In Los Angeles, close to 100,000,000 small plastic balls have been deployed into area reservoirs, all part of an unusual plan to reduce evaporation and pollution in public water reserves.

The 4-inch spheres, known as “shade balls,” help prevent carcinogen contamination while also keeping water from disappearing into the air under the heat of the sun. The layer of balls acts as a shield against algae growth and animal-base contamination, too.

At three balls for a dollar, the cost adds up, but the estimated savings is there too: an expected reduction of water loss by around 300,000,000 gallons annually (or: 3 gallons per ball), which is enough drinking water for close to 2,000 people a year. The polyethylene compound also can prevent a harmful chemical reaction, saving residents from being exposed to bromate.

The post World’s Biggest Ball Pit: Millions of Balls Slow LA Drought first appeared on Gajitz.

Designed to disorient its targets when rolled or thrown into place, this tactical strobe lamp produces light and sound on demand, creating confusion prior to an incursion by police or military users.

While its bright 360-degree lighting is being sold primarily for hands-free use by officers of the law, the company behind the Strike Light also boasts other capabilities, from illuminating crash scenes, disaster sites or search areas.

Pitch, toss, place or hang the light anywhere for full surround illumination in essentially any situation. A remote lets users cycle through strobe lights or blaring sirens. The element of surprise, according to its creators, is the key: targets are unsure what the ball will do beyond its disorienting effects, thus running from it when it is sent in and turned on.

More about the ball itself: “Hands-free and rugged military grade polycarbonate housing to endure throwing or rolling into the most demanding of situations. (6) Powerful Cree XTE LED’s pushed at 200 lumens per LED; always remain upright for 360° illumination. The Strike Light can be hung from two attachment options from any overhead structure to provide an abundance of light. Rechargeable LiPo battery pack with quick charge VIA USB port.”

A user review: “As a tactical operator, I am always looking for the advantage in any dangerous situation. Having the Throw-Light to throw during a tactical operation means I have created a distraction, one that can not only help save the lives of my team, but also those of the assailants. Getting the advantage in a bad situation allows for faster apprehension. The first evolution of the Throw-Light gives me that advantage, and there are development plans to enhance and add new features to the Throw-Light in the near future.”

The post Tactical ‘Strike Light’: Throwable Strobing LED & Siren Ball first appeared on Gajitz.

A stabilized sphere, this remarkable new drone being developed in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps can swim upstream or roll uphills, able to tackle difficult terrain both by land and sea, including “paved road, off-road, sand, snow, sloped surfaces and water.”

Using nine-axis stabilization and“pendulum motion” propulsion system, the bot moves by shifting the center of gravity back and forth and a variety of steering algorithms. Its 360-degree capabilities mean it can rotate and turn quite literally on a dime.

The size can be scaled as needed, with models as small as a few inches to ones as wide as ten feet. Able to operate for 8 hours on a single charge, the robust design features extended batteries, redundant systems and multiple payload bays that can be used for accessories like imaging devices, sonar and radiation detection – no offensive capabilities to report (at least, not as yet). “GuardBot Inc. is focused on the design and development of spherical unmanned amphibious vehicle systems. The current GuardBot design has two payload bays and is used for military, homeland security and commercial applications. Conceived in 2004 for a space planetary mission on Mars, GuardBot remains unique with no known competition. GuardBot, Inc. owns an exclusive license for this technology which is protected by multiple US and foreign patents.”

The post Giant Robotic Balls: New Amphibious Drones Swim & Roll first appeared on Gajitz.