Soft robots given veins the let them change their stripes

color-changing-soft-robots

If it were alive this robot would be classified as an invertebrate. It lacks a backbone and interestingly enough, all other bones are missing as well. The Harvard researchers that developed it call it a soft robot. It's made out of silicone and uses pathways built into the substance to move. By adding pressurized air to these pathways the appendages flex relative to each other. In fact, after … [Read more...]

Learning the ins and outs of USB with a simple dev board

Usb

We can't count the number of projects we've seen on Hackaday with a USB port.  Unfortunately, most of these builds - from RepRap controllers to wireless data loggers - don't use the full capabilities offered to them with USB. [Ben] came up with a very cool USB breakout board that allows you to explore the USB protocol with just a single inexpensive ATtiny. Instead of relying on an FTDI chip … [Read more...]

Turn your old Bluetooth headphones into a DIY car audio receiver

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[Tim] drives a 1995 Mitsubishi TS Magna, which is equipped with a less than stellar accessory package he lovingly calls a “poverty pack”. He outfitted his ride with an aftermarket head unit that can support the Bluetooth A2DP profile, provided he buys the ridiculously overpriced kit sold by Pioneer. Reluctant to shell out more money on an audio kit than his car is worth, he whipped up his own … [Read more...]