Smart Elevators.
A new elevator system called Destination Floor Guidance System (DFGS) has just went into operation in Downtown Seattle at the Metropolitan Park West Tower. It uses a predictive logic algorithm to group passengers into cards going to the same floors in order to decrease travel time. Additionaly, the system analyzes historical data to send cars to the floors needed based on usage patterns.
This is just kewl and I think it may be the beginning of more “AI” style items that will begin to make life easier, more efficient or more fun in the future.
Proof that meetings are “evil”!
A friend of mine recently shared an article citing a study performed by the University of Minnesota’s psychology department confirming that meetings are indeed considered harmful.
Thanks Lance! You’ve led me to the proof that I’ve always known to be true once again supporting the ultimate wisdom and intelligence of Scott Adams!
Ultra Ion Engine tested
Every once in a while I find myself reflecting on the accuracy of Science Fiction. Sci-Fi writers began incorporating Ion propulsion in their spacecraft many years ago and now in 2005 we are seeing the second generation, an Ultra Ion Engine, before the first generation has proven itself in the ESA’s moon mission, SMART-1.
I also reflect on the recent article describing the current development of warp engine technology and I realize that my children will be living in a world that I could only realize reading and watching the sci-fi movies and series of my youth. I only hope that these advancments happen soon enough to see what my kids will be living with.
Go go Lego legs!
For the past few years I have been particpating in our local (Central Oregon) First Lego League (FLL) Robotics Competition as a technical judge. The yearly event allows teams of 3-9 kids from the ages 8-13 to participate in challenges which involve building a robot from legos and programing it to perform tasks for points. There is more involved than simply that, for example they also are judged on a research project relating to the event. For more detailed information you can check the Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program (ORTOP) site.
Over the past year I’ve heard rumblings about the demise of the Lego robotics division, however this new NXT Robotics Toolset which was unveiled at the 2006 Consumer Elctronics show gives hope! Man, this thing looks cool! I think I want one!
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Pale’s Social Graph
Google Reader Shared Stuff- Microsoft releases Bing app for Android, iOS, not Windows Phone 7
- Google Tweaks Algorithm As Concern Over Bing Grows
- First Android Device Certified For DoD Personnel
- Stupid Router Tricks (or how to use DD-WRT to extend the range of a network)
- Steve Jobs Biography Reveals Reflections On Apple, Contempt For Android
- Galaxy Nexus signup page includes seven US carriers, endless speculation
- I swear to God this is what they must be doing
- Google Promises Android 4.0 For The Nexus S, “Theoretically” For Gingerbread Devices, Too
- Mac Trojan Disables XProtect Updates
- HTML 5 and CSS: Six complete lessons, free for students, faculty, you and me too!
