Photo: @parkeryaojj via Maker World (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

If you're a Star Wars fan and thought the ultimate customization your computer setup could get was a cool wallpaper or a character mousepad, think again. A designer known as parkeryaojj created a 3D-printed wireless mouse that looks like a miniature Millennium Falcon. On top of being incredibly detailed, the best part is that anyone with access to a 3D printer can easily make their own.

The Millennium Falcon wireless mouse looks exactly like Han Solo's ship, except that it has a scroll wheel near the upper middle part, but that's the main feature that keeps this from looking like an exact scaled-down model. The left and right-click buttons are cleverly concealed within the design—inspiring questions that maybe the Millennium Falcon looked like a computer mouse all along. While it's hardly ergonomic, it's perfectly functional and stylish.

If you want to take on the challenge of building your own Millennium Falcon mouse, the 3D CAD files can be found on Maker World. The designer printed the outer shell and used Bambu Labs’ Wireless Mouse Kit, which contains the inner components of the mouse. The shell, which can be printed in any color, comes in multiple parts that fit together, although the left and right buttons are held together using pillars.

While this is the kind of merchandise that Disney could be trying to sell officially, the fact that it’s made by fans for fans is something that would make the rebellious Han Solo proud.

To learn more about this project and see how others have created their own, you can visit the Millennium Falcon Wireless Mouse page on Maker World.

A designer known as parkeryaojj created a 3D-printed wireless mouse inspired by the iconic Millennium Falcon.

Photo: @parkeryaojj via Maker World (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

On top of being incredibly detailed, the best part is that anyone with access to a 3D printer can easily make their own.

Photo: @parkeryaojj via Maker World (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

The right and left-click buttons are cleverly concealed within the design—inspiring questions that maybe the Millennium Falcon looked like a computer mouse all along.

Photo: @parkeryaojj via Maker World (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

While it's hardly ergonomic, it's perfectly functional and stylish.

Photo: @parkeryaojj via Maker World (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

If you want to take on the challenge of building yours, the 3D CAD files can be found on Maker World.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Rillo (@itsrillo)

h/t: [Yanko Design]

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READ: Star Wars Fan 3D-Prints Millennium Falcon Wireless Mouse

@cityhouse_furniture Replying to @Shell I need a Gorilla sofa!!! This couch started from a AI rendering. And it has now turned into a real live Gorilla sofa. Many people are searching for this amazing couch. Well here it is the real Gorilla couch@Inspiring Designs #cityhousefurniture #gorilla #gorillacouch #interiordesign #furniture #furnitureflip #chinafurniture ♬ original sound – Cityhouse Global

Nowadays, it can be tricky to tell whether online products are real or AI-generated. What about a company that takes AI as inspiration and makes the product tangible?

Recently, gorilla-shaped sofas became a viral trend on TikTok, all created using AI imagery. One particular video, AI-generated by LuxArts, caught the attention of eager customers. Comments were filled with users inquiring where to purchase one or commenting on how comfortable they looked. Recognizing the potential market, a furniture sourcing company in China called City House Furniture has decided to make this viral concept a reality.

The couches are offered in black and brown and can easily seat two people. In fact, the sofa is so large that the six-pack of the gorilla acts as a comfortable backrest, while the gorilla’s chest works as a headrest. In a video showcasing the couches, an agent explains that a client requested it after watching the AI TikTok monkey sofa videos. He then goes on to say, “Everything in China is possible,” which is evident in what they manufactured.

While City House Furniture has shown the real product they are selling, multiple accounts on TikTok advertise only the AI images of these couches. Additionally, various merchants on eBay are listing the couches with these AI-generated images, creating opportunities for scams. LuxArts has even dedicated a whole page on their website warning viewers about potential scams featuring their AI-generated images.

With the rise of artificial intelligence in our daily lives, an increasing number of artists have been using AI to either substitute or integrate into their work, creating a unique mixed medium. It’s clear that AI imagination can be used to create tangible products that benefit customers by offering innovative items; however, the line of ethics may blur as creatives begin to rely more on AI for design and inspiration. The future of AI in design conceptualization is yet to be determined, but it appears that City House Furniture is taking steps in trying to demonstrate how one can blend digital creativity with human manufacturing.

While these sofas are seemingly being manufactured, it is unclear whether they are currently available for purchase.

This AI-generated design concept of a giant gorilla-shaped sofa went viral on TikTok.

@luxarts_ai Gorilla Shaped Sofa ️ #GorillaSofa #WildComfort #UniqueFurniture ♬ Sunrise – BCD Studio

Now, a company called City House Furniture in China has turned the viral AI-generated concept into a real product.

@cityhouse_furniture I need a Gorilla sofa immediately !!! The design of the Full sized King Kong sofa is create based on a AI design. Only in China they are able to create such unique designs of sofa's. This amazing sofa is the perfect addition for a kids playroom or any living space.#cityhousefurniture #gorilla #gorillasofa #interiordesign #chinafurniture ♬ original sound – Cityhouse Global

While the company has showcased the actual product, many online listings for the sofas raise concerns about potential scams due to the sole use of AI-generated images.

@luxarts_ai Gorilla Beds ️ #GorillaBeds #StrongSleep #SturdyComfort ♬ nhạc nền – LuxArts

LuxArts, the AI designers behind the gorilla sofa, exclusively shares AI-generated concepts that look very realistic, but they have a warning page on their website about product scams.

@luxarts_aiDog Shaped Fur Lounge Chairs #DogFurChairs #CanineComfort #CozySeating Curl up in canine coziness with Dog Shaped Fur Lounge Chairs. These chairs are designed in the likeness of adorable dogs, complete with fluffy fur upholstery for maximum comfort. Bring a touch of whimsy and warmth to your home decor with Dog Shaped Fur Lounge Chairs, where every sit-down is a snuggle with man's best friend. ️✨ https://luxarts.net/dog-shaped-fur-lounge-chairs/♬ nhạc nền – LuxArts

City House Furniture: TikTok | Instagram
LuxArts: Website | TikTok
h/t: [DesignTAXI]

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READ: Viral AI-Generated “Gorilla Sofas” Are Now Being Made in Real Life

A new AI wearable is set to hit the market soon: Friend. Designed by Avi Schiffmann, a Harvard dropout, Friend is a necklace pendant that acts like its name suggests: a friend. The user simply has to touch a button, and a Friend will listen in via Bluetooth, evaluate, and then send a text to their phone. However, Friend also listens in all the time. The AI chatbot is capable of sending messages unprompted, offering encouragement or opinions based on conversations it hears.

AI has increasingly mixed in with our daily lives, whether through the use of ChatGPT or other AI wearable devices. Notably, Humane produced a laser pin that intended to free users from phone usage, and Meta has also collaborated with RayBan to produce a pair of eyeglasses that use AI technology to scan and analyze surroundings. Friend is different; the device doesn’t aim to improve productivity in any capacity but simply to provide companionship.

“I would really view the product as like an emotional toy. I think the only successful use case of large language models is people talking about their day and their feelings to tools like Replika or Character AI. But with hardware present, I believe it is a better emotional connect,” Schiffmann told TechCrunch.

The response to the product has been overwhelmingly negative. Various commenters on the company’s YouTube release video compare it to Black Mirror, find it satirical, or simply complain about the overall creepiness of the advertisement. Their concern is not unfounded. The idea of replacing basic interaction with yet another robot brings up questions of a decrease in genuine human connections.

Schiffman clarified that while the always-listening feature is emphasized, users are ensured security. The company does not retain any of the recordings, and users can choose to delete texts at any time.

While Friend does warrant some concerns, it could offer potential benefits. Socially anxious users might find that having a device that facilitates daily conversations provides a form of support and comfort. In addition to reducing isolation, Friend can help them practice communication skills while in a low-pressure environment.

Friend is currently available for pre-order in the U.S. and Canada for $99, with shipments scheduled to begin in January 2025.

A new AI wearable called Friend, designed by Avi Schiffmann, is set to launch in January 2025.

 

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This necklace pendant deviates from typical productivity devices by aiming to provide companionship. It can speak upon request but it also listens continuously and sends unprompted messages to users via Bluetooth.

Despite concerns about privacy and the potential impact on genuine human connections, Friend is intended to help alleviate social anxiety. See the trailer for the device and judge for yourself:

Friend: Website | Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Tech Crunch]

All images via Friend.

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Everyday smart clothing, once a product of the distant future, is now becoming a reality with innovative designs such as AI glasses and socks that regularly measure foot temperature to prevent bodily issues early. What about wearable technology in recreational activities? Skip, a start-up that intends to produce powered gear, and Arc’teryx, a Canadian outdoor apparel company, are answering that call with their recent collaboration product, MO/GO.

With a name standing for Mountain Goat, MO/GO is a pair of hiking pants with an integrated exoskeleton that significantly supports leg movement by supplementing the quadriceps and hamstrings while reducing the load on your knee joints. The motorized pants consist of two main parts: the outer motor at the knee as well as lightweight carbon cuffs inside the pants that attach to your leg. According to Skip, their motor can boost leg strength by up to 40% on inclines and makes you feel up to 30 pounds lighter as you move.

MO/GO was made for individuals who struggle with outdoor exploration because of knee pain, muscle weakness, or cardiovascular fatigue. The product especially caters to users with difficulty climbing upwards or experiencing knee pain during descents.

The design is as easy to use as it is functional: the motor is designed to be detachable, allowing you to have support only when you need it. Additionally, the module keeps matters simple with a minimal control panel featuring just three buttons: on/off, more assistance, and less assistance.

Though MO/GO follows the trend of robotic exoskeletons designed to assist people with mobility issues, the ingeniously designed pair of trousers is commercially the first of its kind. Featuring Arc’teryx's high-quality hiking pants exterior combined with Skip’s advanced wearable technology, it is unlike any other product currently on the market.

MO/GO is now available for pre-order on Skip’s website for the full price of $5,000. The earliest expected shipping date is currently December 2025. Recognizing that the pants may not be financially accessible to everyone, Skip offers an 8-hour trial of MO/GO on various hikes throughout the Western U.S. and Canada for $80 per day.

Skip and Arc’teryx have collaborated to create MO/GO, a pair of hiking pants with a built-in motorized exoskeleton that enhances leg movement.

Designed for individuals facing challenges due to knee pain, muscle weakness, or cardiovascular fatigue, MO/GO offers valuable support during outdoor activities like mountain hiking.

It is now available for pre-order for $5,000, with an expected shipping date in December 2025. The product also offers an $80-a-day trial option for hikes across the Western U.S. and Canada.

Skip: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Designboom]

All images via Skip.

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The future is finally here—the French government has permitted electric air taxis that are set to be used in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, potentially revolutionizing urban transportation. Thus far, only one VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) company, Volocopter, has been authorized to operate their flying taxis during the event. Volocopter's air vehicles, or VoloCity, are two-seaters equipped with 18 electric-powered rotors.

These sky cabs are permitted under several conditions, including approving a heliport construction on the Seine River near the Austerlitz railway station. This floating landing pad is among the first built specifically for flying taxis within the city. This initiative aims to showcase Paris’ advanced technology to a global audience and evaluate the feasibility of integrating flying taxis into the city’s regular transportation system.

The authorization, detailed in the Journal Officiel de la République française, states that the flying taxis can only be used until December 31, 2024. Additional restrictions have been placed upon Volocopter as part of the sanction. Considering the novelty of the flying taxis, flights will be limited to two per hour, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with no more than 900 flights permitted during the experimental phase.

Environmental concerns over the operation include potential noise pollution, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. According to The National, the Paris City Hall is planning to take legal action against the permit on the grounds of environmental impact. Additionally, Parisian local officials have unanimously rejected the concept, citing concerns that it caters exclusively to the elite and presents itself under the guise of environmentalism.

On the other hand, Volocopter aims to build a complete system of urban air mobility (UAM). They believe UAM can solve traffic problems caused by growing city populations worldwide, making the future more efficient and less crowded. According to Volocopter, they plan to continue their operations in Rome, Osaka, and NEOM following the Paris Olympic Games.

With the introduction of flying taxis to Paris, there is a need to consider the environmental repercussions that accompany technological advancement. Balancing the promise of enhanced mobility with the need for sustainable practices will be crucial in shaping the future of urban transportation.

Electric air taxis are set to debut at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, potentially transforming urban transportation.

Volocopter, the only authorized VTOL company, will operate its two-seater Volocity vehicles from a newly approved heliport on the Seine River.

Environmental concerns over noise pollution, energy consumption, and carbon emissions have led Paris City Hall to consider legal action.

Volocopter plans to expand its operations to Rome, Osaka, and NEOM after the Paris Games, as the city balances technological advancement with environmental responsibility.

Volocopter: Website | Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [designboom]

All images via Volocopter.

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Before tools like Google Translate and AI became mainstream, communicating with someone who spoke a different language was pretty challenging. But now, thanks to these tech advancements, it's a lot easier to connect with people from different cultures. These tools are great for those with able-bodied hearing capabilities, but people who are deaf or hard of hearing often can't benefit as much.

In an effort to bridge the communication gap between sign language users and non-users, two University of Washington undergraduates designed gloves called SignAloud that translate hand gestures into text or speech. Their innovative invention earned them a $10,000 Lemelson-MIT Student Prize in 2017, and the idea remains groundbreaking today.

Navid Azodi and Thomas Pryor met during their freshman year where they discovered their mutual interest in problem solving. At the time, they were studying business administration and aeronautics and astronautics engineering. Azodi gained further technical experience as a systems intern at NASA, and Pryor was an undergraduate researcher in the Composite Structures Laboratory in the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics and software lead for the Husky Robotics Team.

They developed the SignAloud gloves to recognize various hand gestures used in American Sign Language (ASL) and translate them into spoken words and phrases in real time. Each glove uses sensors to track hand positions and movements, sending the data wirelessly via Bluetooth to a computer. The computer processes the gesture data using statistical regressions, similar to a neural network. When it identifies a gesture, it speaks the corresponding word or phrase through a speaker.

“Many of the sign language translation devices already out there are not practical for everyday use. Some use video input, while others have sensors that cover the user’s entire arm or body,” said Pryor. “Our gloves are lightweight, compact, and worn on the hands, but ergonomic enough to use as an everyday accessory, similar to hearing aids or contact lenses.”

Azodi and Pryor had a keen interest in building a device that would have real-world impact. “Our purpose for developing these gloves was to provide an easy-to-use bridge between native speakers of American Sign Language and the rest of the world,” Azodi explains. “The idea initially came out of our shared interest in invention and problem solving. But coupling it with our belief that communication is a fundamental human right, we set out to make it more accessible to a larger audience.” Their incredible SignAloud gloves won the “Use It” undergraduate category that recognizes technology-based inventions to improve consumer devices.

Today, young inventors are continuing to push the boundaries of technology. Pryor is now an Avionics Engineer at Astrolab, focused on “Building rovers for the moon!” Meanwhile, Azodi serves as a Technology Consultant at Accenture.

Two University of Washington undergraduates won the Lemelson-MIT Student Prize for designing gloves that can translate sign language into text or speech.

Lemelson MIT: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

All images via SignAloud.

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Nowadays, there are a wide range of speakers available in different shapes, colors, and materials to suit every style. But despite all the models available in stores, a clever crafter has come up with something truly unique that you won’t find in stores. Content creator Mohsen Shirmohammadi, best known for his YouTube channel Penguin DIY, created a bluetooth speaker…inside a walnut!

Shirmohammadi, a mechatronic enthusiast, creates quirky gadgets from unexpected items. To show how he makes it all work, he captures his process in detailed videos. For example, in the walnut bluetooth speaker video, we see him go from polishing the inside walls of the walnut, to installing a rearranging tiny 5 V power bank module to make it fit inside the shell.

In one half of the walnut shell, the crafter stacks and fits a MH-MH18 Bluetooth audio module and an HXJ8002 mini audio amplifier module, managing to extend the LEDs and wire them up despite the lack of room. On the other side of the compact space, he fits a 4Ω 2 W mini speaker. For the sound to come out, the content creator drills a series of little holes in the shell. As finishing touches, he installs three tiny switches for play/pause, previous and next track, and volume control.

“From the choice of the perfect walnut shell to the installation of modules, amplifiers speakers, and a rechargeable battery, this project is a fusion of nature and technology,” writes the imaginative inventor. “Join us on this unique journey of creativity and innovation. Don't miss out on this extraordinary walnut shell speaker project—a must-watch for DIY enthusiasts and music aficionados!”

To stay up to date with Shirmohammadi's latest creations, you can subscribe to Penguin DIY's YouTube channel.

Penguin DIY: YouTube

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Screenshot from Cara

Social media is a wonderful way for creatives to get their creations out to a wider audience. From DeviantArt and Behance to Instagram and TikTok, there's a long history of art online. But these days, thanks to algorithm changes and the rise of AI, it can be harder than ever for artists to reach their target audience. That's where Cara comes in.

The artist-run platform has exploded over the last week, jumping from 40,000 to 650,000 users. As a social media platform for creatives, Cara has both a standard timeline, much like Instagram, as well as a portfolio section where creators can display their best work. They can also signal that they are open to new work opportunities, making it a great place for networking.

Screenshot from Cara

So why is Cara seeing such high sign-up numbers? This is most likely is due to Meta's announcement that, as of June 26, they'll be using public Facebook posts, as well as Instagram images and captions, to train AI. Users in the UK and EU were given the option to opt out of this training due to privacy laws, but American users have no such option.

Cara has become a safe haven for these artists and has actually taken a firm stance against AI. AI-generated art is not allowed in portfolios, and Cara has an AI detection system that blocks these images if uploaded. They also add a NoAI tag to any image placed on the platform to signal that AI scrapers shouldn't take images from the platform for training purposes.

As an added layer of security, the platform also allows artists to incorporate anti-AI pixels like Glaze into their uploads. Another popular pixel, Nightshade, will also be included when made available.

Screenshot from Cara/Albert Kiefer

Cara's founded Jingna Zhang is the perfect person to take on the challenge of running the creative platform. A renowned photographer herself, she won a case against a painter who used an image she shot for Harper's Bazaar as the basis for their own art. She's also one of several artists who are suing Google for using their work to train its AI image generator, Imagen.

“When it comes to art, unfortunately, we just come from a fundamentally different perspective and point of view, because on the tech side, you have this strong history of open source, and people are just thinking like, well, you put it out there, so it’s for people to use,” Zhang tells TechCrunch.

“For artists, it’s a part of ourselves and our identity. I would not want my best friend to make a manipulation of my work without asking me. There’s a nuance to how we see things, but I don’t think people understand that the art we do is not a product.”

With Cara, Zhang hopes to give artists the freedom to continue sharing their art with the public without fear. She's even open to allowing AI on the platform in the future if legislation that protects artists is passed.

So whether you are an artist yourself or you’re just an art lover, head over to Cara and see what all the fuss is about. And while you're at it, follow MyModernMet.

Cara: Website | Instagram | X | Discord

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READ: Cara, the Anti-AI Social Media Platform for Artists, Sees an Explosion of Users

 

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When most people think of school science fairs, images of baking soda volcanoes and egg drops may fill their minds. But for the most driven STEM students, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair provides a far greater opportunity to showcase their inventions and research, as well as compete for significant amounts of money to further finance their projects. Grace Sun, a 16-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, was awarded the highest prize of $75,000 at this year's fair for her work on biomedical implants.

Grace's work focused on improving the components that go into biomedical inventions, specifically organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). These are made of silicon, a soft and flexible material, and could be used in more complex implants in the brain or the heart. Unfortunately, OECTs can degrade in the body, causing them to be unstable and have low mobility, making them unreliable for many patients.

Six months of research went into Grace's project and helped her to develop a different way of chemically treating these organic components. This significantly improved their laboratory performance rate. The young scientist hopes that her work can be used to build a better OECT that can detect and treat illnesses such as diabetes, epilepsy, and organ failure, as well as a variety of autoimmune diseases.

“This was our number one project, without a shadow of a doubt,” Ian Jandrell, a judging co-chair for the materials science category at ISEF, told Business Insider about Grace’s research. “It was crystal clear that that room was convinced that this was a significant project and worthy of consideration for a very top award because of the contribution that was made.”

Looking forward to the future, Grace has dreams of further improving her research and starting her own company. To learn more about her project submission to the science fair, take a look at Grace's submitted research.

Grace Sun: LinkedIn
h/t: [Good News Network]

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South African photographer and content creator Luke Maximo Bell and his father Mike Bell are now Guinness World Record holders for the fastest drone flight in the world, beating out the previous 224 mph record by Ryan Lademann. The duo has officially earned the title for “fastest ground speed by a battery-powered remote-controlled (RC) quadcopter,” and the younger Bell is now sharing exactly how they managed to build the device they call Peregreen 2, as well as the trials and errors along the way.

Bell has been passionate about his quadcopter project for some time now. In a YouTube video, he says, “Last year, I created the fastest drone in the world, but I always felt like it was a kind of prototype and not quite fast enough. This year, my dad and I decided to improve every aspect of the original Peregreen drone to create an epic successor.” Though last year's drone flew nearly 250 mph (400 kph), Bell set his sights even higher. This accomplishment was not without its challenges. After multiple fires, prototypes, and adjustments, Bell's Peregreen 2 dashed through four speed runs.

In order to achieve this feat, the Bells designed a drone with four motors on a carbon fiber frame. The motors on their previous drone were Velox V2808s, but they went for even larger ones this time. Using T-Motor Velox V3115s caused an immediate setback. Their initial prototypes kept bursting into flames, a disheartening event to any drone maker. Their motors were overheating their batteries, necessitating a redesign. The Bells considered quitting, but stayed the course. Eventually, they made a prototype, with thicker wires for the motors that could successfully fly.

Though the Peregreen 2 could successfully fly, it was not initially at record-breaking speeds. After swapping out the motors for even more powerful ones and streamlining the design to be more aerodynamic, they had their final version to take the title. On April 21, 2024, in Worcester, South Africa, the Bells sent the Peregreen 2 into flight for two speed runs, each in opposite directions in order to negate the wind speed. At full throttle, the drone went from 0 to 186mph (300 kmh) in 2 seconds. Peregrine 2 officially reached 317 mph (510 kph) with an average speed of 298.47 mph (480.23 kph).

Incidentally, for the speed runs, Maximo Bell had attached an Insta 360 Go 3 Action cam to the nose of the drone. He was not expecting to get any usable footage at the drone's higher speeds, but it turns out he managed to make a working camera drone faster than Red Bull's Drone 1 that broke records at 217 mph (350 kph) following Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen's full-speed lap around the Silverstone Circuit.

To see more from Bell, you can follow him on Instagram and subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Luke Maximo Bell and his father Mike Bell made the fastest drone in the world, for the second time.

 

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A post shared by Luke Maximo Bell (@lukemaximobell)

The Bells broke Ryan Lademann's drone record of 224 mph.

Luke Maximo Bell: YouTube | Instagram
h/t: [PetaPixel]

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READ: Inventor Breaks Guinness World Record For Fastest Drone Flight Ever