Avuncular inventor Tim Hunkin of Cabaret Mechanical Theater and Exploratorium fame shares his explanatory videos of mechanical stuff. His latest is "Secret Life of Components — Pneumatics," a witty and interesting demo of various pistons, tubing, valves, controllers, and actuators, all controlled by air pressure. Lots to learn as he shows these components in action and the creative contraptions he's invented using them. Stay tuned 'til the end to see his amazing mechanical clock automaton. (Hard for me to watch this episode without remembering No Country For Old Men character Anton Chigurh's air-powered silent bolt gun!)
Unlock the mysteries of pneumatic components with inventor's whimsical & ingenious mechanical clock automaton
Tim Hunkin/YouTube
A café that delivers your food through pneumatic tubes
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Watch self-folding aeromorphs transform via pneumatic origami
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Make a no-3D-printer gripping, soft robot with hot glue and spreadable silicone
Harrison Young devised a miraculously cool "fiber-reinforced actuator" — a gripping robot-hand that can get traction on irregularly shaped, heavy objects, without any 3D printed parts and without any power-supply! READ THE REST
Find the perfect color match every time with this handy dandy sensor
TL;DR: Match any color like a pro with the Nix Mini 3 — the go-to gadget for $69.97 until February 9. Ever stared at a wall and wondered, What shade of blue… READ THE REST
Who needs daylight? This night-vision device has you covered
TL;DR: Explore the night with this compact night-vision device — on sale for $99.99 (reg. $159) for a limited time. The night is full of wonders — if you can actually see them.… READ THE REST
Never lose your wallet again (unless you want to)
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