Errymath: July 2016

Cinema 3D: A movie screen for glasses-free 3D

'Pokemon Go' pursuit reaches US military bases overseas

Voice control in orangutan gives clues to early human speech

Type 055 DDG

CG images are the closest to the real thing

Armament:

1 × H/PJ-38 130 mm main gun
1 × H/PJ-11 CIWS (forward)
1 × HQ-10 short-range SAM in 24-cell launcher
128 VLS
- Surface-to-air missiles
- Land attack cruise missiles
- Anti-ship cruise missiles
- Anti-submarine missiles

Type-055 DDG start building

Starship autonomous delivery robot that can drop off everything

Starship Technologies has developed a fleet of six-wheeled 'ground drones' that travel at four miles per hour and are capable of carrying 20 to 25 pounds of cargo.

Deemed the first autonomous delivery robot, the technology is currently being tested in London and is now set to invade Austin, Texas in the United States.

Starship Technologies has developed six-wheeled bots that travel at four miles per hour and capable of carrying 20 to 25 pounds of cargo. Deemed the first autonomous delivery robot, the technology is currently being tested in London and is now set to invade Austin, Texas.

HOW THE GROUND-DRONE WORKS

Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags.

Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving.

It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address.

Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet.

The scheme also costs between 10 to 15 times less than the cost of current last-mile delivery alternatives, Starship claims.

Integrated navigation and 'obstacle avoidance software' enable the robots to steer clear of pedestrians or to jump over curbs and cobbles, for example.

Customers can choose when they want to receive their delivery and the robot will head to their location with the package securely locked inside, which can be retrieved using the app to unlock the lid.

'We came to Austin because it's common sense, it's obvious. Austin is a very forward-thinking, tech-embracing, innovative city,' Henry Harris-Burland, marketing and communications manager at Starship Technologies, told FOX 7 News.

The UK startup has put their focus on three different sectors in the market when it comes to Austin: package deliver, grocery delivery and restaurant deliver – so the next time you order from your favorite pizza joint, this machine might have it to you in 30 minutes or less.

Burland explains that the technology can easily integrate with any retailer or restaurant, as it can be added directly to the delivery process online.

'You'd order something as usual online. You'd be offered Starship delivery in the checkout area,' said Harris-Burland.

'And then you'd be notified through your mobile phone when your parcel was ready for delivery. The power is then in your hands.'

Customers also have the power to choose a convenient delivery time and the robot will head to their location with the package securely locked inside, which can be retrieved using the app to unlock the lid.

The drones are fitted with nine cameras, which are placed around the front and back, in addition to sensors that help this machine avoid obstacles in its path.

Startship also included two-way audio, so team members can communicate with people in the environment.

Following the process of mapping a neighborhood, like Mueller, which is located in the northeast-central portion of Austin, the team can setup a hub and unleash the fleet for delivers – which they are working towards making 99 percent autonomous.

If you’re worried about someone stealing your goods or vandalizing the robot, the firm has said its nine cameras are always recording and can ‘put that thief or vandal up on YouTube pretty quickly’, Harris-Burland said.

Starship Technologies was invented by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis who hope their machine will be appealing for small businesses who could send up to 20lbs (9kg) of goods to local customers.

It is as yet unnamed, but Keith Cornell, Senior Adviser at Starship told MailOnline: 'We may hold a contest and they may have multiple names. They might have personalities of their own.'

Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags.

The UK startup has put their focus on three different sectors in the market when it comes to Austin: package deliver, grocery delivery and restaurant deliver. Startship also included two-way audio, so team members can communicate with people in the environment

The idea is that consumers could call for a delivery, which is carried to their door by a robot in between five and 30 minutes, for as little as £1 (60cents).

Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving, but to begin with will be half controlled by a human operator.

It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address.

The mopeds of delivery drivers everywhere are set to be ousted by 'ground drones' that can navigate city streets by themselves. The invasion has begun with Starship Technologies' delivery bots beginning their trials in London (pictured) - and they are scheduled to begin trials and in Now York in spring

'Walking' on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet.

The scheme also costs between 10 to 15 times less than the cost of current last-mile delivery alternatives, Starship claims.

MailOnline tested the unnamed robots at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Mr Cornell said: 'Trials will be in 14 cities if we get permission from councils.'

AMAZON WILL BEGIN TESTING DELIVERY DRONES IN BRITAIN

Amazon plans to test its delivery drones in Britain, meaning customers in the UK could soon receive their packages from the internet giant by air, rather than post.

The move is the result of a deal with the British government and could see customers in the UK trial the new service before those in the US.

The partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the best regulations to put in place.

Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: Flying drones (one shown) that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas. But Starship Technologies could be the firm to take over ground deliveries

The plan is for Amazon's PrimeAir service to eventually deliver small packages weighing up to 5lbs (2.27kg) in 30 minutes or less.

The world's biggest online retailer, which has laid out plans to start using drones for deliveries by 2017, said a cross-government team supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority has provided it with the permissions necessary to explore the process.

Flights will begin 'imminently,' according to The Mirror.

Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: Flying drones that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas, having one person operate several highly automated drones and testing devices to make the drones able to identify and avoid obstacles.

During the test the drones will be only allowed to fly an altitude of 400ft (122m) and kept away from operating near airport flightpaths.

Greenwich council has already given us permission and this will be the launch location with robots arriving' next month'.

He explained that by the end of the year it's hoped the robots will be 98 per cent autonomous.

'It's the last two per cent that's expensive,' he added.

So instead, the company plans on having a human operator in charge of 100 bots in case they run into trouble, for example.

He confirmed the firm has retail partners lined up - 'names you'll recognise' - but these are currently under wraps.

'Demand is not an issue,' he continued.

Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags. dailymail

Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet. The bot's 'cargo trunk' (pictured) is sealed throughout the trip and only the customer can open it using a specific app upon its arrival. dailymail

ROBOT'S ANTI-THEFT MEASURES

If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location.

The drone's nine cameras can also capture the criminal's face.

In any case, the bot's 'cargo trunk' is sealed throughout the trip- only the customer can open it using a specific app upon the drone's arrival.

The app will also allow shoppers to track the robot's location in real time.

'The robot's designed to make life easier, so people might still go to the shops to buy flowers, for example, but could use them to carry heavy items such as potatoes home.

Integrated navigation and 'obstacle avoidance software' enable the robots to steer clear of pedestrians or to jump over kerbs and cobbles, for example.

However, human operators are ready to step in if an emergency should arise.

This includes if someone tries to steal the bot.

If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, the operator can take over - talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location.

The drone's nine cameras can also capture the criminal's face.

In any case, the bot's 'cargo trunk' is sealed throughout the trip- only the customer can open it using a specific app upon the drone's arrival.

The app will also allow shoppers to track the robot's location in real time.

One of Starship's main selling points is the battery-powered bot's zero direct CO2 emission, as opposed to the pollution brought about but too many, short shopping car trips.

After more than 3,000 hours of testing in London, Starship Technologies' delivery bots (pictured) are scheduled to start deliveries in Greenwich next month. Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the web, using 3G technology to find its way to addresses

Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' (pictured) is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology. If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location. dailymail

One of Starship's main selling points is the battery-powered bot's (pictured) zero direct CO2 emission, as opposed to the pollution brought about but too many, short shopping car trips

'Our vision revolves around three zeroes – zero cost, zero waiting time and zero environmental impact,' said Heinla, boss at Starship Technologies.

'We want to do to local deliveries what Skype did to telecommunications.'

For businesses, Starship's technology eliminates the largest inefficiency in the delivery chain, the last mile.

Instead of expensive and time-consuming door-to-door delivery, retailers can ship the goods in bulk to a local hub, then the robot fleet completes the delivery to the shopper's door for a fraction of the cost.

'With ecommerce continuing to grow consumers expect to have more convenient options for delivery – but at a cost that suits them,' Heinla said.

'The last few miles often amounts to the majority of the total delivery cost.'

Thousands of people ask Google if they are pregnant, whether pigs sweat and where to hide a dead body, every month. A sleection of the strangest popular questions is shown above

Whilst the average person spends 1 hour 40 minutes browsing social networks each day, there’s another habit which wastes hours each week for many … asking Google a whole host of crazy questions!   
Some people really do seem to have too much time on their hands judging by what people are Googling.
Using Google Autocomplete and their Keyword Planner tool, here’s 20 of the craziest questions people ask the world’s favourite search engine each month.

THE TOP FIVE CRAZIEST QUESTIONS

Am I pregnant? 90,500 monthly searches
How do I get home? 49,500 monthly searches
Are aliens real? 49,500 monthly searches
Does farting burn calories? 49,500 monthly searches
When will I die? 49,500 searches

The most popular question on the pictorial chart, created by marketing agency Digitaloft is: 'Am I pregnant?'

A staggering 90,500 women ask the search engine this question every month, presumably hoping it can provide an answer in lieu of a pregnancy test.

The second and third most popular questions on the list are: 'How do I get home?' and 'are aliens real?'

While the first question may seem downright daft, a box pops up allowing users in input their postcode or zipcode, to help them with their journey, but unfortunately the search engine is not able to beat Nasa in its quest to find alien life, which it hopes to do before 2025.

The most popular question on the pictorial chart, created by marketing agency Digitaloft is: 'Am I pregnant?'

Some 18,100 people ask Google whether penguins have knees every month, (a Gentoo penguin is pictured) and a curious 8,100 want to know if pigs sweat

Some existential users are concerned with the big questions, with 8,100 monthly searches on Google for 'why are we here?' and 49,500 for 'when will I dies' shown above

Of course many people use Google as a digital doctor, searching for answers to embarrassing ailments. So it's no surprise users ask it bizarre questions about their body.

According to the chart, 49,500 people a month ask whether passing wind burns calories, but unfortunately the myth this bodily function burns 67 calories is false.

Some 22,200 are curious as to why men have nipples, while a more troubled 4,400 people a month Google 'why does my bellybutton smell?'

Others are in search of answers to life's mysteries, with 8,100 people asking if the tooth fairy is real every month. The infographic provides and cute and child-friendly answer. dailymail

One popular question, asked by 49,500 people a month is if aliens are real (illustration pictured). Nasa has claimed we will find alien life by 2025, but ufortunately Google does not have the answer

Worryingly, 3,600 people a month ask whether men have periods (infographic shown above), with another 2,900 querying whether men can become pregnant, displaying a rather poor grasp of biology

Worryingly, 3,600 people a month ask whether men have periods, with another 2,900 querying whether men can become pregnant, displaying a rather poor grasp of biology.

A whopping 49,500 people ask the search engine 'when will I die' every month and it seems users are just as clueless when it comes to animals.

Some 18,100 people ask Google whether penguins have knees every month, 8,100 want to know if pigs sweat and 2,900 are curious whether worms have eyes – they don't.

An insecure 2,900 people every month ask the search engine 'does my dog love me?' every month.

A clueless 880 people ask where dinosaurs live every month and a further 5,400 whether the earth is flat – just a couple of thousand years after Aristotle provided evidence for a spherical Earth in 330BC

Other popular but worrying questions people ask Google every month, include ' how do I hide the dead body? – with 480 queries and 'what happens if I drink blood?' with 880 queries a month.

Some 800 people a month ask Google 'can I marry my cousin?' according to the infographic, meaning 10,560 people a year might be considering popping the question to a relative.

Others are in search of answers to life's mysteries, with 8,100 people asking Google 'why are we here?' every month and the same number asking if the tooth fairy is real.

A clueless 880 people ask where dinosaurs live every month and a further 5,400 whether the Earth is flat – just a couple of thousand years after Aristotle provided evidence for a spherical Earth in 330BC.

Some 800 people a month ask Google 'Can I marry my cousin?' according to the infographic (pictured), meaning 10,560 people a year might be considering popping the question to a relative. dailymail

Solar Impulse 2, solar-powered aircraft travelling 25,000 miles (40,200km) around the world without a single drop of fuel

Solar Impulse 2

A ground-breaking plane has defied expectations by travelling 25,000 miles (40,200km) around the world without a single drop of fuel.

The solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse 2, successfully completed its flight today, returning to Abu Dhabi after an epic 17-month journey.

With a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747, the ground-breaking craft touched down in the United Arab Emirates capital at 4:05am local time.

Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard (right) and Andre Borschberg celebrate after landing their solar-powered aircraft in Abu Dhabi. dailymail

Solar Impulse touches down in Abu Dhabi after its iconic journey around the world without using a single drop of fuel

Solar Impulse 2 approaches to land at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, where it first took off more than a year ago

The plane first took off from Abu Dhabi on March 9 of last year, beginning a landmark journey of around the globe and nearly 500 hours of flying.

Unfavorable weather at times hindered smooth flying, causing the plane to be grounded for months in some countries.

At 2:44am, the Solar Impulse Twitter account wrote: 'BREAKING: we flew 40,000km without fuel. It's a first for energy, take it further! #futureisclean'

Before taking off, Bertrand Piccard, who piloted the final leg, said: 'It's a project for energy, for a better world.'

Betrand Piccard (right) and Andre Borschberg (left) celebrate after landing in Abu Dhabi on the final leg of their epic journey. dailymail
.

A photo taken from Solar Impulse 2 shows an amazing aerial view of the Red Sea on its flight on 24 July

BERTRAND PICCARD AND ANDRE BORSCHBERG ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR RECORD BREAKING FLIGHT

The plane flew over the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco on April 23, 2016

How does it feel to have finished?

Mr Borscheberg said: 'I am only starting to realise that it is over now. But it is always the right time. The flight being over does not mean the project is over.

'We have a solid base now to work in the different directions we hope to work in.'

What is your next step going to be?

Mr Piccard: 'For aviation we are going to continue to use our expertise and knowledge to develop high altitude, unmanned solar aircraft and maybe even electric airplanes.

'I want to create a world council of clean technology to bring together all the experts in that sector who are normally not communicationg.

'I want to create a single voice where these experts can talk to the governments and heads of states about clear solutions that can fight climate change while also creating jobs for industry.

'There are a lot of interesting things to do. We are not unemployed and we are certainly not on vacation now.'

Could airlines soon use solar powered aircraft to carry passengers?

Mr Piccard said: 'We are not quite there yet for solar airplanes. But we will be there very soon with electric planes. I am certain that within 10 years there will be fully electric airplanes for 50 passengers on short to medium haul flights.

'It means there will be no noise and no pollution. For airports that are close to the city it will be a blessing for the neighbourhood and there will be new opportunities for air travel.'

You were in the air for days at a time, what was the hardest thing about such long flights?

Mr Piccard said: 'The most difficult moments were on the ground – preparing the technology, finding the partners with the funding, getting the permission and dealing with the bureaucracy and good weather conditions to fly.

'But once you are in the air it was magical, it was fantastic. I am looking at my propellers turning on the left and right wing, then I look at the sun and I understand it is only the energy of the sun that gives the energy for these motors to turn. It is science fiction but it is a science fiction that is happening today.

'It was never boring flying in that plane. It is completely quiet, completely clean and completely new. There is only one plane like that in the entire world.

The plane travelled over Hawaii as part of a test flight in March 2016

'It was a privilege to fly it.'

Mr Borscheberg added: 'I really worked on the cockpit design and did it in such a way so I could practice at least part of the yoga I do every day. While I couldn't do sun salutations, for example, as I could not get up but I could do some of the exercises.

'Interestingly it became my home and the place where I lived. I got attached to this environment so when I went down after landing it was like leaving an old friend who had taken me over the ocean.'

How do you go to the toilet on such long flights?

Mr Piccard said: 'Inside the seat there is a bag and you open the seat and go in there.

'But I tell you it is beautiful sitting on the toilet there, I have the most beautiful view of the world in front of you. You don't even need to close the curtains as there are no neighbours.'

What was your greatest highlight in the journey around the world?

Mr Borscheberg said: 'I read so much about pioneers when I was boy. The flight we did from Japan to Hawaii was THE exploratory flight of the project. I knew I wanted to do it.

'It was long and difficult, and we had some technical difficulties right up until before I took off. It was not easy but it will be an experience I will never forget.'

Swiss explorers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, took turns piloting the aircraft, which can fly for days on only energy from the sun using an array of solar panels on its wings to charge on board batteries.

The plane's wingspan is longer than a jumbo jet but its light construction keeps its weight to about as much as a car.

It typically travels at a mere 30mph (48km/h), although its flight speed can double when exposed to full sunlight.

Speaking to MailOnline after landing, Mr Piccard said: 'Coming into Abu Dhabi was really a great moment. I had great emotion at finishing this last leg of our round-the-world journey – a project that has taken over my life for 17 years.

'But at the same time we had a lot of thermals and turbulence around Saudi Arabia, so I had to concentrate and focus on flying.

'I could not be overwhelmed by what we had achieved. It always seems like in big adventures like this there is always a final test.'

Solar Impulse 2 pilots Bertrand Piccard (left) and Andre Borschberg speak about their journey after landing in Abu Dhabi

The Solar Impact 2 started its round-the-world solar flight from Abu Dhabi in March 2015, finally returning to base 16 months later

Swiss explorers Piccard and Borschberg are also the founders of Solar Impulse, which seeks to bolster support for clean energy

The final descent into Abu Dhabi marked the end of Solar Impulse's 24,500 mile journey around the world

The Swiss team is campaigning to bolster support for clean energy. The propeller-driven aircraft's four engines are powered exclusively by energy collected from more than 17,000 solar cells built on the plane's wings.

Life on board the Solar Impulse 2 was very cramped, with the cockpit measuring just 40.9 square feet (3.8 square metres).

This meant that it had enough room for instruments, some food and a reclining chair.

During footage, filmed for Wired, Mr Piccard took a selfie of him and his giant plane, before bringing the camera inside the cockpit to show off the aircraft's controls.

SOLAR IMPULSE 2'S ROUND THE WORLD JOURNEY

The globe-circling voyage began in March 2015 from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and made stops in Oman, Myanmar, China and Japan.

Piccard and Andre Borschberg took turns piloting the plane on each leg of the journey.

Both trained to stay alert for long stretches of time by practicing meditation and hypnosis.

Borschberg set a new endurance record for the longest non-stop solo flight last July during a 118-hour trans-Pacific crossing, over five days and five nights, from Japan to Hawaii.

He showed how he can recline in his seat to turn it into a bed, and filmed his modest food supplies.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Piccard said the cockpit had become more like a home.

He said: 'You do everything in that cockpit. You have a seat that you can recline in order to sleep flat. You open the seat to go to the toilet, you have food either side of the seat, you can heat your food, wash yourself with wet wipes and change your clothes.

'Really it is like a little house. When I get out of the cockpit I feel homesick.'

The pilots were only able to sleep for 20 minutes at a time, and used alarms to make sure they did not doze for longer.

Both pilots trained to stay alert for long stretches of time by practicing meditation and hypnosis.

The pilots were met with a huge reception, including a marching band to welcome them to Abu Dhabi

An aerial image shows Solar Impulse 2 during its landing in Abu Dhabi having finished its round-the-world flight

Monaco's Prince Albert II attends a press conference following the landing of the solar-powered plane, alongside State Minister and chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber (far right), and pilot Bertrand Piccard

Solar Impulse 2, seen here flying over Egypt's Giza pyramid complex, has successfully completed the first fuel-free flight around the world

Having completed their huge journey around the world, pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg celebrated together

Technicians prepared the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft at the Cairo International Airport on July 23 before it took off for its final flight in its round the world journey, an effort which has taken over a year to complete

The plane took off from Abu Dhabi in March 2015 and journeyed around the globe in a landmark voyage of about 24,500 miles

A map shows the route of Solar Impulse 2 around the globe as the plane left Cairo on Sunday to complete the last leg of its journey

HOW DOES SOLAR IMPULSE WORK?

Solar Impulse 2 is powered by 17,000 solar cells and on-board rechargeable lithium batteries, allowing it to fly through the night.

Its wingspan is longer than a jumbo jet but its light construction keeps its weight to about as much as a car.

Solar Impulse 2 relies on getting enough solar power during the day to survive the night.

It is also extremely light - about the weight of a car - and as wide as a passenger jet.

Both of these combined means it is extremely susceptible to the weather.

In high winds it can struggle to stay aloft at the altitudes necessary to gather sunlight.

Excess energy was stored in four batteries during daylight hours to keep the plane flying after dark.

Over its entire mission, Solar Impulse 2 cruised at altitudes of up to 5.5 miles (9 km) and at an average speed of between 12.5 and 25 miles (45 and 90 km) per hour.

However in high winds, the plane struggled to stay aloft at the altitudes necessary to gather sunlight.

The crew of the solar-powered plane was greeted upon arrival at Al Batin Airport in Abu Dabi to complete its world tour flight

Pilot Bertrand Piccard was at the controls of the single-seater when it landed at the Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi

The plane had 16 stopovers along the way including in Oman, India, Myanmar, China, Japan, the United States, Spain and Egypt.

Abu Dhabi's green energy firm, Masdar, is the official host partner of Solar Impulse 2.

Oil-rich Abu Dhabi is investing billions in industry, tourism and renewables to diversify its economy away from oil.

Mr Borschberg and Mr Piccard have said they want to raise awareness of renewable energy sources and technologies with their project, although they do not expect solar-powered commercial planes any time soon.

'There will be passengers very soon in electric airplanes that we will charge on the ground,' Mr Piccard had said when the plane arrived in Cairo.

'On the ground you can charge batteries and you can have short haul flights, maybe 500 kilometres with 50 people flying in these planes in a decade', he predicted.

Solar Impulse landed in Cairo earlier this month as it headed to its final stop in Abu Dhabi

Over its entire mission, Solar Impulse 2 cruised at altitudes of up to 5.5 miles (9 km) and at an average speed between 12.5 and 25 miles per hour