FOXNews.com: Toyota robot ready to help around the house

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Toyota robot ready to help around the house Sep 27th 2012, 16:16 Face it, people are so 20th century. Toyota has unveiled a Human Support Robot (HSR) that was developed to assist organic beings faced with mobility issues. The cylindrical automaton can adjust its height and features a single arm capable of grabbing objects with a two-fingered hand, or picking them up using a small vacuum hidden within it. Controlled by voice commands or a tablet that apparently docks to its forehead like the card of a poker player in the middle of a game of Blind Man's Bluff, HSR is meant to take the idea of a service dog to the next level and can also communicate with family and live caregivers. Several of the robots have already been field tested in people's homes. HSR is the latest "partner robot" prototype that Toyota has been working on over the past few years as it looks to address the issue of an aging population and move into new technology segments. Honda has made similar strides with its humanoid line of Asimo robots, which are now capable of hopping on one leg and running. But don't worry about going to sleep at night with one of these in your home. Toyota says HSR's moving parts were designed with a light touch for safety reasons and are not capable of generating a large amount of force. Not harming humans is the first law of robots, after all. Nevertheless, with California and Nevada legalizing the use of autonomous cars like Google's fleet of Toyota Priuses on public roads, it seems there will soon be no where left to hide from Akio Toyoda's legions of mechanical servants. Isaac Asimov would be so proud. Read: Should robot cars be vetoed?

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FOXNews.com: Energy efficient windows: Understand the parts

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Energy efficient windows: Understand the parts Sep 27th 2012, 13:00 Windows are the charmer of a house. They add that last touch of character that completes the house's style, especially if they're older windows. But if your windows are a little gray around the edges, and it's impossible to update them for efficiency, then it's time to choose new windows. And because you're already replacing them, you might as well choose energy-efficient ones that will save you money. The first step is deciphering all the acronyms regarding energy-efficient windows. The second step is understanding all the parts of a window -- frame, glazing and operation -- and how they contribute to a window's efficiency. Eclectic Kitchen design by Dc Metro Design-build Tabor Design Build, Inc. Window Frames A window's frame can be made out of aluminum or another metal, composite, fiberglass, vinyl or wood. All have their advantages and disadvantages, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends vinyl, wood, fiberglass or composite. (Aluminum is easily heated, so it isn't a great insulator.) Wood has efficiency problems due to expansion and contraction, so consider aluminum- or vinyl-clad windows. But if you choose vinyl, consider an insulated version, depending on your climate and house requirements, for better thermal insulation. Our acronym guide didn't tell you about all the parts of a window. Here's a diagram from the DOE. Contemporary Family Room design by Los Angeles Architect Tracy Stone AIA Window Glazing There are a variety of options for your window glass, too: gas fills, heat-absorbing tints, insulated (double- or triple-glazed), low-E coatings, reflective coatings and spectrally selective coatings. Gas fills. The most common gasses used are argon, which is relatively less expensive, and krypton, which is more expensive but has a better ability at decreasing a window's U-factor. Heat-absorbing tints. These come in colors such as blue, green, gray, bronze or black. Tint doesn't lower a window's U-factor, but inner glass layers or spectrally sensitive coatings can be added to help with that. Gray and bronze reduce heat and light; blue and green allow more visible transmittance (VT) but only slightly reduced heat transfer. Modern Kitchen design by New York Architect Resolution: 4 Architecture Insulated. Double-glazed, triple-glazed, or storm windows allow space and air between panes (see the above diagram.) This lowers the U-factor as well as the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). In addition to air, space can also be added to lower the U-factor more. Gas fills or low-E coatings can also be added to insulated windows to further increase efficiency. Low-E coatings. These coatings increase a window's cost by 10 to 15 percent, the DOE says, but they can reduce energy loss by about 30 to 50 percent. The coatings reduce the U-factor but can also reduce visible transmittance unless it's spectrally selective. For hot climates or windows that get a lot of sun, the low-E coating should be on the outside of the glass. For keeping heat inside the house in the winter, the coating should be on the inside of the glass. Traditional Exterior design by Seattle Architect jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, AIA Reflective coatings. These coatings block solar radiation but also VT and glare. They do reduce SHGC, though, which is a plus. The DOE says that this kind of glazing works better in hot climates, but since it does increase the need for indoor lighting, the energy savings can be minimal. This type of coating is good for special applications. Spectrally selective coatings. These coatings are great because they cut out 40 to 70 percent of the heat but still allow the light through. That means a low U-factor and SHGC but high VT. Spectrally selective coatings can be used to reduce the electric-based cooling needs of new houses in hot climates by more than 40 percent, the DOE says. Window Types Last, consider the type of window you want in terms of how it operates, as some window types allow more air leakage than others. Awnings, casement and hopper windows have lower air leakage than sliding windows. Fixed windows have no air passage at all, which isn't good if you occasionally want ventilation. And for the future, keep your eye out for windows that pop out of the wall entirely. I recently talked to Denis Hayes, one of the organizers of the first Earth Day, and he has recently discovered that windows that pop out have the least air leakage, especially because the seal won't wear down over time like the other windows. He worked with a window manufacturer to produce some of these windows on a one-off basis, but they may be on store shelves in a few years. Traditional Living Room design by Seattle Architect Sullivan Conard Architects After you've made it through learning all the window jargon, you can go out and choose the style of your new windows to match the style of your house. All of these explanations won't make you an expert, but they should give you the vocabulary you need to talk to the window experts. Eclectic Family Room design by New York Architect Neuhaus Design Architecture, P.C. Related: Find a general contractor in your area Find the right window or door for your home Contractor tips: How to choose and install windows Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals around the world. Lindsey M. Roberts is a contributor to Houzz. Click to view original post.

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FOXNews.com: Ford claims towing title for 2013 V6 F-150

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Ford claims towing title for 2013 V6 F-150 Sep 27th 2012, 14:31 The towing championships now has a lightweight division. Ford has claimed the tow rating title among entry-level full-size pickups with its latest V6-powered F-150, which is sure to set off a new round of one-upsmanship in the increasingly competitive segment. The automaker now says its 2013 F-150s fitted with the 302 hp 3.7-liter engine 6,700 pounds, a 600-pound increase over last year reached after analyzing data collected in real world use of the trucks. That's 200 pounds more than the new V6 Ram 1500 can officially handle and 1,800 pounds more than a V6 Toyota Tundra. The F-150 can also outhaul the entry-level Chevy Silverado by 1,300 pounds, but an all new line of GM trucks is on the way next year. With a renewed focus on fuel economy, more buyers are looking at the latest generation of small-engine pickups, which use advanced technologies like direct fuel injection to provide a better combination of power and efficiency than in years past. The most fuel efficient F-150 also has a highway rating of 23 mpg, bettered for now only by the new Ram 1500 powered by a 305 hp 3.6-liter V6 matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile in the big leagues, Ford's more powerful EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 remains a popular choice among F-150 buyers, boasting the top tow rating among all light duty pickup trucks at 11,300 pounds while delivering 22 mpg on the highway. Sure you could've had a V8, but do you really need one? Read: Ram Long Hauler pickup ready to rule the road?

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FOXNews.com: New Jaguar F-Type looks to glory days, tweaks them

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New Jaguar F-Type looks to glory days, tweaks them Sep 27th 2012, 12:16 Its predecessor is widely agreed to be among the most beautiful sports cars ever made — and on Wednesday Jaguar showed it was trying to go one better than the glory days of the 1960s with the new F-Type. The Indian auto company Tata bought Jaguar Land Rover for $2.3 billion in 2008, betting big that it could revive two venerable British brands that had lost a bit of luster over the decades. The new F-Type, the first Jaguar two-seater in a half-century, is the first major Jaguar design shepherded through by the new owners. Tata has been a hands-off owner for Jaguar, largely letting its British team to make the major decisions on the car. At Wednesday's unveiling, Tata executives were in the crowd, but it was the Jaguar design director, Ian Callum, who took center stage. And the designers looked to the past — and the famed E-Type, beloved by aficionados everywhere — to inspire what they clearly hope will be the automaker's future. "It's just a tremendous challenge today to produce a beautiful car that meets all the world regulations," said Philip Porter, a Jaguar historian who has written a book about the E-Type. He hasn't driven the F-Type yet, but likes what he's seen so far. "It's a combination like the great Jaguars of the past of sculptural styling, great engineering and superb performance." And, he added, "it sounds like a sports car, which is essential." Jaguar Land Rover has been a huge part of Tata's recent success. Sales for the second quarter of 2012 rose 30 percent, largely based on growth in the Chinese market. The car goes on sale in spring 2013. ___ UNDER THE HOOD There are two different supercharged engines: a 3-liter 6 cylinder with 340 horsepower for the normal F-type and 380 horsepower for the S; there's also a 5-liter V8 with 495 horsepower. Jaguar says the 0-60 time is 5.1 seconds for the normal F-type; 4.8 seconds for the S and 4.2 for the V-8. The car has an 8-speed transmission with automatic or manual modes. ___ OUTSIDE The body is aluminum, and evokes the E-Type in details like the center hood bulge, the line of the body and the rear flare. But Jaguar is going out of its way not to do a retro E-Type. ___ INSIDE The lines are clean on the inside, pared down considerably from many newer cars. Rather than now commonplace touch controls for everything, the heating and ventilation are old-fashioned rotary knobs. ___ CHEERS Jaguar's looking to get attention again — and their first legitimate sports car in a half-century may be the way to do it. ___ OPEN QUESTIONS It remains to be seen whether potential buyers looking at the Porsche 911 or the Mercedes-Benz SL will see the F-Type as a real alternative. Fifty years is a long time to wait between models, and memories of the good old days have faded.

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FOXNews.com: Mercedes-Benz's electric blue lighting

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Mercedes-Benz's electric blue lighting Sep 27th 2012, 11:47 A couple of years ago Mercedes-Benz made the bold promise to launch an electric version of its SLS AMG gullwing supercar on the market by the end of 2013. Since then we've seen several concept versions of the car, which was labeled the SLS AMG E-Cell, though now we're getting our first look at the production version, which is called the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive and has made its world debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. That name may certainly be a mouthful, but the part that you should concern yourself with is the car's output, which comes in at a staggering 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. Not only does this make the SLS AMG Electric Drive the most powerful electric car currently on the market, but the fastest too. According to Mercedes-Benz, the SLS AMG Electric Drive will sprint from 0-60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds and easily reach its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The fastest gas-powered SLS AMG, the 583-horsepower SLS AMG GT, needs only 3.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, though it isn't hindered by a heavy battery pack. The battery back in the SLS AMG Electric Drive weighs just over 1,200 pounds, and is rated at 60 kWh. It has a range of about 150 miles with mixed driving. Charge time takes more than 20 hours using an ordinary household outlet, though Mercedes-Benz plans to offer a quick-charge option.   But it's not just about brute power with this car. Like the original concept versions, the production SLS AMG Electric Drive packs four motors, one mounted to each wheel via an axially-arranged transmission design. By controlling the torque of each of these motors through a new AMG Torque Dynamics system, the vehicle promises to handle much better than its gasoline counterparts. The technology behind the AMG Torque Dynamics system was developed together with engineers from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team, who were able to contribute their extensive know-how with KERS hybrid concepts. Note, Ferrari's replacement for the Enzo supercar is expected to feature its own setup relying on this principle. To counteract the heavy batteries is a full carbon fiber monocoque, another feature that should help the SLS AMG Electric Drive stand out from the regular model. Though costly, adopting carbon fiber for the car's central structure helps engineers achieve the high standards of performance implied by the AMG badge. Benefits include a weight saving of around 30 percent over standard aluminum, but high strength too. But the changes don't end there. Racing-style pushrod shocks replace the vertically-arranged system in the regular SLS AMG, as the electric drive system--and the now driven front wheels--required a different axle setup. The brakes are carbon ceramic units. Inside, the cabin layout remains much the same as the gas-powered versions. One new element is the controller for the AMG Torque Dynamics feature, which offers the choice of Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes for the ride and handling. On the outside, there are a few subtle details that allow us to tell the gas and electric versions apart. Most obviously, the SLS AMG Electric Drive is devoid of any exhaust tips and features a new "Electric Drive" badge on both its front fenders. The bumpers are also slightly different to the gas versions, particularly the rear one, while the grille and front intakes are painted to match the body color. So far the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive has only been announced for the European market, where it will go on sale next year priced from 416,500 euros (approximately $536,000). There's no word yet if a U.S. launch is planned, though we'll keep you updated if the situation changes. View original post

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FOXNews.com: Top 10 fall beers

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Top 10 fall beers Sep 27th 2012, 12:49 Fall is a season that has the word "beer" written all over it. Cool nights unleash the craving for hearty beers, whose colors mirror those of the turning leaves. Fall brews are more flavorful and more substantial than summer's bright quenchers. Colors get deeper and flavors get toastier as the tastes of the harvest table call out for malty partners. It doesn't take much to trade up to luxury in the beer world, so why not live a little? Check out one of these world-class brews next time you're cruising the six-pack aisle. From seasonal specialties to solid stand-bys, from innovative American craft brews to international ambassadors of style, autumn's finest offerings await.  BELGIAN-STYLE BROWN ALE The Bruery "Autumn Maple" Price: $10 for 750 ml. The Bruery in Orange County, California, has its own take on the pumpkin beer style. Its Autumn Maple is a conglomeration of yams, maple syrup, allspice, vanilla, molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg and its own traditional Belgian yeast strain. The result is a bold, spicy, Belgian-style brown ale logging in at 10 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume). The robust flavors and warming of the high alcohol make it an excellent libation to appreciate on a cold autumn evening. This beer is perfect for anyone who relishes the sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving, but with all of the spices in the mix, it smells and tastes like a pumpkin pie. AMERICAN-STYLE IPA Sierra Nevada Brewing Company "Estate Homegrown Ale" Price: $10 for 750 ml. When hops are harvested in early September, most are dried and stored for use throughout the year. A beer's hop flavor can't get any fresher than a wet-hopped beer like this one, brewed with hops used within 48 hours of harvesting. The hops and barley used in Sierra Nevada's Estate Homegrown Ale are homegrown on the grounds of its brewery in Chico, California, making it a true local beer and one of the few estate-made ales produced anywhere in the world. The 6.7 per cent ABV American IPA is also certified organic with both the USDA and Oregon Tilth, the highest level of organic certification available. This ale shouts out fresh hop resonance of earthy, grapefruit-like flavors, as well as spicy aromas and mild malty sweetness. AMERICAN BROWN ALE Samuel Adams "Hazel Brown" Price: $13.99 for Harvest Collection twelve-pack of 12 oz. bottles As hazelnuts are harvested in late summer and early fall, it's only fitting that Sam Adams' 2012 Harvest Collection includes a tribute to the flavorful nut of the hazel tree. Its roasted-on-an-open-fire flavor and aroma is the main feature of this brown ale, rounded out with some sweet cocoa and toffee. Two-row pale malt, caramel 60, biscuit malt and roasted barley help balance out the nuttiness and contribute toward a toasted malt character. Its appearance is brown and crystal clear with some reddish highlights. The modest 5.2 per cent ABV makes it a highly session-able, easy-drinking, fall quencher. This beer is only available in the Harvest Collection twelve-pack. PUMPKIN ALE Buffalo Bill's Brewery "Original Pumpkin Ale" Price: $9 for six-pack of 12 oz. bottles Buffalo Bill's was the first brewery in modern times to brew with the orange squash that appears to be the official vegetable of fall, with Halloween and Thanksgiving boosting its demand. This beer is modeled after the pumpkin ale George Washington is believed to have brewed, with baked and roasted pumpkins combined with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. With a golden orange color and a spicy nose reminiscent of the first whiff of a freshly baked pumpkin pie, this beer tastes like it smells and has been described as "pumpkin pie in a bottle." DUNKELWEIZEN New Belgium Brewing "Dunkel Weiss" Price: $6 for 22 oz. Dunkelweizens are a darker and more robust version of their German hefeweizen cousin. As part of its Lips of Faith series, New Belgium Brewing's adaptation of the German wheat beer style bumps up the alcohol to a hefty 9 per cent ABV and adds black pepper to give it a Belgian-y character. Earthy, toasty chocolaty notes are derived from dark malts, making this a big, strong dark Weiss beer that is a worthy companion for the cooler temps of the fall season. With an appearance of deep amber brown and a dense, off-white head, flavors of sweet clove, banana and black pepper blend together for a burly body with a warm finish. Although this lager is brown, it's also "green:" in 1999, New Belgium Brewing became the first brewery in the U.S. to purchase 100 per cent of its electricity from wind-generated power.  EXTRA SPECIAL BITTER (ESB) Southern Tier "Harvest" Price: $9.49 for six-pack of 12 oz. bottles Although brewed with English hops and billed as an English-style Extra Special Bitter, this ale out of Lakewood, New York, shouts out its American pedigree through its not-so-subtle hop dominance. It pours a fall-themed, orange color with aromas of hoppy grapefruit, resinous pine and caramel. Although the fruity fresh hop flavor is predominant, it's not overly bitter, with enough of a solid malt backbone coming through to allow the hops to melt into the malt. While Harvest Ale may be bigger than most ESBs, it is still an easy-drinking session beer, with an added bonus of hop notes lingering well after the sip. WEIZENEISBOCK Gordon Biersch "Weizeneisbock" Price: $8.99 (750 ml) Part of Gordon Biersch's Braumeister Selekt limited release series, the German Weizenbock and Eisbock styles are merged to create a new style, the Weizeneisbock. Co-founder Dan Gordon postulates that his brewery may be the first brewery in the world to brew this unique style. This bock, made primarily from malted wheat, is transformed through a process of freezing the water molecules and then removing the frozen portion, resulting in a concentration of alcohol and flavor. At 10 per cent ABV, the alcohol strength is definitely noticeable, and rich dark roasted malt flavors and notes of black licorice are rounded out with banana and clove, compliments of the top-fermenting Bavarian Hefeweizen yeast strain. Production is limited to only 3,500 cases, and this unfiltered ale is packaged in a 750 ml. bottle with a classic German swing-top closure. AMERICAN PORTER Kona Brewing Company "Pipeline Porter" Price: $9 for six-pack of 12 oz. You can reach for your coffee and beer with the same hand when picking up this ale. Named for the Banzai Pipeline, the mecca of surfing, this porter is as dark as Hawaiian black lava. A distinctive roasty aroma stems from the intermingling of barley and freshly roasted 100 per cent Kona coffee that's grown at the Cornwell Estate on the Big Island just down the coast from where the Kona Brewery is located. This brew delivers an earthy complexity with hints of chocolate and caramel flavors. For an extra treat, sweeten your porter with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy dessert float. AMERICAN BROWN ALE Breckenridge Brewery "Autumn Ale" Price: $9.99 for six-pack of 12 oz. bottles Inspired by brewmaster Todd Usry's memories of fall in Virginia where he grew up, the pictures of brown leaves and earth tones and "After Rakin'" tagline on the label suggest this beer should be enjoyed after finishing your fall chores. This ale has characteristics of both a Märzen and a stout, but falls somewhere in between. Its dark brown appearance pushes it towards the qualifiers of a dark beer, and while it's brewed with noble hops and Munich malts, the flavor has the nutty malt and subtle sweetness of an Oktoberfest style that's been bolstered with nuances of roasted grain, dark fruits and a hint of chocolate. BELGIAN STRONG PALE ALE Brasserie Dubuisson "Cuvée des Trolls" Price: $12 (25 oz.) The name means "vat of the trolls" and the label depicts a troll wearing a hat of hop leaves. While trolls are thought to be not so nice creatures, these trolls are kind enough to bring us a beer from the historical and independent Brasserie Dubuisson, which has been in operation since 1769, longer than most Trappist breweries and before Belgium became a country. Brewed since 2000, this strong Belgian ale is a balance of sweetness and bitterness, derived from the use of natural sugar and dried orange peel. Blond malts give it a deep golden hue and extra carbonation results in a creamy finish. If you'd like a similar but slightly bigger version, the Cuvée des Trolls "Cuvée Spéciale" weighs in at 7.5 per cent ABV. MORE ON GAYOT.com Top 10 Craft Beers  Top 10 Oktoberfest Beers  Best Oktoberfest Celebrations in the US Top 10 Winter Beers Top 10 Sipping Beers

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FOXNews.com: Test Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427

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Test Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Sep 26th 2012, 18:23 There's a heavy helping of "'bout time" baked into the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427, but as far as birthday cakes go, it's plenty sweet. Built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the legendary sports car, the 427 is the last iteration of the 6th generation of the 'Vette that will be introduced before an all-new model arrives next year. With a 505 hp V8 under the hood and a soft top overhead, the 427 is both the most powerful and fastest Corvette convertible ever made. It's powered by the same dry-sump 7.0-liter engine found in the Z06 coupe, more or less fulfilling a longtime wish of Corvette fans to have the biggest of the small blocks available in a drop-top body style. But while the 427 also gets the carbon fiber hood, front fenders and floor panel from the Z06, it passes on that car's lightweight aluminum frame, instead relying on the steel one from the standard Corvette Convertible, in part to help keep the price down. That was probably a good move, because it still costs $76,900 to start and cracks $90G once you add all of the optional anniversary badges and stripes, carbon fiber trim pieces and leather upholstered interior – and you know that you will. Why you want one: History like this doesn't come cheap, or very often. The 427 isn't technically a limited edition model, but Chevy will probably end up selling only about a thousand of them, so its collectability is almost guaranteed. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Chevy's 7.0-liter V8 is one of the greatest engines extant, and do you ever not want that in your car? Its noise alone will take years off of your mid-life crisis, especially with the absence of a hard top letting you enjoy it in full surround sound. Better than that, with only a six-speed manual transmission available, the 427 is literally geared toward the true driving enthusiast. Even at the end of its eight-year lifecycle, the Corvette platform remains a world-beater in the dynamics department and the power level on tap here is right on the money. The 427's fat rear tires can put all of it down in the turns and the car is as quick as anyone needs it to be in a straight line, no mater how long that line might be. Find one long enough and Chevy says you can hit 190 mph. Still, you'll never miss the aluminum frame because this is not the car you buy to set fast laps at the track. Canyon roads and highways are more its thing. GM's Magnetic Ride Control system is standard and lets you make the transition from level pavement to the bumps and bruises of inner city asphalt without wearing a kidney belt. Just don't scrape the front splitter on the way into the parking lot for cruise night, it's not a pretty sound. Why you might not want one: Did I mention the 7th generation Corvette is coming next year? As great a drive as the current Corvette is, it is from a long ago era. Even dressed in leather, the cabin wouldn't impress a Chevy Cruze owner and certainly not anyone that dropped this kind of money on whatever it is that they are driving. And while those trick shocks may dull the bumps, hit enough of them in succession and the 427's body will start rocking on that frame like a Crown Victoria during pothole season. The soft top isn't any more impressive. It looks like a pup tent when it's closed and doesn't keep out much more than the rain – but it does do that. One thing you need to know: The 427 is available as a DYI project, at least part of it is. You can go to the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan, and hand-assemble your V8, which is then shipped to the Corvette factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for installation. You'll have to shell out $5,800 for the privilege, but that's what you get for not paying union dues. ---------- 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Base Price: $76,900 As Tested: $91,320 Type: 2-seat, 2-door convertible Engine: 7.0L V8 Power: 505 hp, 470 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manua MPG: 15 city/24 hwy

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