InventorSpot | Inventions, Innovations and Interesting Ideas for the Inventor in All of Us.

Cigarette Pack Mobile Phone

by Rick Martin

Here's a new gadget that certainly falls into that 'Shanzhai' category: A cigarette pack mobile phone. This little winner will certainly be popular among guys in China. Given that about 57% of men over 18 are heavy smokers, you couldn't ask for a better market. Maybe a few of them would be willing to substitute out their cancer sticks for a cell phone?

China Developing Robot for the Eldery

by Rick Martin

China scientists recently announced that they are only a couple of years away from launching a robot to care for the elderly. This new robot, reportedly 1.6 meters in height will perform numerous functions such as "fetching food, medicine, sounding alarms in case of water or gas leakage, sending texts or video images via wireless communications, and even singing a song or playing chess to entertain its masters."

China's National Space Program Copies Star Trek Logo

by Rick Martin

To give them full credit, I shouldn't say that China's National Space Administration ripped off a Star Trek logo. They actually ripped off two Star Trek logos. Check it out:

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Amazing Anime Makeover

by Rick Martin

From a forum posting on the Chinese internet comes this amazing photo set of an Anime-style makeover. The girl (unidentified) is from China, but by the end of the process she has that big-eyed Japanese cartoon look that's so popular with the kiddies these days.It's pretty amazing what a little mascara, eyeshadow and extra-big contact lenses can do.

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China Fights Somali Pirates with Army of Dolphins!

by Rick Martin

At least China's state media is good for something. From Xinhuanet.com comes what must surely be the best news headline ever, 'Thousands of Dolphins Block Somali Pirates.

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China Will Paint Itself White to Fight Global Warming

by Rick Martin

Really?! No, not really. But an article on China.org.cn went to great pains on April 1st to try to fool us into believing as much. Here's a quick overview of their ficticious ten-year plan: The roofs of all government buildings will be painted white, and individuals and companies who do the same will be monetarily compensated.

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Solar Panels Banned in Chinese Neighborhood

by Rick Martin

In China it's not unusual to see private residents to make the move to solar power. Like in any country the initial expense is high, but putting a few solar panels on your roof will pay off in the long run. It's good for you and it's good for the environment. Everybody wins, right?

Not so fast, skippy. This is China, remember?

1 comment

7 Amazing Chinese Farmer Inventions and Mods

by Rick Martin

You might be under the impression that most Chinese innovation is happening in research labs and universities. Well, let me take you on a quick tour of rural China for a second, where an uncanny amount of do-it-yourself contraptions are being created and assembled not by scientists -- but by farmers and laborers!

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As Tibet Anniversary Nears Youtube is Blocked in China

by Rick Martin

As I wrote 2 weeks ago, March 10th will mark the 50th anniversary of a failed Tibetan uprising in China, and the 1 year anniversary of last years riots. Well, reports are now coming in via Twitter, Fanfou, and the web that Youtube is now blocked for some users in China, just as it was blocked in the wake of the Tibet riots 1 year ago.

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Chasing the Wind: China's Critical Pursuit of Alternative Energy

by Rick Martin

The Global Wind Energy Council just released some fascinating 2008 year-end data, and there are two big stories that are grabbing everyone's attention

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