Brainwaves Become Commands

Great article on Makezine with two videos showing how a company named Neurosky is developing technology which reads controllable states of your brain to allow control of objects within a virtual space.  Their mission mentions both additions to the gaming industry as well as allowing individuals to control real-world objects such as wheelchairs.

This is truly breakthrough interface technology.  But…

Currently, we have ‘Net addiction, Crackberry addiction and research beginning to show how our constant immersion in multitasking environments are creating stress and discomfort and detracting from our lives.  The question must be asked: as individuals modify their mental patterns to control these devices, what negative ramifications will this have on the future youth?  I could certainly see this becoming an issue in which constant practice drives a form of neural addiction.

Taking Inspiration from Nature

Further research on breaking away from humanoid robots by mimicking movement found in nature.

South Korea to build city dedicated to robots

I wish there was more detail provided, but searches only show a post from 2007.  Looks like a campus/city dedicated to robotic development.  Yet, I get the impression robots will be implemented into every aspect of the city.  A large-scale roll out of technologies into a real-world scenario.

Aeroscraft ML866 Flying Yacht

This is a fascinating aircraft and will probably be necessary as we move towards both higher fuel costs and a need to decrease impact on our environment.  The design could change many scenarios in which we currently use airplanes and helicopters.  Short flights, cargo transportation, emergency extraction for medical reasons and, quite possibly, the ability to drop building materials into place without the need for cranes. 

The site (http://www.aeroscraft.com/) has a list of features and a nice 360 degree view of the craft. 

* Luxurious flying experience
* Supreme cabin size
* Spectacular aerial views
* Helicopter type vertical takeoff and landing
* Hovering capability
* Freedom from airports

If a design like this were to become extremely cost-effective, why wouldn’t it move to smaller craft, possibly replacing vacation homes or RVs amongst the wealthy?  I would have to be fascinating to fly across the country to the Grand Canyon in place of just driving in.