Gizmodo: squirrels

The Solar Squirrel Is a Mean, Green Glowing Machine

Mark Wilson — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:40:00 EDT

It is among my few regrets in life that I don't have a front yard, only in that it limits me from unleashing an army of solar-powered squirrels on the neighborhood.

Imagine, if you will, standing behind a legion of weather proof, poly-resin rodents that operate off free energy. What in the world would not be mine for the taking, as presidents and kings alike bowed to the power of the amber LEDs or simply broke into tears at the unparalleled beauty of 3,000 squirrel soldiers all adorned with the same hand-painted finish?

Buy one for $55, two for $90 or 20,000 for $903,800. Trust me, it's a good investment. Few armies come with a complimentary 2-year warranty. [GreenCulture via Nerd Approved]

Sick of MacBook Posts? Here's a Picture of a Squirrel Dressed Up Like Darth Vader

Adam Frucci — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:58:19 EDT

Yes, I too am really sick of all these Apple/MacBook posts. I apologize, but we have no choice, really (turn off all Apple news by clicking here). Here, allow me to cleanse your palate with the above picture. Feel free to use the comments below to talk about anything at all, as long as it has nothing to do with Apple or their shiny, shiny products. [Sugarbush Squirrel]

Rocky the Robo-Squirrel Scares the Hell Out of Timid Woodland Creatures

Sean Fallon — Fri, 02 May 2008 20:45:00 EDT

Why we care to know how squirrels communicate is anyone's guess, but it seems that this research is so important that a robot squirrel is being employed to live amongst the regular squirrel population. In fact, "Rocky" here (named after the cartoon character) is one of a growing legion of robo-creatures designed to study animals in their natural habitat.

Rocky is controlled using a basic computer program and it comes equipped with tiny speakers that play back animal sounds so as not to arouse suspicion amongst the other squirrels. Apparently, tests over the last few years have proven successful in predicting squirrel behavior, but why they insist on doubling back over the highway into traffic is still a mystery. [USA Today and Yahoo]

Need a Break From iPhone SDK News? Here's a Squirrel Dressed Like a Spaceman

Adam Frucci — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:25:23 EST

Yes, there was a ton of iPhone news today. Very exciting! But if you're a little sick of the Apple news train, here's a photo to give you a breather. It's a squirrel and it's dressed up like a space stewardess for some reason. You are welcome. [Sugarbush Squirrel]

Humans Further Exploit Squirrels With Challenging Obstacle Course

Charlie White — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:30:00 EDT

You may have winced at that squirrel catapult we showed you a couple of months ago, but here's a Rube Goldbergesque contraption that squirrels willingly navigate. Look at those little guys running the obstacle course, willing to do just about anything for their next meal. One of the ambitious rodents ran the course 20 times in one day! Don't miss the end of the video for another example of a unique squirrel/machine interface. [Vooba]

Squirrel-Proof Rollerfeeder: This Is a Birds-Only Club

Charlie White — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:22:54 EST

The Rollerfeeder keeps those squirrels out of the bird feed like a bouncer behind a velvet rope, using a clever design that keeps the seed container upright while the outer shell spins around on an axle. Lightweight birds won't affect it, but once a heavier squirrel steps aboard, it starts spinning, resulting in a flying rodent face-plant.

As the birds in the area chuckle to themselves, the weighted bottom rights the seed container, ready for the next bird banquet. Just might be 80 bucks' worth of fun to watch. But remind me, why do we hate squirrels so much anyway? – Charlie White

Product Page [Solutions, via OhGizmo]

Robotic Cellular Secretary

Travis Hudson — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 12:55:41 EST

This squirrelbot is a part of Stefan Marti's "Autonomous Interactive Intermediary" project, where a robot serves as the interfact between you and your cell phone. When your buddies call you, the squirrel checks their number against a list you've pre-approved, and asks them some questions to deem importance. If it doesn't think the call is worth your time, voicemail kicks in; but otherwise, it will try to get your attention through gestures and eye contact. Press its paw, and the speakerphone switches on.

This project is part of Marti's MIT research, coincidentally, this same researcher was also a proudly-mohawked member of the self-described "most famous Swiss Hardcore Punk band of the 80s." That instantly injects this project with 100% more cool.

The Cellular Squirrel [Make]