Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
ENGINEERS IN THE US have built the first ever robot that is completely soft.
Taking the form of an octopus as it has an entirely soft body with no bones, it was created using a combination of 3D printing, an octopus-shaped mold and soft lithography (the process of printing from a flat surface).
The team from Harvard University managed to power the robot using a chemical reaction of hydrogen peroxide that turns into gas when it comes into contact with platinum particles in it.
Instead of being able to walk, it can only move its legs up and down slowly. The gas inflates the legs by travelling through tiny channels running through the body and helps them move. The robot also has tiny openings in its body so it can let out gas.
The robot has no rigid components, meaning it would feel organic if you touched it.
One of the researchers, PhD student Ryan Truby, told BBC News it took many years to perfect the design and many more months to fine-tune it.
“It was back, I guess last October, there was this one day when it just started working… Several iterations later, we kept fine-tuning, and at one point we could just take these things out of the oven, fill them up with fuel and they’d start moving.”
The hope is that this robot will serve as the starting point for future soft, autonomous robots. The idea would be that such robots would be able to use their softness and flexibility to perform tasks that traditional robots or humans can’t reach.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Presumably Electric Ireland are giving all the featured houses a months free electricity???
Houses from “all around Ireland” yet features houses only in Dublin and Cork. Disappointing
How has the house on the cahir Road to clonmel not got a look in? Not only is it all lit up, but it actually looks tasteful!
That house is gorgeous,every year it’s a shame it didn’t make the list. It’s the highlight of our shopping trips to see that house!
The house on the Clonmel road out of Cahir must be added to the list if not go to the top of it. The house is in a darkish area so looks even more pronounced and stylish. A lot of those on the list appear loud and abrasive – dare I say it.
Come on Journal – stump up the petrol money to see if any of the writers can survive outside of the pale.
Cos it’s not in Dublin/ Cork
Their broadband speed must be terrible.
Dear Journal
Between Dublin and Cork there is land. This land is home to other counties. What may be more surprising is that to the north of Dublin there is yet more land which is home to more counties.
Yours Sincerely
A person from outside Cork or Dublin
Well put.
Yeah but allot of its dark!
That’s not a list – just lazy journalism or even lazier advertising. Sorry most certainly not Journalism
Noonan’s house in Templeglantine, Co. Limerick go all out with their property every year for charity. As mentioned above there is more to Ireland than Dublin and Cork.
Just so people know house number 6 is not decorated this year :-( the man living there I think is in ill health and couldn’t put up the decorations!! really sad for the estate
Such a shame. Hope he’ll be okay. It would be nice if Electric Ireland did something nice for him, such as get his house decorated for him, given he’s still featured in their advertising campaign.
Where in Artane is house number 6?
I once lived in the Brookwood section and that house looked familar
Please take a look at MULDOWNEY CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW in Cobh, Cork We have a static dispaly on from 5-10pm but the main attraction is our PROGRAMMED LIGHT SHOW where, for 20 minutes each night at 7:30pm, our lights dance to music – not only that, we have some features including Frozen, Minions, singing Christmas tree faces (the only of their kind in Ireland) and a special Santa experience at the end of the show! there are free candy canes for the kids every night and donations are optional – all funds going to the Mercy University Hospital Oncology Ward. Since 2012, we have raised just under 15,000e. Please see our promo video – https://www.facebook.com/345884728843279/videos/vb.345884728843279/837059156392498/?type=2&theater
The lower classes love tasteless lights.
That is why they are lower class.
The “lower class” are living in those massive houses in Dalkey? Jesus where are the upper class are living then!?
Honorable mention to that house in Parteen
I’m sure if other home owners post I’m their pics the journal will give them a mention.
Wexford /rosslare road one of the oldest doing it over 20years and all proceeds go to rnli should have been on this, but I guess the journal doesn’t drive past its Dublin boarders and cork office should be ashamed, saying all over Ireland!!!
Artaine house is not lit up yet rumours around the area is its not happening either gutted it’s a great display
If its the one in Elm Mount, I heard its not happening this year.
Thorndale
Rathdrum Road Crumlin!!!!!!!!!!! They light up there house every year, and collect donations for a different charity each year!! This year its cystic fibrosis!!! Santa also greets visitors every night of the 12 days of Christmas!! Well worth a look!! FACEBOOK: JOSIES XMAS LIGHTS
I should do my bathroom the same now I think…
http://jezebel.com/5970944/is-that-a-penis-in-your-front-yard-or-are-you-just-really-excited-for-christmas
Sometimes it goes wrong with too much Christmas decorations??? lol.
I recall this exact same article last year as I remember thinking houses from around the country… Yet only Dublin and cork were featured…. To hear that the house in artane isn’t lit up, nor will be this year highlights the total lazy journalism on here!
Swansnest Avenue, Kilbarrack, Switching on the 11th of Dec.
That’s taking Xmas
have your say