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Spectrum: Drone Catcher Traps Rogue UAVs, Simulation Tech for Archaeologists

Plus, a new consumer video camera that automatically edits clips may provide insight into the technology’s future.

That’s a WRAP: The increasing prevalence of cameras used by police agencies is bringing with it massive amounts of video footage to not only store but also search through. The tech behind a new camera for the consumer market may provide insight into the technology’s future. Called Kiba, the video camera starts recording incidents automatically or via voice command, and edits the footage down to a single video montage highlighting the top moments of the day. The device’s Joy Ranking Algorithm determines which clips to keep, preventing the user from having to view and edit hours of video. Source: Gizmag

Drone Catcher: After learning about how snipers were protecting 2014 World Cup crowds from rogue drones, a Michigan Technological University professor began work on a drone catcher. “I thought, ‘If the threat is a drone, you really don’t want to shoot it down — it might contain explosives and blow up. What you want to do is catch it and get it out of there,’” said Mo Rastgaar, an associate professor of mechanical engineering. At a distance of up to 40 feet from its target, the drone catcher shoots out a net that’s attached by a string. After ensnaring the rogue drone, it can fly it to a safe location for further investigation. Source: Michigan Technological University

Digital Indiana Jones:
The European Union-funded Presious project is developing software tools that aim to improve the efficiency of archaeologists’ work by allowing them to scan artifacts and use simulation technology to assist their research. Once completed, the three simulation software tools will be available for free public download, helping archaeologists worldwide to scan a stone object and estimate erosion patterns; piece together digitized fragmented findings like a 3-D puzzle; and fill in gaps in symmetrical objects when pieces are missing. Source: Engadget

5.34 quadrillion: The number of calculations that Cheyenne, a new supercomputer that the National Center for Atmospheric Research will use to study climate change, is capable of per second. Source: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research