Robot dogs are being trained to deliver parcels carried strapped to their backs.
Continental presented a concept design for the autonomous canines as part of its new “last-mile” system as part of its project with Swiss engineers ANYbotics.
The idea would see CUbE delivery pods, which have been trialled on public roads, not only carry people’s orders but also act as a kennel-on-wheels to “stage and deploy” the ANYmal robots.
The 60cm tall model, which has a three-hour battery, at CES climbs the steps to the front door, touches a metal paw against the front door to inform the customer they have arrived.
The package is then tipped off its back on to the porch.
The theory is the pod-and-dog system would work at a constant pace around the clock, which could help cut congestion.
Power-generating treadmills
Runners can try to cut their electricity bills by generating power on a treadmill.
The £5,000 Verde G690 “pumps electricity back into the grid” as runners work out, creators SportsArt said.
The machine has six resistance levels and a screen that shows users how much electricity they are producing.
It is said to be capable of harnessing up to three-quarters of the energy generated when a person runs between 2mph and 10mph.
Chief executive Ivo Grossi said: “The treadmill not only reduces energy consumption but actually produces it.”
Baby's first memory
A stick-on motion-sensing camera has been developed to “save babies’ first memories” by giving the parent an infant’s view of the world.
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The 16GB Babeyes device is hidden in the eye of a stick-on teddy bear badge, below, and features an HD smart camera with facial recognition and night vision.
It costs £110 and records 20-second videos which can be downloaded to a computer.
A spokesman said: “Babeyes lets the child see how people looked at them for the first time.”
- Mark Blunden flew as a guest of Virgin Atlantic, which flies daily from Gatwick to Las Vegas. virginatlantic.com