[From DigInfo TV, where the story features a 4:21 minute video and a collection of images] Ultra Realistic Dental Training Robot – Showa Hanako 2 30 June 2011 Showa University has announced Showa Hanako 2, a robot dental patient fabricated by robot maker Tmsuk. Compared with its predecessor Showa Hanako 1, this robot is designed to be more realistic, functional, and easier to use. Showa Hanako 2 will actually be sold by the dental supply company The Yoshida Dental Manufacturing. The main features of the new robot are a silicone skin and mouth lining by Orient Industry, a maker of…

[From Defence Professionals] [Image: A soldier trains in a simulator cab at the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)] Gaming technology helping UK forces prepare for Afghanistan July 5, 2011 A huge virtual reality training facility in Sennelager, Germany, which uses the latest 3D gaming technology, is helping British forces, from individuals to entire battle groups, prepare for operations in southern Afghanistan. Two years ago, PlayStation-style war games helped soldiers of 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES) get ready for their tour of Iraq. Before departing for theatre, troops spent hours in simulators and replica operations rooms at the…

[From The Los Angeles Daily News; other reviews can be found in The Daily Mail, informitv and Which?] [Image: An audience member leaves the Los Angeles theatre as 3D replays (a bit blurry without the proper glasses) are shown from Petra Kvitova’s rather quick 6-3, 6-4 win over Maria Sharapova in this morning’s Wimbledon women’s singles final. (Photo by Tom Hoffarth)]  HOFFARTH: In 3D, Wimbledon (and Sharapova) is much sharper By Tom Hoffarth, Staff Writer Posted: 07/02/2011 Updated: 07/03/2011 [snip] This was a history-making moment in the 125th edition of Wimbledon. A live 3D feed was available in nearly 200…

[From Eurogamer] Sony predicts return of virtual reality 28/06/2011 by Fred Dutton Not content with attempting to usher in the advent of 3D console gaming, it seems Sony now has its sights set on the next quantum leap – virtual reality. Speaking in a video interview to promote next month’s b.tween 3D event in London, SCE Studios exec Mike Hocking explained that Sony’s recently announced HMD device could represent the future of 3D gaming by allowing users access to a full ‘virtual’ world.…

[From The Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel] Philip Chard | Out of My Mind New machines might pull us closer together June 27, 2011 When frustrated with or puzzled about another person, we sometimes say, “I wish I could get inside his head.” Intuitively, we recognize how tough it is to truly understand how another person perceives the world. Even heartfelt conversations between caring people cannot entirely bridge this interpersonal gap. What, if anything, can? Well, with emerging advances in communication technology, you and others of your choosing may soon be able to narrow this relational chasm in a way that…