The best standing desk converters

By Kevin Purdy This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to standing desk converters....

Kangaroo expands its line of affordable smart home security sensors

Smart home security is gaining traction, but it generally still comes at a price. Last year, however, startup company Kangaroo entered the market with its system of $30 peel-and-stick motion sensors and low-cost monitoring plans, designed to make sec...

Kangaroos are Southpaw Stance Boxers


Now we know why Kangaroos like to box. They have an advantage. They box in the Southpaw stance like Jake Gyllenhaal in the upcoming Southpaw movie. Southpaw is a boxing term that defines the stance...

Festo BionicKangaroo: Energizer Joey

After creating a robot bird and dragonfly, automation company Festo shows off with another impressive animal replica. Like real kangaroos, Festo’s BionicKangaroo is not only great at jumping and keeping its balance, it can also store the energy generated from landing and use it for the next jump.

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BionicKangaroo uses a combination of pneumatic actuators and electric servos to move and keep its balance.

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According to Festo, the robot has an rubber elastic spring element that acts like an Achilles tendon: “It is fastened at the back of the foot and parallel to the pneumatic cylinder on the knee joint. The artificial tendon cushions the jump, simultaneously absorbs the kinetic energy and releases it for the next jump.”

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To make the robot even fancier, Festo also made it so it can be controlled with gestures. The company uses the Myo armband to make BionicKangaroo move, stay or rotate in place. Watch BionicKangaroo hip hip hop and not stop:

It would’ve been way cooler if they made a BionicTigger instead. Check out Festo’s report (pdf) if you want to learn more about BionicKangaroo.

[via Ubergizmo]

Kangaroo Bottle Has a Plastic Pouch for All Your Essential Stuff

Getting enough hydration while you’re in the middle of some strenuous workout or physical activity is important. However, a lot of people I know find having to carry a water bottle a hassle, since they also have to bring their keys, cash, cards, and other essentials with them.

A neat solution? The Kangaroo water bottle.

kangaroo water bottle
It looks like a regular old water bottle, but it’s actually got this handy plastic ‘pouch’ that pops open to reveal a secret compartment where you can store all your other essentials. There isn’t that much space, but it’s big enough to store the stuff that you absolutely have to take with you if your bottle is all you’re going to carry – like when you go running or something. There’s definitely enough room for a key some cash and a credit card or ID, plus 24 ounces or H2O, of course.

Kangaroo bottles are available online from Contigo for $12.99 each.

[via Gizmag]