General Motors and NASA through Space Act Agreement are developing the next generation robonaut, the Robonaut2 or R2. The robonaut, short for robot astronaut, is different from any other robots for it is the most dexterous robot in the planet. It is created in human-like shape because it is designed to work side by side with humans. The hands of this robot can handle skillfully many tools designed for human hands. Its ability to efficiently maneuver hand tools for human is one of the greatest leap in the design of R2. No other robot achieves such competency.


Robonauts working together using human tools. Courtesy of NASA and GM

This more technologically advance robot will assist people to do difficult and dangerous task on earth and in space. It is strong, fast, able to use its hands, and can go where the risk is too great for humans.



This robot is to be used not only to aerospace but also to automotive industry. From the words of GM's vice president Alan Taub; "For GM, this is about safer cars and safer plants". We know the fact that General Motors is one of the leading manufacturers of vehicles. It is the creator of big names of cars like Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, Saturn, etc. It can be remembered that the first lunar rover vehicle was developed by GM.

Press Releases:
Press release from NASA
Press release from GM media

Suggested Links:
About Robonaut from Wikipedia
Robonaut official website
Robonaut picture gallery

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Before the end of 2009, the James Cameron's Avatar rock not only the movie goers but also the TV industry. The 3D technology is now in the wish list of home entertainment.

Sony, IMAX and Discovery Channel are working together for 24-hour 3D network. Philips and LG are doing research so that we can watch 3D videos without the use of the annoying movie glasses that looks like 1980s fashion rather than a viewing gadget. Both of these will be available by 2011. Big names in broadcast industry namely ESPN, MTV, CBS, and NBC in partnership with DirecTV and Panasonic, are planning to launch 3D channel by June 2010.

3D TV has been around for quiet sometime but the early attempts of making TV 3D was stagnated by low resolution due to storage problem. Now with the use of Blu-ray disc which is capable of storing up to 100 GB, 3D TV will overcome this drawback. It can display a very vivid picture from the vast information stored in the blu-ray disc. 3D Blu-ray machines were backward compatible, meaning, it can read regular non-3D disc.

Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba released their first 3D Blu-ray player. Of course, you need a 3D compatible TV for this technology to work. Your PS3 will absolutely play 3D Blu-rays after firmware update. However, the need to use of active shatter 3D glasses halts the advancement of this technology to the market. It is hard to imagine a family watching a 3D movie wearing about $100 each for 3D glasses. This might be good for one or two viewers, but a pain for a family of about five and more members. Another major drawback of this technology, at least in 2010, is the availability of 3D Blu-ray movies. We cannot expect for every movie to be available in this format.

You may also like this post: How Long Will Blu-ray Replace DVD

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There is no doubt that Blu-ray is more superior to HD DVD. In February 2008, Toshiba officially stop the development of HD DVD. This makes Blu-ray the dominant format for high definition videos. But the question is, how long will Blu-ray totally replace DVD? To make it more simple, how long will Blu-ray dominates the market?

VHS successfully replaced Betamax, and DVD replaced VCD rapidly. It's been three years since HD DVD Promotion Group was dissolved but the market of HD DVD is stable and in fact expanding. Countries like Japan and US are embracing Blu-ray easily but still Blu-ray is not as common as HD DVD. Many countries are still using DVD, and many consumers cannot justify the cost of Blu-ray. But for those who were using Sony PlayStation 3 (Sony PS3), Blu-ray is the perfect solution. How about you, what do you think about Blu-ray?

Suggested Readings:
1. What is Blu-ray?
2. Blu-ray vs. DVD

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The trend in automobile technology and transportation industry as a whole is centered on emission standards and fuel economy. It in turn demands a vehicle that is more advance, more lightweight, high in strength, yet cost effective. New powertrain technologies are being cultivated and it calls for high-strength steel intensive solutions. The new technology will reduce the weight of future vehicles, making it cost efficient, more lighter, more fuel, and will reduce carbon footprints associated in growing automobile market.

The WorldAutoSteel is the leading research company for the future steel vehicle. They hailed the 2010 Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 as the 2010 International Car and Truck of the Year. Both are using advanced and ultra high-strength steel that makes these vehicles considerably strong but more lightweight, thus increasing fuel economy.

In January 6, 2010, Ford feature another award winning cars; 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion hybrid, both are certified for being equipped with these latest technology.

For complete information about this latest innovation, see related links below.

• 2010 Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 – The International car and truck of the year
• Advanced High-Strength Steel Technologies Featured on Motor Trend Car of the Year
• Future Steel Vehicle - Phase I Executive Summary (pdf file)

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