Just Like Magic

Augmented reality is so passé. This German software is all about diminished reality – removing objects from the visual field. We’ve seen something similar for photos, but this software can neatly delete any object from live, full-motion video.

The effect is achieved by an image synthesizer that reduces the image quality, removes the object, and then increases the image quality back up. This all happens within 40 milliseconds, fast enough that the viewer doesn’t notice any delay. As the camera moves, the system maintains the illusion through tracking algorithms and guesswork. It does seem to be thwarted by reflections though; a cell phone removed from a bathroom counter is still visible in the mirror.

Currently the software only runs on Windows, but the Technische Universität team is planning to develop it for Android in the near future, where it will likely be available for free. See the seemingly magical software in action below.

Most electric bikes are really just like regular bikes, but with a motor to give you a little extra push for climbing hills on the long trip home. The BlackTrail BT-01 notches it up several levels, and can out run a lot of motorcycles.

Created by a German company called PG-Bikes, the carbon fiber BT-01′s 1.2-kW electric motor can push the bike up to 62-mph, and has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge. It still has pedals, so the BT-01 is legally considered to be a bicycle, and therefore has no age limit, helmet, registration, or license requirement.

I can just see some rich parents buying this for junior to ride to school, although considering the mind-boggling $80,000 price tag, it would probably be cheaper to send him in a chauffeur-driven limo every day.

This looks like the perfect way to get to work really fast without upsetting the "green" crowd. Look for your favorite celebrities to be riding them soon.

The PG-Bikes Black Trail is available now, but act fast, only 667 will be built.

At Hanover Messe 2010, DFKI Bremen showcased a new humanoid robot called AILA, which is demonstrating how robots might be used interactively in dynamic environments with humans by 2020.  The system uses SemProM (Semantic Product Memory), which it combines with its computer vision when handling objects of varying shapes and sizes.  For example, AILA can adjust how it holds a bottle based on its weight and fragility.  Each product or object stores and communicates its properties, such as its size, where it needs to be transported, which production line it belongs to, and so on through RFID.

Looking a bit like Toyota’s Robina, the feminine AILA is equipped with two laser range finders, stereo vision in its head, a 3D camera for object recognition and orientation, and an RFID reader in its left hand.  It has a total of 22 degrees of freedom (wheels x2, 2 arms x7, torso x4, head x2) and moves on a wheeled base containing 6 wheels.  Thanks to its wheel configuration AILA can turn in any direction and is stable on smooth to moderately rough surfaces.  A few more images follow after the break.