March 3rd, 2012

Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor Takes The Guesswork Out Of Container Gardening

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Houseplants can be hard to care for, even when watered regularly on a sunny windowsill. A new device from Swiss startup Koubachi takes the guesswork out of plant care through real-time monitoring and notifications when the plant needs attention. → Read More

October 7th, 2010

Sony Announces World's First 16.41MP Sensor For Cell Phones

If you thought the 13MP sensors you’ve seen lately in some Japanese cell phones were enough, think again. Sony today unveiled the 1/2.8-inch back-illuminated Exmor R IMX081PQ CMOS sensor (pictured on the left), which boasts 16.41MP. Needless to say, it’s the first of its kind. → Read More

November 17th, 2009

Self-powered diaper monitor system automatically detects wet diapers

A research laboratory at Japan’s Ritsumeikan University has developed a monitoring system for wet diapers that consists of a self-powered sensor/transmitter and a receiver and is supposed to assist staff in hospitals and nursing homes in performing diaper checks with elderly patients. The sensor kit has to be placed inside the diaper and sends signals to the receiver unit, which was co-developed… → Read More

October 1st, 2009

DIY garage door sensor

I don’t use my garage very often, but I am a pretty forgetful person. So it’s not uncommon for me to leave my garage door open all night, revealing its precious contents to passers-by. Thankfully I haven’t been burgled yet. And now, thanks to a new instructable, I can make my own “Hey dummy, you left your garage door open” reminder system! → Read More

July 3rd, 2009

New service enables total control of factory workers

In principle, any advance in any field of technology is welcome, but I have my doubts about this new service developed by a Japanese company called DSS. It’s basically aimed at establishing a “big brother”-like control system [JP, PDF] within factories. → Read More

August 12th, 2008

Japan advances in the development of "perfect" humanoids

Japan’s most prestigious educational institution, the University of Tokyo, and semiconductor company Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic), today unveiled an ultrasensitive sensor for robot use. The prototype was produced based on MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) nanotechnology and is as small as a bread crumb. It’s made of silicon and covered with elastic rubber. The… → Read More