Improving Prosthetic Legs with Advanced Ankles
Though we do it every day, walking is a more complicated action than you may think. It involves multiple joints and muscles groups that have to work together to keep you from falling. When part of the system is removed, as is the case with amputees, one is much more likely to fall. Researchers at Michigan Technological University are hoping to change that with a new prosthetic leg design.
Right now you can find some prosthetic feet and legs which include microprocessors to point the toes up and down when needed. While that movement definitely helps, natural ankles also roll the feet from side to side as we walk. To mimic that motion, the Michigan researchers added sensors to the bottom of the prosthetic foot and connected them to a microprocessor, which then controls the system for rolling the foot. Importantly, the mechanical system is not in the foot itself, but was raised into the leg and uses a cable system to control the foot. This reduces weight and makes it easier to use.
At present the statistics show that almost two thirds of all above-the-knee amputees will fall a year, compared to just one third of all adults over 65. Hopefully this new technology will change that.
Source: Michigan Technological University
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ASUS to Integrate NVIDIA G-Sync into Monitors
ASUS will build the recently announced NVIDIA G-Sync technology into its next generation of computer monitors. This will involve the inclusion of a G-Sync module that will interact with hardware and software built in to NVIDIA Kepler based GPUs. The new technology helps to improve graphical performance be eliminating lag, tearing, and stuttering while gaming. The company plans to include the technology in an updated VG248QE gaming monitor that will be available in the first half of next year at an MSRP of $399. Associate VP of the Display Business Unit Vincent Chou said, "ASUS strives to provide the best possible gaming experience by being at the forefront of technology and innovation. We are excited to be first to support and embrace NVIDIA's new G-Sync technology in upcoming ASUS gaming monitors. Gamers are certain to be impressed with its incredible step-up in smoothness and visual quality." Be sure to check out our forum thread from ClayMeow that shares his early thoughts on the new technology.
Source: Press Release
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New Mechanical Keyboard Available From ROCCAT
The Ryos MK series are the latest mechanical keyboards from German company ROCCAT with a total of three models available. The base model features Cherry MX black switches and has an on board 32-bit ARM Cortex processor. The processor is accompanied by 2MB of flash memory that allows for storage of up to 500 keyboard macros. The company will also offer the Ryos MK Glow which has the same technical specs with the addition of blue LED back lighting. The high end model, the Ryos MK Pro, has a second Cortex processor to control individual key back lighting, allowing for endless customization of the appearance of your keyboard. The Pro model is available with the choice of Cherry MX black, red, blue, or brown switches. The Ryos MK and Ryos MK Glow are available now at an MSRP of $99.99 and $139.99, respectively. The Ryos MK Pro will retail for $169.99 when it hits the shelves in mid November.
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