fully prepped 2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5R with LOADS of race history behind it. This car, S/N 005, was tested by Prat & Miller back in 2001 and went on to win its first race in 2002 at Infineon Raceway. It also has victories at such tracks as Mid-Ohio, Washington DC, Mosport, Petit Le Mans as well as triumph at the 12 Hours of Sebring in early 2003. The car is being offered here with its original factory bodywork, Katech developed 427c.i. engine producing 800hp, Hewland 6-speed sequential transaxle, and carbon/carbon brakes. Total curb weight? Just 2,500lbs, with a top speed of 200+ mph!
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Even though the technology in cell phones has advanced drastically over the years, the basic way in which we charge them has not. Most phones are generally tethered to a wall outlet or automotive cigarette lighter by a long spiral cord which is not only cumbersome, but can get in the way of driving. It’s not a safety hazard per say, but it’s also not the best solution out there. Enter the Powermat, a wireless charging station that works simply by placing your electronic device on top of it, thus eliminating the need for a long cord. GM recently invested $5 million into Powermat technology in the hopes of getting the technology into their cars as soon as possible. The first such car to be equipped is said to be none other then the new Chevrolet Volt.

Micky Bly, GM’s lead electronics executive stated, “Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you’re driving on a family vacation.”

Over the past few months the new Chevrolet Volt has taken multiple print and online awards. As such it should come as no surprise that the Volt will be the first production automobile to showcase Powermat technology. Personally, I love the idea, as anything that can reduce dash board and or wiring clutter in an automobile is a step in the right direction.

Source: GM.com

It’s not too often that electric cars, bikes or motorcycles peak my interest, but after seeing this little contraption I have to say that I was properly amazed. The Yike Bike isn’t a bicycle, nor is it a motorcycle, in fact it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The Yike Bike was invented by New Zealander, Grant Ryan in an effort to devise, according to him, the most common transport device in the world. After doing quite a bit of research, Ryan who is an engineer, recognized the need to alleviate the mass amounts of traffic in our cities. In doing so his thought was to create a unique mobility device that could not only get you from point A to point B efficiently, but be completely portable as well. By utilizing a very unique design, liberal amounts of carbon fiber and the latest in lithium phosphate battery technology, the Yike Bike pushes the limits of what we think of as green transport.
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