Virtual Reality for Robots, and Super Cool Desks

Gazebo is a virtual world...for robots! It lets researchers test robot behaviour without risking the expensive robot hardware in a real situation (via Technology Review). In this podcast, Nora Young sees it as an example of the creative power of building on top of an open source platform. Cathi Bond wonders about its potential in medical research. Sharetable is a very cool desk designed for people who work with clients. The table has a computer on one side and a sort of 'mirror image' set right into the desk on the client side. The client can not only look at the images, but scroll through and manipulate them using touch. And, just for fun, play a simulated theremin in your browser here!