The Popinator

[ebarker]

Totally cool: Popinator (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1cz8IasV4w)

[dtengineering]

Actually, they are missing out on a key element... they should load it with unpopped popcorn, then have a resistive or microwave heater to pop the individual kernal, and then immediately launch it.

But, I mean... that's just being picky. It's a pretty awesome device.

Jason

[dellagd]

Actually, they are missing out on a key element... they should load it with unpopped popcorn, then have a resistive or microwave heater to pop the individual kernal, and then immediately launch it.

But, I mean... that's just being picky. It's a pretty awesome device.

Jason

All within the same time as firing a popped kernel from start to finish, of course.

[Brandon Zalinsky]

Nah, you gotta give it seeds and have it grow and harvest corn, get the kernel (I don't know how, what part of an ear of corn is the kernel anyway?) and then cook it and shoot it at you.

In all seriousness, this is amazing. The two-microphone approach is a really innovative way of finding distance, working not only like our ears, but our eyes, which have depth perception caused by two light entry points.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Actually, they are missing out on a key element... they should load it with unpopped popcorn, then have a resistive or microwave heater to pop the individual kernal, and then immediately launch it.

But, I mean... that's just being picky. It's a pretty awesome device.

Jason

A microwave would be difficult to shield and most colleges are quite restrictive when it comes to other heating elements (I'm assuming college students would be a significant source of revenue in this case). I think insulating it would be enough.

[Akash Rastogi]

Bee tee dubs - the version in this video is a tele-operated prototype. They have a small remote control. The viral video is just good marketing. Later revision may actually have the aiming ability.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Nah, you gotta give it seeds and have it grow and harvest corn, get the kernel (I don't know how, what part of an ear of corn is the kernel anyway?) and then cook it and shoot it at you.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PopcornPartiallyShelled2007.jpg

The yellow part.

[DonRotolo]

(I don't know how, what part of an ear of corn is the kernel anyway?)Not spending much time on the farm, are we? Its a wonder you made it to high school.

You surely have seen corn - at least canned corn, right? Well, those are the "Kernels", the part you eat, little thingies about 1/4" and yellow or maybe white-ish. Those are also the corn 'seeds'.