Working hoverbike recalls Luke Skywalker's landspeeder

[DonRedwood]

I am still aware, every time that I use my cell phone, that it feels like I'm using a Star Trek Tricorder. Now working hover cycles... Can I say, at the risk of being a total geek, that we live in some amazing times.

:0) Live long and prosper.

"Aerofex, an aerospace company in California, has released images and video of its working prototype hover bike. According to the website Innovation News Daily, rotors on the underside of the vehicle provide lift, and the pilot controls the bike by leaning to the left and right (much as a regular bike might work)." VIDeO is at the link

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2012/08/working-hoverbike-recalls-luke.html

[rustydog]

1. I seem to remember reading where the "inventor" of the cell phone

was influenced by the tri-corder

[DonRedwood]

2. how could they not be?!

My mom had a gold 1950s cigarette case that flipped open like today's cell phone and we used it as our pretend tricorder.

[OnlinePoker]

9. I think you mean the communicator.

Though the tricorder (or versions of one) have been developed. Here is an open source website about the development of these cool devices:

http://tricorderproject.org/index.html

[MADem]

3. Interesting video--the thing kicks up a lot of rocks and dust, though, dunnit!

What powers the thing?

They say this is the prototype for a pilotless drone--pity. I think they'd do better making hover bikes--just the thing for "biking" over inhospitable terrain...!

[LongTomH]

4. I'm a total geek too, albeit an ancient one, and I love this!

I doubt that it would be very fuel-efficient, however.

[Arctic Dave]

5. Not really cutting edge.

It is just a hovercraft with modern facelift.

[tridim]

6. Wouldn't a bike with wheels be much safer and more efficient?

[gordianot]

7. Of course a wheel would be more efficient but this will not blow a tire.

[longship]

8. But puleeze! No fucking Ewoks. I beg you. nt