Robots That Learn

Imagine having a cleaning robot that did what no other cleaning robot can do: Learn. Future robots will not be programmed, but will be trained. The key is to educate them well!

COLLABORATE!

Scientists, engineers, technology developers and entertainment producers can team up here.

Forest Fires: A Virtual Solution to Real Problem?

Forest fire research at UCF that uses complex computer simulations may help stop the spread of real fires such those currently sweeping through the Southwest.

>About NSF

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Experts [ SEE ALL ] Dinosaur expert, technical adviser for “Jurassic Park” films

Locations [ SEE ALL ] South Pole Station, setting for the film "White Out"

Props [ SEE ALL ] From “I, Robot” to “Wall-e” to “Iron Man” robots have starred in a number of movies and TV shows

Technology [ SEE ALL ] Academy Award for developing computer programs for visual effects

Mind Mappers: Mapping The Brain To Understand The Mind

National Science Foundation

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The King and You: Like Lionel, a Simple New Device May Provide a 24/7 Speech Therapist
Inventors are coming up with a new technology to deliver speech therapy outside the clinic, while a newly released PG-13 version of "The King's Speech" broadens audience knowledge of fluency problems.

Cloudy with Meatballs Shines Light on Women in Science
There's something to be said for age-appropriate social commentary in children's movies. The 3-D animated film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Sony/Columbia) addresses most of the Seven Deadly Sins—extravagance, gluttony, greed, envy, etc.

Does Planet 51 Really Exist?
The new animated film "Planet 51" (TriStar) boldly takes astronaut Capt. Chuck Baker where no one has gone before: to a life-harboring planet outside our solar system. There he finds a quaint 1950s society of little green people who are afraid of anything (or any one) that is different.

Stranger Than Fiction

Invisible Sound? Acoustic Cloak Hides Underwater Objects from Sonar
By bending and twisting sound waves in a designer space, researchers can make them acoustically invisible.

Industry News & Events

Pixar's "Brave" Is Studio's First to Feature a Female Lead
The Scotland-set adventure film will be Pixar’s first fairy tale, its first picture starring a female protagonist, and its first film co-directed by a woman. The red-headed, tomboyish princess warrior named Merida, will be played by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald.

Spielberg Excavating 'Jurassic Park 4'
"THR" reports that Steven Speilberg is talking about digging up "Jurassic Park IV." After the sequel had been declared exctinct, "Jurassic Park III" director Joe Johnston revealed in an interview last year that the next installment "is going to be unlike anything you’ve seen.” With the rebirth of 3D and improvements in digital design the franchise is ripe for evolution into a 21st century phenomenon. THR says Spielberg has been brainstorming with writer Mark Protosevich, who has credits on "Thor," "I Am Legend" and "Poseidon." Renowned paleontologist Jack Horner has served as technical advisor for all four “Jurassic Park” films.

Cameron and Vince Pace to Make 3-D Affordable for TV Broadcast
At the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas, James Cameron and Vince Pace, co-developers of the Fusion 3D camera system, annouced they are moving forward on technology that will make 3-D technology affordable for televsion broadcasts.