Amazon Kindle DX XL E-Reader
Amazon finally unveils its new, large screen version of an e-reader. (re: Stephen Spielberg)

DIY Robochess Robot From Iran
This do-it-yourself chess-playing robot was created by an 18 year-old Iranian student; it includes a mechanism for moving the pieces on the board. (re: Ambrose Bierce)

Atomic Layer Deposition Like Wolverine's
This technique could also toughen other biomaterials. Like possibly an X-man's skeleton and claws? (re: Various)

RAPHaEL Robotic Hand Air-Powered
Thumbs up for this unique robotic hand, created by undergraduates. Compressed air is all you need to run it. (re: George Lucas)

Bacteria Guided Through Bloodstream W/Magnetic Fields
Rather than building nanomachines (or building a shrink ray!), how about using actual bacteria as the 'robots' to move material through the bloodstream to a desired spot. (re: Issac Asimov)

Brain-Controlled Wheelchair
Take a look at this video of a wheelchair controlled by the brainwaves of the user. (re: Gene Roddenberry)

Machine Dispenses Snacks When Economy Goes Bad
This device responds to bad economic news by dispensing comfort food. Would HAL have done better to offer Dave Bowman some nice snacks rather than a stress pill? (re: Arthur)

Robots Should Replace Cafeteria Ladies, Say Students
School children across the US are demanding an end to fallible cafeteria ladies - and a bold future of robot chefs! With videos. (re: Anthony Boucher)

Software Tools Design Anti-Viral Cities
Can software tools design cities to prevent the spread of disease? J.G. Ballard thought so, and so do modern computer scientists. (re: J.G. Ballard)

Talkie Toaster AI Website - Would You Like Some Toast?
Project seeks to create the obsessive toaster from the Red Dwarf TV series; visit the chatbot site and judge for yourself. (re: Various)

KASPAR Robot W/RoboSkin Teaches Autistic Kids Interaction
This well-developed robot platform is being given new, sensor-laden skin to further help autistic children. (re: Brian Aldiss)

Green Box 'Futuristic' Pizza Box
Take a look at the video showing how to use this attractive, recyclable pizza box. But futuristic? I think Snow Crash has set the standard for the smart pizza box. (re: Neal Stephenson)

Programmable Lab-On-A-Chip
This important development will lead to much more useful portable biosensors and other analysis tools; it would be useful to have a device that detected swine flu from a simple needle stick. (re: Greg Bear)

Digilegs - Digigrade Leg Extensions
Sure, we've all wanted to trot like animals through the park. But Kim Graham has gone one step further and created wearable satyr leg extensions. (re: Various)

Read/Write Brain Electrodes Handier Now
Prototypes can simultaneously read and stimulate brain neurons - smart neurological implant systems coming right up. (re: Frank Herbert)

Walking Gel Caterpillar Like The Blob!
Didn't I just write an article on squishy robots? Looks like these researchers are way ahead of the curve. (re: Various)