CrunchGear

CrunchGear

Link to CrunchGear

Video: Bridgestone’s Flexible (And Pretty Cool) E-Paper “AeroBee”

Posted: 18 Apr 2011 04:03 AM PDT

In April last year, we’ve shown you a prototype of the the QR-LPD (Quick Response Liquid Power Display), a flexible e-paper developed by Japanese tire maker Bridgestone. Fast forward to April 2011, and it turns out the company has not only rebranded the e-paper to “AeroBee” but also used the time to improve the technology.


The lithium-ion battery-powered prototype Bridgestone recently showcased during an exhibition in Tokyo has the following features:

  • display: 13.1 inch/A4 (color) touch pad with stylus input
  • OS: Linux 2.6.24
  • CPU: ARM11
  • connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Memory Card, USB 2.0
  • sound: built-in mic and 3.5mm sound output
  • thickness: 13mm
  • weight: about 730g

Unfortunately, it seems that Bridgestone aims at commercializing the AeroBEE with an eye on the enterprise market first.

This video (shot by our friends over at Diginfonews in Tokyo) provides more insight:

Videos: Humanoid Robot Rumble And Combots Final Match At RoboGames 2011

Posted: 18 Apr 2011 03:21 AM PDT

The RoboGames 2011 in San Francisco ended yesterday, and thanks to robot otaku blog Robots Dreams from Tokyo, we can show you two of the most interesting matches that were held during the event on video.

This video shows a robot rumble, basically a group of humanoids trying to knock each other out of the ring until only one is left standing. The rumble was held after the competition was over (which means the owners didn’t have to worry about damaged parts and such):

In this video, you can see the final (and pretty awesome) match of the Combots competition, Sewer Snake vs. Last Rites:

CrunchGear Week In Review: Robot Meeting Edition

Posted: 18 Apr 2011 12:00 AM PDT

Nissan’s Nismo Racing Leaf Looks Great, Performs Adequately

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 11:23 AM PDT


Created for “a series of special demonstration appearances,” this Leaf Nismo RC is a racing-based rethinking of the Leaf design and powertrain. They’ve shaved off about 40% of the weight, bringing it down to just over 2000 lbs, lowered it to have only 2.4″ of clearance, and of course switched it over to rear wheel drive.

The performance is… well, we can’t expect too much, since it’s more or less an optimized Leaf, not a sports car from the ground up. So 0-60 in 6.85 seconds is actually quite impressive. The top speed of 93, not so much, and the running time of 20 minutes won’t have it winning any endurance races.

They did it mainly to combat the idea that electric cars aren’t sporty. I guess they haven’t heard of Tesla. Here’s the full press release, with a few more specs for racing enthusiasts:

04.17.2011 , FRANKLIN, Tenn.
Nissan LEAF™ NISMO RC (Racing Competition) Takes Zero Emission Strategy to a New Dimension – the Race Track
– Purpose-Built Prototype Wraps Production Nissan LEAF Components and Technology in a Dramatic Ready-To-Go-Racing Carbon Fiber Body –

The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAF™. The powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world's first affordable mass market electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities between the production Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC end. As indicted by the "RC" – for Racing Competition – this new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th, is purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term "Racing Green."

Already a world leader in zero emission production vehicles with the late 2010 launch of the Nissan LEAF passenger vehicle in the United States, Europe and Japan, Nissan is now looking at the racing world as a way to draw attention to the seemingly untapped potential of electric vehicles.

"Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan's world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company's Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series," said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas, speaking at the New York International Auto Show.

The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011, with the company exploring pioneer zero emission competition spec series in future years.

A Serious Racing Machine
The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and driver-adjustable rear wing. Building on the unique exterior styling of the production Nissan LEAF, the 2-door race version was created by Nissan Global Design Center in Japan. Special 4-coat Pearl White paint with blue NISMO/Zero Emission graphics completes the exterior.

Dimensionally, the race car features a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, is 0.8 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider. The most dramatic difference is height, with the NISMO RC sitting more than a foot (13.8 inches) lower than the production Nissan LEAF. Ground clearance is limited to 2.4 inches, compared to 6.3 inches for the road going car. And, at 2,068 pounds, the race car weighs in at about 40 percent less than the production vehicle.

The layout of the NISMO RC is also markedly different from the production sedan, offering a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter – with drive to the rear wheels versus the production Nissan LEAF's front-wheel drive. The NISMO RC also utilizes a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.

Like the production Nissan LEAF, the NISMO RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charging port located inside the rear cowl. And unlike other competition vehicles, the NISMO RC has no tailpipe, no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven, and no exhaust sound.

In preliminary testing the NISMO RC produces 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.

"There's a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale – which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan LEAF or this electrifying Nissan LEAF NISMO RC," added Tavares. "Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid."
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)