Build your own army of six-legged robot crabs with the KicCrab Walker kit. Each programmable bot runs on a KicChip processor you can code in BASIC or simple Flowchart language. The $79.95 kit includes servos, LEDs, circuit board, battery, and all body parts for assembly.
Datamancer crafted this stunning Art Deco keyboard for Cinema 16:9, a themed movie theater. The custom piece combines 1930s elegance with modern typing function, featuring a black acrylic faceplate, wood and chrome frame, and vintage typewriter aesthetics that work as beautifully as any standard keyboard.
The Readius was an innovative ebook reader prototype with a roll-out display that expanded from pocket-size to five inches. Developed by Polymer Vision with E Ink technology and 3.5G connectivity, the device promised to solve the size-versus-portability dilemma but never reached market after funding collapsed.
The Sony TG5V Handycam records up to six hours of video with expandable memory stick storage. Its standout feature is a built-in GPS antenna that maps your footage to locations, perfect for travel videographers who want to pin their clips to an interactive map viewable on PC.
The RoboCup putting aid sits in the golf hole and automatically returns every ball that drops in from up to 14 feet away. Pair it with the optional Caddy Cord accessory and even missed shots roll back to you. Running on four AA batteries good for 15,000 putts, it keeps practice flowing without interruption.
Flogos transform advertising into floating art—shaped foam clouds made from soap and helium that rise thousands of feet and drift up to 30 miles before evaporating. Generated by repurposed snow machines at one Flogo every 15 seconds, they've been used by Disney World, Mercedes Benz, and major sporting events.
The Harry Winston Opus 9 reinvents luxury timekeeping with two parallel chains of 33 baguette-cut diamonds and Mandarin garnets that move continuously to indicate hours and minutes. Limited to 100 pieces, each white-gold watch sells for $180,000 and features 72-hour power reserve.
This clever USB gadget looks like a flash drive but functions as an aromatherapy oil burner. It uses the warmth from your computer to gently diffuse essential oils at your desk. No software or drivers required—just add a drop of lavender or your favorite scent and plug it into any USB port.
Garder Post transformed a baby grand piano into an eye-popping DJ workstation, cramming three LCDs, four subwoofers, three tweeters, a full mixer board, and 1100W amplifier into the classic frame. The ultra-reflective white setup features a rotating turntable and claims to be ultra-responsive.
This wireless home security system ditches the monthly subscription model entirely. Features infrared sensors, motion detection, automatic video recording to SD card, support for up to four cameras, and automatic phone alerts to six numbers when triggered. Easy DIY installation.
Star Wars Force FX Lightsabers bring the galaxy far, far away to your living room with authentic movie sounds, light-up blades, and metal hilts. Choose from six character models including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, and Darth Maul for epic battles.
The Prince Opus paired a Purple Rain-finished iPod Touch with 15 live tracks, a 40-minute concert video, and a high-end Kraken Opus photography book. At $2,100 for just 950 units, it targeted die-hard Prince collectors willing to pay luxury-book prices for a custom gadget.
This sophisticated universal remote sports a 2.8-inch color touchscreen and comes pre-programmed for 300,000 devices. Point it at any remote and it learns those commands instantly. Program multi-device macros like 'Watch Movie' to control your entire entertainment system with one tap.
Troika designed a concept card to store drivers licenses, social security numbers, credit cards, and more behind thumbprint-locked security. The device aimed to protect against identity theft by consolidating wallet contents into one biometrically secured digital card.
The Truth Wristband is a wearable lie detector that changes from blue to red when you tell a fib. It measures galvanic skin response to detect emotional arousal, revealing not just lies but also embarrassment and self-consciousness. Sold as a DIY kit requiring moderate soldering skills for $45.
3K Computer's Razorbook 400 CE offered mobile professionals a compact alternative to bulky laptops and pricey netbooks. At just $150, it featured Windows CE 5.0, a 7-inch display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and essential business software in an ultra-portable form factor.
Ballard Designs created a vintage-inspired wall organizer that tackles cable chaos with style. The shelf features six docking slots for phones, tablets, and gadgets, with hidden wire storage below. Available in black or white for $79.
DXG entered the mini-camcorder wars with two budget-friendly HD lines. The rugged DXG-125V offered 720p capture and waterproof durability for $99, while the fashion-forward Luxe Collection added a flip-out LCD and clutch-purse styling at $129.
Bell & Ross unveiled the BR 01-92 Carbon Fiber watch, carved from a compressed carbon fiber block. With anti-reflection sapphire crystal, 100-meter water resistance, and multiple colorways, this tough yet understated men's timepiece embodies straightforward luxury. Prices start around $3,000.
This personal stone inspection kit lets anyone verify whether a diamond is genuine or a moissanite imitation. The Diamondite uses audio beeps and LED indicators to analyze gemstones on the spot, giving instant authentication results for those who want certainty about their jewelry.
This covert wristwatch conceals a miniature camcorder that records up to 8 hours of color video with audio. The camera hides inside the numeral 2, virtually invisible unless you know it's there. Battery lasts two hours per charge and connects via USB for video download.
The Ridgeline W200 wrist computer was designed for hands-free mobile computing in harsh conditions. With GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, an illuminated keypad, and weather-resistant build, it promised field workers continuous access without holding a device. Pricing and release details were never announced.
This solar-powered insect zapper harnesses the sun's energy to eliminate mosquitoes, flies, and over 100 insect varieties using UV-attracting bulbs and a 300-volt charge. Stake four lights anywhere in your yard, and they automatically activate at dusk, switching between bug-zapping and accent lighting modes with no electricity bill.
The Chrome Clocky is an alarm clock mounted on bicycle-like training wheels that literally runs away and hides when you hit snooze. After jumping off your nightstand, it rolls to a corner or under your bed, forcing chronic over-sleepers to actually get out of bed to silence it.
This $35 retro phone handset plugs into your smartphone and transforms ordinary calls into comedy gold. With an authentic coiled cord and comfortable design, it fits most phones and guarantees years of laughs at parties, meetings, and anywhere you want jaws to drop.
Gadget Nation takes readers on a cross-country journey through the world of quirky inventions, from toilet bowl nightlights to windshield-scrubbing wipers. Author Steve Greenberg chronicles both successful and obscure gadgets alongside their inventors' stories, making it perfect coffee-table reading for any gadget lover.
Build your own 3D printer for $700 with the Makerbot CupCake CNC kit. This hobbyist-friendly bundle includes lasercut parts, three motors, electronics, and 5 pounds of ABS plastic—everything you need to start printing custom plastic creations from your garage.
