The prototype robot fish, modeled after carp, have been swimming around the London Aquarium as they await their release off northern Spain in 2011. Equipped with tiny chemical sensors, the fish will collect data on…

RFID tags from UPM Raflatac connect French magazine to internet

The French publication Amusement" is bridging the divide between traditional print and online magazines. Each 700g copy of the magazine, which focuses on new technology and lifestyle, is equipped with a UPM Raflatac RFID tag – providing readers with a link to exclusive content online…

Plastic Logic's Touch-Screen E-Reader

It's still early days for e-readers, and consumers can only choose between a few chunky-looking models. But by next year, Plastic Logic, based in Cambridge, U.K., will start selling a sleek e-reader that's the size of a standard sheet of paper and as thin as about six credit cards, and weighs less than a pound. The design of the device could help win over some customers, but Steven Glass, head of user experience at Plastic Logic, believes that the user interface developed for the device will play just as crucial a role.

Web Surfing in a Wireless Network of Your Very Own

It's hard to remember a time not long ago when Web browsing required sitting in one place and using a computer plugged into a cable. Now, people expect to hop online whenever they want from wherever they want using wireless Internet connections. But it isn't always easy. Mobile devices lose their capabilities when the carrier's signal drops out; laptop users struggle to find a public Wi-Fi network that will work; and the Wi-Fi networks that are available get slowed down by overcrowding.

Why not bring your own Wi-Fi? I'm not talking about stuffing a cumbersome router and cables into a backpack with hopes of setting up shop wherever you go. I'm referring to a new product called MiFi. It is what it sounds like: a private Wi-Fi network for you. It's a one-button gadget that measures about the surface size of an Altoids tin, only thinner and lighter.

Jay Leno’s 3D Printer Replaces Rusty Old Parts

Jay Leno has a lot of old cars with a lot of obsolete parts. When he needs to replace these parts, he skips the error-prone machinist and goes to his rapid prototyping 3D printer. Simply scan, print and repeat. One of the hardships of owning an old car is rebuilding rare parts when there are simply no replacements available.So, rather than have a machinist try to copy the heater and then build it, we decided to redesign the original using our NextEngine 3D scanner and Dimension 3D printer. These incredible devices allow you to make the form you need to create almost any part.

An engineer’s guide to voting

Two engineers describe the history and importance of voting and nominate Ginger the cat for President. WARNING! Disco and mean dog content!