by Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai | Aug 7, 2012 | Monitor
The rare earth element Europium, used to make lasers, TV sets and fluorescent lamps. They’re used to build everything from stealth choppers to lasers and night vision goggles. They’re even essential to making smartphones and hybrid cars. They’re rare...
by Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai | Aug 2, 2012 | Monitor
What’s crazier than an electrically fired, 5,600 mph bullet? An electrically fired, 5,600 mph bullet that’s GPS-guided, too. The Navy wants one of those to use with its cutting-edge cannon — a gizmo also known as the Electromagnetic Rail Gun. The Office of...
by Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai | Jul 26, 2012 | Monitor
The European Union wants new technologies like satellites and drones to monitor illegal immigrants coming from Africa. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. The European Union wants robotic eyes on incoming immigrants. As part of a $410 million proposal to improve border...
by Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai | Jul 26, 2012 | Monitor
Artist rendering of a GPS III Satellite. Illustration: Lockheed Martin Without GPS, drones can’t fly, communications networks can’t function, and you don’t have a chance of figuring out how to get to your Aunt Sadie’s place in New Jersey. And...
by Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai | Jul 25, 2012 | Monitor
A Zala 421-06, a drone that can fly for 90 minutes at 6,500 feet above sea level. Photo by Wikimedia Commons. Small surveillance drones are starting to be part of police departments across America, and the FAA will soon open up the airspace for more to come. This...