The video - shot on the Rokko Liner in Kobe, Japan - shows how paperclips stand on end when the train accelerates and brakes. The magnetism, which is produced by the electric current that drives the motors located under the floor, apparently poses no harm to the human body, though it could damage credit cards, mobile phones, or other electronic devices if left on the floor. The Kobe New Transit Company, which operates the Rokko Liner (as well as the Port Liner, which uses similar trains), says extra shielding is being installed just in case.

The only thing that happens to paper clips when they're placed on American trains is that they get fed up and decide to just drive next time. Hiyo! [Kobe Shimbun via Pink Tentacle]

Aside from the electromagnetics (in a linear electric motor config) and bolt-action which supports a six-round magazine clip, this gun makes use of a multimeter, a few custom switches to turn the weapon on and off, some PVC piping, a scope, and presumably, a battery pack. My favorite part are the fold-down wood legs for those moments when hitting a can with extreme accuracy is imperative.

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.The actual power of this sniper rifle-inspired gun isn't overwhelming, as it seems on par with (or maybe a bit more powerful than, a bb gun). But the use of electronics and the clever use of wood through out the design give it a DIY allure that I just can't resist. But check out TechEBlog's vid for your self. It's pretty cool. [TechEBlog]

As long as your collectible weighs around 4 ounces or less and is non-ferrous, this device will pick it up, spin it around, and illuminate it with its built-in LED spotlights. Apparently, the Levitron Revolution is not in production yet, but when it becomes available sometime in August, I'm going to get two just so I can put my levitron on display using my other levitron. [Fascinations via BBG via OhGizmo]

The maglev haptic control consists of two bowl shape objects, powered by electromagnets. Inside these bowls, a joystick floats around with a tracking sensor that relays its position back to a Linux Fedora-powered computer. The technology is precise to 2 microns and produces 40 newtons of force. One specific demo was the "physics playpen," where a variety of 3d shapes were displayed on screen and users could interact with them using the joysticks; moving the shapes back and forth between each hand, getting feedback of the collision, and a feel for the volume and weight of the objects.

Ultimately, the goal for this maglev haptic technology would be to have it implemented in a medical setting (microsurgery), military use (drone control), or even data visualzation (minority report, perhaps?). Just don't expect it anytime soon, as the electromagnets that power this thing cost tens of thousands of dollars alone. More pics are available over at [Gadget Lab].

This is supposedly the first 100 percent frictionless mouse. Why no friction? Because it hovers approximately one centimeter above the mousepad. It does so with the help of "patent-pending electromagnetic hovering technology." Maybe it is just me, but having electromagnetic waves pulsating throughout your hand all day can't be safe. Also, if it hovers with magnets, you wouldn't be able to put any downward pressure on the mouse. CrazyPC claims it reduces stress on the wrist and improves accuracy gaming. The Hover Mouse is available for $75. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]