Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Mavericks ) undoubtedly have the potential to revolutionize both military and civilian surveillance operations, and the quest to find the most efficient design for these airborne spies of the future is leading to all kinds of radical platforms being investigated. Several are derived from nature, where evolution has produced designs that out-strip the performance and efficiency of humanity's aerial achievements on a proportional scale. Even extinct examples like the pterodactyl are not immune from this scrutiny, but in this case, the inspiration comes from the only mammal naturally capable of flight - the bat.

The vision for the US Army http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army funded research program involving the University of Michigan College of Engineering, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of New Mexico, is to create a six-inch long, quarter-pound robotic spy plane that could scavenge power from solar, wind and even vibration http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibration sources while monitoring the sights, sounds and smells of urban combat zones and sending data back to base in real time using radio signals.

University of Michigan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Michigan researchers are working on the microelectronics aspects of the craft and the College of Engineering has used a five-year, $10-million grant to establishes the Center for Objective Microelectronics and Biomimetic Advanced Technology - delivering the convenient acronym COM-BAT. The grant includes an option to renew for an additional five years and $12.5 million in funding.

The complex electronic systems under development for "the bat" include tiny stereo cameras and mini microphones, sensors dedicated to picking-up threats like nuclear radiation or poisonous gases and low-power radar capabilities that could enable the device to navigate in the dark. A lithium http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium ion battery with back up from solar and wind generation would supply the aircraft's targeted 1 W power requirement.

Via: University of Michigan College of Engineering / The Guardian.

Photo Credits: Eric Maslowski, research computer specialist in the University of Michigan 3D Lab.

http://www.gizmag.com/bat-inspired-miniature-spy-plane-under-development/10329/

SNIF Tag: pet tracking meets four-legged Facebook

November 11, 2008 Using RFID technology to track the whereabouts of your pet isn't a new idea, but the SNIF Tag takes the process a step further by incorporating an accelerometer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accelerometer and motion analysis software, meaning that not only can you locate your canine companion, but you can also determine how active they've been and even who they've met while you're stuck in the office.

Developed by four MIT Media Lab graduates, the system uses a small, collar mounted device linked wirelessly to a base station and data is uploaded to the SNIF website in real time. When your pet is out and about, information is stored in the tag and transmitted when they return home. The tags also talk to each other, recording encounters with other tag wearing dogs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog in the background while the standard canine meet-and-greet sniffing is taking place.

The data is then compiled in an online database http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_database which enables you to compare your dog’s activities with other dogs of the same breed or with the local canine population so that you can adjust diet or increase their exercise regime accordingly. It could also make life difficult for hired dog-walkers who are trying to take shortcuts.

The social networking aspect of the system turns Rover into a potential match-maker by allowing you to me et other dog-owners via online profiles and photos on the website.

“We loved t he idea of using real-world social networking to let your dog do the relationship-building work and act as a kind of social catalyst,” said Noah http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah Paessel, CEO and co-founder of SNIF Labs. “SNIF Tag not only gives dog owners peace of mind, it also offers a non-threatening way to meet new friends and companions via their dogs’ encounters.”

The SNIF tag is available in a range of customizable colors and patterns and a Starter Kit, including one year’s PREMIUM subscription to the online pet activity monitoring service costs USD$299. Premium membership costs $10 per month or $89 per year but the use of the website's basic features is free.

http://www.gizmag.com/snif-tag-pet-tracking-meets-four-legged-facebook/10343/