Tag Archives: futurism

video: Light-emitting shirts/LED T-Shirts

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yd99gyE4jCk

I’d call this one a future novelty (check out my other posts on futuristic technologies), but since it’s LED-powered, the case is arguable. More of an eBay auction item; definitely another option for advertisers.

Still, it seems more like something you’d buy at an independence-day fair. Glow necklace, anyone?

Here’s the press release:

Eindhoven, the Netherlands – Philips Research intends to impress the visitors at this year’s IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) with a world-first demonstration of promotional jackets and furniture featuring its innovative Lumalive technology. Lumalive textiles make it possible to create fabrics that carry dynamic advertisements, graphics and constantly changing color surfaces. The Philips stand in Hall 22 will act as a showcase for the Lumalive textile products that will be worn by Philips’ hostesses and embedded into booth furniture of the Future Zone.

Continue reading →

video: LAND WALKER/Japanese Robot suit/Mech Warrior prototype

If you happen to be familiar with Transformers, or the Japanese cousin (or origin thereof?) the Mecha – gigantic human-controlled robots capable of fighting intergalactic battles, this is – to many – a step “into the future”.

However notice the oil-based engine. Nice hearing those pistons firing!

Nothing like using 100 year-old technology as the primary driver of something that’s supposed to be “our future”.

It’s interesting to see the extent to which the postwar generations have been been affected by the “visionaries” of movie and general media fame. It’s too bad that, realistically, it’s not very feasible.

For the uninformed, why not? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons.
1. Peak oil
2. Peak resources (similar to peak oil – except with much more severe ramifications)
3. Oil-based engine
4. Scalable (will everyone and their mother be able to have one)? See peak resources.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVwbUljGs3g