ENGLISH | JAPANESE
Light-transmitting concrete - CON/FIBER
- 2 February 2010
At TOKYO FIBER ’09 SENSEWARE, an artwork called CON/FIBER was presented. It uses a glowing fiber, called Eska.
CON/FIBER was produced by architect Kengo Kuma. Plastic optical fibers have been embedded in concrete, creating a mysterious space that combines transparency with the heaviness of concrete.
Unlike quartz optical fibers, plastic optical fibers can have a large diameter and are easy to process. So they’re also expected to find applications in next-generation communications.
To make the most use of the qualities of this material, Kengo Kuma designed blocks shaped like pieces of shortcake. By placing the corners of the blocks inwards, light from outside can be amplified 1.8 times and transmitted to the inside. Three-dimensional patterns are created by stacking the blocks.
By projecting light, shadows, and pictures, this artwork offers a new means of communication via concrete.
Related Links :
- http://tokyofiber.com/en/ (TOKYO FIBER '09 SENSEWARE)
Related Links :
- http://tokyofiber.com/en/ (TOKYO FIBER '09 SENSEWARE)
Comments
Latest Videos
1 Sep 2010
On October 21, 2010, Sanyo Electric will release new products in its eneloop Booster series, which keep mobile devices going when their battery runs out. The new models are the eneloop Mobile Booster, a lithium ion battery with USB output for smartphones and iPads, and the eneloop Stick Booster, a handy USB power supply, as well as a charging adapter for the Nintendo DS Series.
30 Aug 2010
This system consists of the terminals, a printer in the kitchen, and a controller box. The booklet terminals used for ordering enable the staff to turn the menu pages and select items easily. The system is linked to a network cash register, so tallying of the bill is also a simple process.
30 Aug 2010
FLAVIUS, from Global Network Services, is a new point of sale cash register system using the iPad.
The iPad can be used as both an ordering device and as an interface for the cash register. This enables stores to introduce FLAVIUS at minimal cost.
The iPad can be used as both an ordering device and as an interface for the cash register. This enables stores to introduce FLAVIUS at minimal cost.
25 Aug 2010
On September 10, Sony will release the α55 and α33, the world’s first digital SLRs with a transparent mirror.This enables them to achieve super-fast continuous shooting, at 10 frames per second, and continuous focusing, which were previously only possible with bulky, expensive SLRs for professional use.
24 Aug 2010
At the Izakaya Expo, Asahi Breweries exhibited Asahi Super Dry Extra Cold.
The beer provided in bars is usually at a temperature of 4 to 8 degrees C. But the special-purpose Extra Cold server delivers Asahi Super Dry at minus 2 to zero degrees C, greatly enhancing the dryness and bite that are features of Super Dry.
The beer provided in bars is usually at a temperature of 4 to 8 degrees C. But the special-purpose Extra Cold server delivers Asahi Super Dry at minus 2 to zero degrees C, greatly enhancing the dryness and bite that are features of Super Dry.
24 Aug 2010
At the Izakaya Expo, Sharp exhibited, for reference, an order entry system using the iPad.
With this system, the pictures shown on the iPad can be exactly the same as those on the conventional menu. The system makes intuitive use of the iPad’s user interface; for example, pictures can also be enlarged by pinching.
With this system, the pictures shown on the iPad can be exactly the same as those on the conventional menu. The system makes intuitive use of the iPad’s user interface; for example, pictures can also be enlarged by pinching.
18 Aug 2010
On September 1, Sharp will release a portable Plasmacluster ion generator, the IG-CM1.
This model has a lithium ion battery as well as a USB connector, so it can be used in the office and while traveling.
This model has a lithium ion battery as well as a USB connector, so it can be used in the office and while traveling.
17 Aug 2010
A research group in the Hirose-Fukushima Lab at Tokyo Institute of Technology is doing R&D on an amphibious snake robot.
This robot moves by twisting its body mimicking an actual snake. The motion is almost the same on land and in water.
This robot moves by twisting its body mimicking an actual snake. The motion is almost the same on land and in water.
17 Aug 2010
Phasma is a hexapedal running robot that utilizes the mechanical principles seen in insects.
Phasma was produced by takram design engineering, a design and development company that features a multifaceted approach from both design and engineering perspectives. Phasma is based on a robot called iSprawl, developed at Stanford University.
Phasma was produced by takram design engineering, a design and development company that features a multifaceted approach from both design and engineering perspectives. Phasma is based on a robot called iSprawl, developed at Stanford University.
17 Aug 2010
G-Dog, from HPI Japan, is a dog hobby robot, which was co-developed with Futaba Corporation. It can also be turned into a bipedal robot, by using extra parts to add and replace joints.
G-Dog can be assembled in about two hours, like a plastic model. Users can easily generate original movements, by using the motion editor provided.
G-Dog can be assembled in about two hours, like a plastic model. Users can easily generate original movements, by using the motion editor provided.
12 Aug 2010
Saitama University’s Human-Robot Interaction Center is doing R&D on care support robots.
This wheelchair, developed by the Center, is a standard wheelchair with a camera and laser sensor attached. It has been designed to automatically track and follow the person next to it.
This wheelchair, developed by the Center, is a standard wheelchair with a camera and laser sensor attached. It has been designed to automatically track and follow the person next to it.
12 Aug 2010
Oga, Inc. is developing an ultra-thin, touch sensitive film. This film can be used as an input device for robot touch sensors and game controllers.
This film is just 0.5 mm thick, and it enables a force to be detected in three directions.
This film is just 0.5 mm thick, and it enables a force to be detected in three directions.
12 Aug 2010
At the Next-Generation Robot Manufacturing Exhibition, Japan Logic Machine presented a home care robot called Yurina.
Fully conscious people can operate this robot themselves, without any help from a caregiver. The robot can also be used as an electric wheelchair.
Fully conscious people can operate this robot themselves, without any help from a caregiver. The robot can also be used as an electric wheelchair.
12 Aug 2010
Saitama University’s Human-Robot Interaction Center is doing research on applying human communication methods to robots.
This Museum Guide Robot explains the exhibits in an art gallery. It detects the listener’s facial movements and nods, using a laser range-finding sensor and a 360° camera. In this way, the robot finds out “how interested the listener is in the exhibit”, and “how much the listener understands the explanation”.
This Museum Guide Robot explains the exhibits in an art gallery. It detects the listener’s facial movements and nods, using a laser range-finding sensor and a 360° camera. In this way, the robot finds out “how interested the listener is in the exhibit”, and “how much the listener understands the explanation”.
12 Aug 2010
PARO is a therapeutic robot, developed by the AIST and available from Intelligent System Co., Ltd.
PARO, modeled on a baby harp seal, displays emotional responses to external stimuli which are input via a range of tactile, light, audio and temperature sensors. PARO is designed to have a positive psychological effect on people who interact with it.
PARO, modeled on a baby harp seal, displays emotional responses to external stimuli which are input via a range of tactile, light, audio and temperature sensors. PARO is designed to have a positive psychological effect on people who interact with it.
11 Aug 2010
KDDI R&D Labs is developing technology for building personal networks with mobile phones as the key, enabling friends to enjoy a variety of services and applications.
6 Aug 2010
A group of researchers from The University of Tokyo and BEANS Research Institute are doing R&D on a blood sugar sensor that reacts to glucose and lights up inside the body.
5 Aug 2010
At Techno Frontier 2010, Omron exhibited a compact vibration-powered generator, which can utilize tiny environmental vibrations as an energy source.
5 Aug 2010
KDDI R&D Labs is developing the Wireless LAN Channel Occupancy Monitor. This system enables more efficient and consistent wireless access, by providing a numerical index for not only reception power but also channel occupancy.
5 Aug 2010
A group of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Hiroshima University, and Tokyo Metropolitan College of Industrial Technology are doing R&D on a close-fitting walking aid.
This device is intended for people who can walk unaided but are uneasy about doing so, as well as for rehabilitation by hemiplegics and other people who require care.
This device is intended for people who can walk unaided but are uneasy about doing so, as well as for rehabilitation by hemiplegics and other people who require care.
3D
Arcade
Battery
Bike
Camera
Concept
Custom
Display
DSLR
Eco
EV
Fashion
Food
Food Processing
Fuel Cell
Game
HD
Honda
Household
Hybrid
Hydrogen
Interactive
Konami
Machinery
Manufacturing
Medical
Mobile Phone
Motorcycle
Nanotech
NEDO
Nissan
NTT
Office
PS3
Robot
Sanyo
Scooter
Sensor
Sharp
Solar
Sony
Suzuki
Toy
Toyota
University
Vehicle
Video
VR
XBOX 360
Yamaha
Featured Videos
Latest Videos
