Freefall

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The Yuki-taro slowplow robot is guided by GPS and a pair of video cameras embedded in its eyes. It compresses the snow into hard blocks, which Yuki-taro expels behind it. Developed by a team of researchers from five Niigata-area organizations, it's designed to clear heavy snow, which can pose problems for residents -- particularly the elderly -- who are faced with the laborious task of clearing it from driveways and entrances. 2007

Color by George Peterson.