Inspired by a concept originally belonging to Leonardo Da Vinci, Ellsworth's continuously variable planetary drive provides an alternative to the sprocket-driven ones used on traditional bikes. Almost any navigation system can give decent directions, but the Dash Express has a unique ability to talk to the Web. Users pay a $13 subscription fee (subtract $3 for prepay accounts) and in return the Express uses Wi-Fi or GPRS cellular data service to access up-to-date traffic and Yahoo! The handiest feature is the ability to skip the touchscreen typing while your hand's on the wheel, and send directions directly to the unit from any computer. At the end of its ergonomic handle is a surgical stainless steel blade equipped with an “auto close" cover that makes it far safer than a box cutter and much more comfortable than scissors. According to the developers, the bot, which is about the size of a small dog, has emotions, senses, and even the ability to learn and evolve thanks to a complex system of motors, sensors and a camera. read more

Tags: elaborate, ability, leonardo da vinci, traditional, directions, display, leonardo da vinci paintings, express