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Posts tagged japan
Tie a metal ribbon around the old satellite
Sep 9th
Maybe one day in the future someone will sing song about the testament of satellites to American troops and American advances in space, but for now, Japan is trying to utilize the Earth’s magnetic field to propel vehicles into space. A 300 meter-long (984 feet), 2.5 centimeter-wide (.98 inch) ribbon managed to generate current with no need for fuel to aid in propulsion. The ribbon is able to do this by sucking up ionospheric electrons at one end and spitting them out at the other, allowing the current to flow through the metal ribbon. The project is still in its early stages, but in the future, satellites could come 1000 foot-long metal tails.
The Orange Revolution
Aug 17th
Yokohama, a Japanese tire manufacturer, is utilizing plant waste in their newest tire model. The dB Super E-spec tire is made with rubber mixed with orange oil, derived from the byproducts of orange juice production. The tire generates less heat on straight stretches, while adhering to the road and softening during cornering and braking. The new model is also lighter and thinner, as well as better able to retain air.
Vending Machine Suggests Drink Based On Age And Sex
Aug 14th
Japan lives in a whole different world folks, at least 20 years in the future. First the moss covered vending machines, now vending machines that detect the age and sex of consumers to suggest a drink. . This one in particular uses a camera to detect the consumer’s age and sex. It them puts a red star below the drink displayed on a 47 inch touch display. All the consumer has to do is touch the image of the drink on the display to get her/his drink. We can now officially say that Japan is changing the “face” of vending machines. Image after the break.
Brilliant Idea: A Cellphone Dryer
Aug 10th
Ever drenched your cell phone with water? Then head to Japan and shove your phone into the “Cell Phone Dryer Box”. A 30 minute cycle in this box should get your phone working again. The company doesn’t want to show off how they do it but it costs bout $12 to revive your waterlogged phone.
The dryers are setup at a few Yodobashi Camera stores in Tokyo, Japan. A brilliant idea for a common problem.
Private Music In A Public Place
Aug 5th
The next time you visit a Burger King joint in Japan make sure you carry your iPod along. BK Japan is installing music bowls for customers to listen to their music without headphones. The system is built to isolate sound to individual tables so that every table can have its own ambient sound playing. All you have to do is plug in your iPod or iPhone into the dock and crank up the volume. Innovating doesn’t have to stop at the frying pan you know.
Video: Now Feel “Virtual” Things
Jul 3rd
When was the last time you wanted to touch a 3D object in a video game? A team at the Gify University in Japan has developed a haptic feedback system for interacting with virtual 3D objects. Real 3D kick boxing anyone? The technology also sounds promising for those in the medical interactivity field. Video of the system at work after the break.
A Weird Vending Machine
Jun 25th
Japanese have their way with things, be it technology, or even porn. Hitachi has now shown off a solar powered vending machine that’s quite different. Apart from of course, the solar panels that run the machine, a whole lot of moss covers the borders of the vending machine to insulate it during cold Japanese winters.
Infographic: Countries That Invest Most In Alternative Energy
Jun 22nd
The world is moving towards an oil free future but who’s investing the most in alternative energy? The usual suspects- USA, China and Japan. While the “developed” world’s making sufficient investments in alternative energy the “third world” is making significant contributions to this new surge of green tech. [via Good]
Starbucks New Store in Japan is Designed to Reduce Environmental Impacts
Jun 2nd
Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) opened its newest store in Fukuoka, Japan. Inspired by Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, the company’s ongoing commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement, the store’s design reflects the character of the surrounding neighborhood and helps to reduce environmental impacts. Located at the center of Ohori Park, it is the
