Omni-Directional

One of the most bizarre vehicles we've ever seen in motion. This jaw-dropping electric contraption rolls on four custom-made omnidirectional wheels, mounted sideways so it can self-balance like a Segway and move in any direction. Completely bonkers.

A small research group from the University of Michigan has developed a three-legged skating/shuffling robot called SKOOTR that rolls as it walks, can move along in any direction and can even rise up to overcome obstacles.

Ordinarily, wireless chargers emit an electromagnetic field in just one direction, limiting the number of devices they can charge at once. A new charger, however, produces a donut-shaped field, for the simultaneous charging of multiple gadgets.

The Robotics Lab at Hyundai has developed a funky electric small mobility platform called the Mobile Eccentric Droid that features four independently steered wheels for high maneuverability and can even keep the low, flat base level on inclines.

While most of us can't afford to pay a person to patrol our home at night, it would still be nice to know that something was checking up on stuff as we slept. That's where Moorebot's Scout robot is designed to come in.

Omnidirectional video cameras are becoming increasingly popular, although they're still mostly just used recreationally. A scientific research team, however, has now utilized one of the devices to gain a better understanding of whale behaviour.

While quadcopters may provide photographers with a great way of getting aerial shots, sometimes a ground-based approach to the subject is what's required. That's why Vanora Robots has developed a four-wheeled camera platform known simply as Steve.

The O-Wind Turbine has taken out the UK£30,000 (US$39,000) first prize in this year's James Dyson Awards. This crooked, vented spherical device is designed to hang from skyscraper balconies and generate electricity in the chaotic wind conditions of a high-rise metropolis.

Not much bigger than a can of soda, the wireless Archt Mini speaker boasts 65 W of output power and 360 degrees of consistent sound quality through its patented multi-directional array module.

Archt Audio is hoping to make a memorable entry into the wireless speaker market with a sonic warhead known as the Archt One. This wireless audio system features a proprietary speaker technology called the Sound Array that ensures every corner of the room gets bathed in consistent quality sound.

The Virtualizer is a virtual reality rig that features an omni-directional treadmill, which is nothing new, but in addition to letting gamers walk and run, the device also lets them rotate, jump, crouch, kneel and even sit down, with these motions matched in game by your virtual self.

Honda has announced yet another development of the UNI-CUB personal mobility device will be shown at next week's Tokyo Motor Show - the UNI-CUB β is smaller, lighter, lower and can be used as a seat, making it potentially yet another alternative to the office chair.