Action Hobbies

Rhodri Armour designed Jollbot as part of his PhD thesis.

The Jollbot, created by Rhodri Armour, a PhD student from the University of Bath is the first robot that can jump over obstacles AND roll over smooth terrain. The robot, designed as part of his PhD thesis, has potential for space exploration or land survey work.

Shaped like a spherical cage, the Jollbot can roll in any direction. It’s flexible and small and jumps very much like a grasshopper. This YouTube video shows it in action:

Read the full article here: Researcher designs robot that jumps like a grasshopper

Learn more about robotics at Chibots.org

You’ve seen them at parks and on the beach, heard the engines in the water, and watched intently as they maneuver around toys in the swimming pool. Is it time to get your own? Is it time to get a radio controlled boat for your husband, or child?

What Kind Of Radio Controlled Boat?

• Electric R/C boats are known for their ease, using a rechargeable battery that gets slower as battery power runs out. These are less expensive than nitro or gas boats, and have a range around 15-40 mph. Some seriously high-end electric boats still tout high speed rivaling gas.

• Nitro R/C boats are mid-range in price and don’t run out of power until the tank is empty. Nitros can do upwards of 50 mph, and require fuel and a start kit to operate.

• Gas boats are a mix of gas and 2-cycle oil, much like your weed-eater, and are typically faster boats. They get about 45 minutes of play time to a tank of gas. Because of the size of the engine, these are much larger. It’s not unusual to find a 4 ft gas powered R/C boat. The noise, smell, and rooster tail make this a pretty impressive toy, and you’ll pay for it. These easily run around $1,000.

Enjoying your radio controlled boat with your family and friends is an extraordinary way to spend your afternoons on the water. The purchase, maintainence, and refurbishing your new R/C boat adds new depth to your list of educational hobbies.

So, level with me. It’s for you, isn’t it?