Archive for Transportation
July 3, 2008 at 2:02 pm · Filed under Transportation, Energy
On July 2, 108 days after departing from Hawaii on the world’s longest voyage in a wave-powered boat, 69-year-old Japanese sailor Ken’ichi Horie was spotted in his boat off the coast of Japan. The solo sailor of the wave-powered Suntory Mermaid II was seen about 50 kilometers (31 mi.) offshore south of the Cape of Muroto (Kochi prefecture), heading northeast toward his final destination, the Cape of Hinomisaki in the Kii Channel (Wakayama prefecture), where he is expected to arrive on the evening of July 3.
The 6,400-kilometer (nearly 4,000 mi) journey, which appears to have taken 5 to 6 weeks longer than originally planned, can ordinarily be completed by a diesel-powered boat in about 10 days. However, the Suntory Mermaid II, a 9.5 meter (31 ft) long x 3.5 meter (11 ft) wide, 3-ton vessel made of recycled aluminum, does not use an engine for propulsion. Instead, it relies […]
Original post by Edo
June 17, 2008 at 2:25 pm · Filed under Environment, Hokkaido, Robot, Transportation, Household, Energy
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has released a few details about the “Zero Emission House,” a state-of-the-art green home under construction at the site of the upcoming Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit, where environmental issues will be high on the agenda.
Incorporating the latest in sustainable building technology, the 280-square-meter (3,000 sq ft) Japanese-style home is designed to have a small carbon footprint. A 14.5-kilowatt solar array and a small 1-kilowatt wind generator provide power to the home, which is equipped with next-generation energy-saving appliances, thermal insulation glass, vacuum insulated panels and a green roof. The interior is illuminated by a system of light ducts and OLED lamps.
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Original post by Edo
June 17, 2008 at 6:14 am · Filed under Transportation
Mazda has released sketches of a new concept crossover sport-utility vehicle to be unveiled at the 2008 Moscow International Automobile Salon in late August.
The concept vehicle is designed especially for the SUV-hungry Russian market, one of Europe’s fastest growing markets.
The show car, whose name Mazda intends to announce soon, is the latest addition to the automaker’s line of Nagare concept vehicles, which include the Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai.
[Source: Response]
Previous Nagare concept cars:
Nagare
Ryuga
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Original post by Edo
June 14, 2008 at 1:48 pm · Filed under Tokyo, Art, Transportation, Recycling
A 3.2 x 2.1 meter (10 x 7 ft) work of Astro Boy pixel art made from 138,000 recycled Tokyo Metro tickets is on temporary display at the Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store (2nd floor) to mark the opening of Tokyo’s new Fukutoshin subway line. Created by volunteers from Takashimaya and other Shinjuku-area businesses, the work depicts Astro Boy, Uran, Professor Ochanomizu and Higeoyaji (Mr. Mustachio) in Shinjuku along with the new Fukutoshin train.
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(77 words, 4 images)
Original post by Edo
June 12, 2008 at 1:56 pm · Filed under Transportation, Sumitomo
Sumitomo Electric has developed what is being called the world’s first automobile powered by a superconducting motor. The electric passenger sedan — a modified Toyota Crown Comfort — was unveiled in Osaka on June 12 and will go on display at the Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit on June 19.
Superconductors — energy-efficient materials that can carry electrical current without resistance — are used in applications ranging from medical devices to linear motors for trains. Until now, however, they have never been used to power an automobile, says Sumitomo.
Sumitomo’s motor uses superconducting materials instead of the copper wire typically used in the coils in electric vehicle motors. With virtually no electrical resistance or current loss, the motor can operate with greater energy efficiency and torque — in other words, it uses less electricity to do the same amount of work. The company says the prototype vehicle can travel 10% farther […]
Original post by Edo
June 4, 2008 at 11:53 am · Filed under Smart Tech, Robot, Sentient Tech, Transportation, Simulacra
On June 3, engineers at iXs Research Corporation unveiled a robotic teddy bear designed to work as a talking car navigation system. The prototype robot stands 30 centimeters (1 ft) tall and has 6 joints in its arms and neck, which it uses to make gestures while providing spoken directions.
The robot bear is also equipped with functions to improve auto safety, such as an alcohol detection sensor embedded in its neck. If it smells booze, the robot confronts the driver, saying, “You haven’t been drinking, have you?” Other sensors detect wreckless driving, so if the driver suddenly accelerates or slams on the brakes, the robot says, “Watch out!”
Read the full post (207 words, 1 image)
Original post by Edo
May 21, 2008 at 1:28 pm · Filed under Art, Transportation
Photographer Ken Ohyama has a magnificent Flickr photoset of highway interchanges in Japan (78 photos).
Hakozaki Junction
Hokko Junction
Hokko Junction
Tempozan Junction
Daikoku Junction
Kawaguchi Junction
He also has a book of these photographs.
Original post by Edo
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