gizmag.com

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 5.0/10 (7 votes cast)

odd look at news on the web

Tiny bike camper expands via slide-out to sleep 2 people + toilet

2 May 2026 @ 2:07 am

The latest bike camping trailer to cross our desk, the Alpencamper Eco Slide Out expands in a way we haven't seen from other pedaled campersMost bicycle campers just tow, but there are some that flip, that drop, that pitch and that straight blow up. The new Alpencamper adds another motion to that mix: sliding. The two-wheel towable borrows a trick from larger caravans and motorhomes, using a sidewall slide-out to expand its tiny interior enough to house a double bed comparable to what you'd find in a full-blown camper van – not bad for a little 'drop trailer that weighs less than the average adult.

Just call these tiny autonomous construction robots “antdroids”

1 May 2026 @ 10:00 pm

A top-down video-still image of RAnts in the lab working together to form coherent structuresRoboticists at Harvard and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – very smart folks indeed – somehow entirely missed the great name “antdroids” when building the insectoid drones they call RAnts (robotic ants, which do not, in fact, rant about anything – not even against a tyrannical robotic ant queen).Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, EngineeringTags:

Solar-boosted pedal-electric velomobile is new and improved

1 May 2026 @ 7:58 pm

Among other improvements over the original model, the Elf 3.0 will feature front and rear suspension, double the solar charging capacity, and a seat for a passengerFourteen years ago we first heard about the Elf, a pedal/electric velomobile that could be charged via a rooftop solar panel. Well, there's a new version on the way that'll be cushier, more powerful, and able to seat a second passenger.Continue ReadingCategory: Urban Transport, Transport

Forget digital keystone, this tri-laser 4K projector puts optical first

1 May 2026 @ 3:13 pm

Sharp, color-rich UHD visuals with massive contrast on tap, plus easy setup and ease of useOn the face of it, JMGO's latest lifestyle projector might look like just another boxy smart entertainment hub. But this model is reported to boast the world's first 3-in-1 optical system, and rests on a nifty gimbal stand that can adjust itself or play follow the user.Continue ReadingCategory: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology

Brembo distills its racing know-how into mountain bike brakes

1 May 2026 @ 12:17 pm

Brembo's new GR-Pro kit is designed for demanding MTB and downhill ridersBrembo's braking equipment has graced many a champion-winning F1 racecar and MotoGP superbike over the last several decades. It's now targeting cyclists who demand serious stopping power, with a whole ecosystem of gear specifically for mountain bikes.Continue ReadingCategory: Bicycles, TransportTags:

Humanoids will handle your baggage at Tokyo's short-staffed airport

1 May 2026 @ 9:57 am

Japan Airlines is kicking off a pilot program to have humanoid robots join its ground support staff handling baggage and operating equipmentThe next time you fly through Tokyo's Haneda Airport, your luggage might be taken care of by the dexterous hands of a humanoid robot.Continue ReadingCategory: AI and Humanoids, Technology

Two-person tiny house puts the affordable back into small living

1 May 2026 @ 8:03 am

The Shanti is a small and simple tiny house for two that starts at just US$30,000This pint-sized tiny house recalls the small living movement's humble roots by combining a very compact footprint that sleeps up to two people with a surprisingly affordable price.Continue ReadingCategory: Tiny Houses, OutdoorsTags: Building and Construction,

Robotic Ripsaw M1 built to scout and draw fire for US Marines

1 May 2026 @ 2:11 am

The Ripsaw M1At the recent Modern Day Marine Exposition in Washington, DC, Textron Systems rolled out a robot made to fight alongside US Marines. Called the Ripsaw M1, it's designed to act as a robotic force multiplier for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) and Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV).Continue ReadingCategory: Military, EngineeringTags: Textron,

Ford Nugget camper van floor plan upsized into chic Ducato 6-sleeper

30 April 2026 @ 11:04 pm

Algovia's original Evoke 600 camper van (pictured) now has a smaller brother with familiar layoutGerman camper van upstart Alcovia Vans has taken the well-known Ford Nugget multi-room camper van layout and adapted it for the ever-popular Fiat Ducato full-size van. It elevates the floor plan's versatility and comfort by adding an extra bed, trimming it all out in warm wood and felt, slatting in adjustable separation between the two "rooms" on the main floor, and adding an extra available seat to carry and sleep up to six people.Continue ReadingCategory:

DJI announces entry-level but fully capable Lito Series drones

30 April 2026 @ 5:30 pm

The DJI Lito 1 is priced at US$309, while the Lito X1 starts at $379DJI is one of the leading manufacturers of drones for aerial photography and videography. As social media continues to grow, beginners and content creators are seeking lightweight, easy-to-use devices for short-form video. DJI’s latest releases are designed to meet that demand.Continue ReadingCategory: Drones, Consumer Tech, TechnologyTags: