If you haven’t already heard of the Raspberry Pi 3, get with the program: it’s the latest version of the device that has revolutionized introductory robotics.
You’ll access a virtually endless number of projects with The Raspberry Pi 3 Complete LCD Display Kit , a fun and easy way to learn programming and processing.
Get started with your own kit for 10 percent off on TNW Deals .
While this mini-computer is tiny, it packs a punch. Work with the kit’s quad-core 1.2 GHz CPU and 1GB of RAM to explore unlimited programming possibilities. You’ll be able to control the system directly from the included board controller, plus the SainSmart LCD display will allow you to use it like a standard desktop computer.
And you’ll enjoy the Raspberry Pi’s internet and Bluetooth capability right out of the box, plus its lightning-quick processing speeds: Up to twice as fast as its predecessor.
All this means you’ll be able to complete a wide range of projects with the Raspberry Pi 3 , including a music maker, weather station, smart TV, Wi-Fi signal extender, and much more. And beginners, take heart: The included quick-start guide will have you up and running in no time.
Considering all this, it’s unsurprising that the Raspberry Pi has sold eight million kits over the last four years. Now’s your chance to join the craze: Grab the Raspberry Pi 3 Complete LCD Display Kit, now available for just $114.99 from TNW Deals .
Mercedes-Benz has its own Tesla-like battery for your home
Looks like Tesla isn’t the only car company getting into the home battery business – Mercedes-Benz is having a go at it too.
The gist is basically the same – the batteries will charge up during off-peak (read:cheaper) hours, and then use that energy to power your home when things get more expensive. They’ll also be able to store surplus charge from solar panels.
Where the Daimler (which owns Mercedes-Benz) offering differs from Tesla is in customizability. The Mercedes packs come in 2.5kWh units, and you can link up to seven more for a total of 20kWh.
Tesla only offers two configurations for the home: 10kWh and 7kWh, at $3500 and $3000, respectively. There is a 100 kWh option for businesses, but that won’t be available until 2016.
There’s no word on pricing for the Mercedes-Benz model yet, but units are expected to start shipping in September.
➤ Daimler via Engadget
Meet Spencer, the airport robot that will make sure you don’t miss your flight
Schiphol Airport is probably one of the most complicated airports to navigate around. That’s why KLM airlines has invested in a project to develop a robot that will help passengers find their way and avoid missing their flights in the Dutch airport.
Spencer is an armless friendly-looking robot that will be tested in Schiphol from the end of November.
The robot was created by a team that used research from five different Universities around Europe and is funded in part by the European Commission.
Spencer is equipped with a map of the airport and can survey its surroundings by measuring the distance to various obstructions using laser beams. Pre-loaded obstructions, such as walls and stairs, won’t be a problem for the robot, and neither will people, according to the researchers.
It’s trained to understand human behavior and won’t be running over groups in the airport; it will know to move around the people in its way.
Spencer is also programmed to be cognizant, so it will know how many people are in the group it’s helping to navigate and check at intervals that all of the people are still with it.
What might be an issue though, according to its creators, is objects that are left somewhere temporarily. Achim Lilienthal, one of the professors involved in the research, explained:
This will be one of the things the group wants to learn when the first trial starts on November 30. That trial is set to last one week and then the research team will leverage the data collected and use it to streamline Spencer before it officially gets to work in March next year.
➤ Robot to help passengers find their way at airport [Örebro University]