If you plan on working in an auto factory or going into space anytime in the future, your most helpful coworker just might be a robot.
GM partnered with NASA to create Robonaut 2, also known as R2, a humanoid machine that can manipulate tools and other objects with greater dexterity than previous models. GM and NASA have spent three years working on Robonaut 2 at Johnson Space Center in Houston, and will continue to make improvements until R2 is deemed mission-ready. Watch the following video to learn more about how R2 was created
If you haven’t heard already, this week (Feb. 14th-20th) is National Engineers Week. We at eGFI couldn’t be more excited, and hope that you’ll join the festivities. Many schools and universities across the nation have special events planned. If you’re near DC, you can visit us at Discover Engineering Family Day (Sat. Feb. 20 at the National Building Museum), where engineering daredevil Nate Ball will be demonstrating his ATLAS Ascender. Swing by the eGFI table and enter to win a free iPod Touch!
Recently we blogged about the Burj Dubai, which as of now holds the title of world’s tallest building. If that story caught your attention, be sure to check out this really cool video from the National Geographic Channel, about the history of skyscrapers:
You may know him as the host of PBS’s Design Squad, or for his guest appearances on The Discovery Channel in programs like Mythbusters. These days Nate Ball is an engineer on the go, whether he’s creating useful gadgets or teaching himself to do a back flip off a wall (see the video below for a demonstration). Nate received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from M.I.T., where he studied mechanical engineering – when he wasn’t busy being an NCAA All-American pole-vaulter, that is.
