This Engineering Newswire looks at the Solo drone, getting ready to crash into Mercury, and cooking in the world’s first robotic kitchen.
Messenger Ready to Crash Into Mercury
At the end of this month, and after more than 10 years in space, NASA's MESSENGER mission will end when the spacecraft crashes into Mercury at more than 8,750 miles per hour. An on-board altimeter, which mapped Mercury's surface, is helping navigate the spacecraft's low-altitude passes.
The altimeter makes precise measurements that are used to determine where craters, mountains and other features are located, and just how treacherous they may be. The team has already produced a digital elevation model of the planet's surface.
Smart Drone Promises Breathtaking Aerial Photography
3D Robotics recently unveiled Solo – a drone the company describes as “the ultimate tool for aerial video and photography.” According to the company, even brand new pilots will be able to capture cinematic shots that would require years of practice.
A Cable Cam feature allows the user to lock Solo on a virtual cable between any two points in the air so that he or she can focus on camera work. The user can pan and tilt the camera freely without worrying about the direction of the drone.
iTunes for Food
The world’s first Automated Kitchen was unveiled this week at Hanover Messe. Created by Moley Robotics, the system features a robot integrated into a high-tech kitchen that can cook with the skills of a master chef.
The current prototype is the product of two years of R&D and the collaboration of an international team, including Tim Anderson, the 2011 winner of the BBC’s Master Chef Competition.
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