Prototype 2: Jet-board - Project: Icarus

       I know it's a little out there, but I've been thinking about this ever since I played games like Sonic Riders as a little kid. However, I'm not looking towards fancy magnets or pseudo-science as seen in science-fiction. Jet engines can be made incredibly tiny, and could provide enough thrust to get a Jet-board off the ground.

Idea 1: Alternate fuels

       Jet engines could easily provide enough thrust, but jet fuel pollutes just as gasoline or biofuel does when it is burned, so a different fuel is needed. I can't go electric, because the battery needed to keep the engines running would probably weigh more than the rider! I'm thinking of using hydrogen, H2, as a fuel. The only product of hydrogen combustion is pure water:

2 x H2 + O2 ---> 2 x H2O

       I do have one concern with this, though... I have read that although hydrogen actually burns slightly less hot than gasoline/jet fuel, but has a possibility of detonating. Is there a way to prevent this?

Idea 2: Ducted exhaust

       While (a) jet engine(s) could easily provide the necessary thrust, having them ll over the board pointed in different directions would be highly impractical and even dangerous. A better way would to have one or a couple mini-engines with a central intake, but have their exhaust routed through pipes to redirect it, with a small micro-controller to control the direction of the outflow using a gyroscope and valves to keep the board upright. This would also be the main control scheme for the user; simply tilting the board where they want to go.

       So, it is a bit of an out-there idea, but I really think it can be a reality. Unfortunately, there are clearly a lot of details to work out. Well, I cannot do it on my own, so I'm most definitely looking for input! ^_^

Prototype 1: Robotic Prosthetics - Project: Machina

I'm sure you've seen at least some variety of prosthesis for lost arms/legs/hands/etc., but I think they could be vastly improved compared to what they are now:

Idea 1: Muscle Mimickers

       Electric motors and pneumatic actuators do a good job of allowing prosthetics to move, but the movements are inherently clunky and unnatural. Using reactive fabric could make a smoother movement, more natural for the user

Idea 2: Neural Interface/Direct Tissue Connection

       Most prosthetics are simply worn like a shoe or using a brace, with the user removing them to sleep/shower/etc., but that means the device must have its own "brain" to interpret the movements of the user and predict how to react, but these reactions aren't always perfect.

       While the limb of an amputee may be gone, the nerves that once connected to it are still there. With an interface implant, the user would control the prosthesis as if their limb was still there. Also, a connector implanted directly into the user's body would allow them to wear the prosthesis indefinitely. This, combined with the muscle mimicking materials, would create an extremely natural feeling for the user.

Idea 3: Blood Vessel Connection

       It is no secret that modern medical treatments can often involve intravenous needles to deliver medication or take blood, but most, if not all patients are very opposed to needles due to the pain (I personally HATE needles). however, since a prosthesis would have no nerve endings to send back pain signals, a needle port could be installed in the device, with a connection to one of the user's blood vessels through the main neural interface/prosthesis anchor implant.

       Obviously, project Machina is still just an idea, and still open to creative input. Please, leave a comment so I can see what you have to say! ^_^

       -Jmiester14

Here we go!

Well, this is it, the start of Future Tech...

In case you didn't already know, my name is jmiester14, and this blog is for prototypes and inventions of mine, produced with collaboration from whoever wants to give input!

I already have 2 prototypes in the ideas stage, so without further ado, welcome to Future Tech!

2014 Jmiester14 Productions