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- [dan] warning:
What you are about to see
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00:00:06,725 --> 00:00:08,975
Could be disturbing
to some viewers.
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00:00:08,977 --> 00:00:11,178
Viewer discretion is advised.
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00:00:12,222 --> 00:00:15,015
(climatic music)
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00:00:18,753 --> 00:00:20,269
Imagine,
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00:00:20,271 --> 00:00:21,855
A magic carpet,
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00:00:21,857 --> 00:00:25,108
Developed in secret by the
united states military.
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00:00:26,110 --> 00:00:29,329
- You could steer it much
like you could steer a segway.
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00:00:29,331 --> 00:00:31,981
Lean to the left, go to
the left. I want one.
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00:00:31,983 --> 00:00:33,399
(climatic music continues)
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00:00:33,401 --> 00:00:35,768
- How about a cage for babies
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00:00:35,770 --> 00:00:38,338
That hangs from a
20-story building?
13
00:00:38,340 --> 00:00:39,756
- You can walk down the street
14
00:00:39,758 --> 00:00:42,567
And see these babies
cages filled with babies,
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00:00:42,569 --> 00:00:46,004
Suspended up to hundreds
of feet in the air.
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00:00:46,006 --> 00:00:49,349
- Or giant killer
robots powered by
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Facial expressions.
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00:00:50,502 --> 00:00:52,669
- The trigger is a smile.
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00:00:52,671 --> 00:00:55,655
(indistinct robot chatter)
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00:00:55,657 --> 00:00:58,432
- Has the human drive
to create new technology
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Opened a pandora's box?
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- This is an
intrusive contact lens
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00:01:02,247 --> 00:01:04,438
With a camera on your eyeball.
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00:01:04,440 --> 00:01:07,567
- This is the technology
that keeps me up at night.
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00:01:08,320 --> 00:01:10,987
- These are the
inventions so surprising,
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They're truly "unbelievable".
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(climatic music continues)
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The human quest for flight
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Has yielded some
bizarre inventions.
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One of the oldest and
strangest dates back
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To the sixth century when
chinese emperor, gao yang,
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Takes on an unbelievably
twisted new hobby.
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(glorious music)
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- So 6th century ce
china emperor gao yang is
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A little bit of a wild guy.
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He's 24 years old,
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And while he can run
government adequately
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And everyone seems to like him,
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On his off hours he
does what he wants.
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00:02:00,121 --> 00:02:03,147
- One of gao yang's brilliant
ideas is to figure out
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00:02:03,149 --> 00:02:05,575
Whether or not human
beings could fly,
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00:02:06,328 --> 00:02:10,863
By attaching bamboo mats
to the arms of prisoners
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And then proceeds to
take these prisoners
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To the top of a 10-story tower
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And pushes them in the hopes
that these prisoners will fly.
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Spoiler alert, they do not.
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(suspenseful music)
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- So the bamboo mats aren't
working out very well,
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00:02:29,284 --> 00:02:31,259
But the emperor
has another idea.
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In his army he has
these giant war kites
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That can soar to
incredible heights.
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00:02:36,942 --> 00:02:41,428
So surely these could
support a human being
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And allow them to fly.
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(suspenseful music continues)
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As if this story
wasn't weird enough,
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It gets a little
bit more twisted.
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- As these people are
thrown off of a building,
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He hands the string to this
kite to their loved ones
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And urges them to try
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And bring their loved
ones safely to the ground.
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00:03:00,449 --> 00:03:04,392
(suspenseful music continues)
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00:03:05,487 --> 00:03:06,711
(man screaming)
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00:03:06,713 --> 00:03:10,607
- But that doesn't happen and
the prisoners just keep dying.
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00:03:10,609 --> 00:03:12,441
(edgy music)
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- And then the
unexpected happens.
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One prisoner, yuan huangtou,
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(edgy music continues)
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Actually flies for
about a mile and a half,
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(angelic music)
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Attached to this kite.
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(angelic music continues)
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And even lands...
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Safely.
(angelic music continues)
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- [dan] yuan huangtou
becomes the first person
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To achieve flight and
survive to tell the tale.
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- He flew for a mile and
a half and he's alive,
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And you would think now
he'd be granted his freedom.
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00:03:51,016 --> 00:03:54,901
Instead, the emperor condemns
him to death by starvation.
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00:03:57,956 --> 00:04:01,716
- 1300 years later, at the
height of the cold war,
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00:04:01,718 --> 00:04:04,844
The job of test pilot
is still dangerous,
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00:04:04,846 --> 00:04:07,414
But at least it's voluntary.
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00:04:08,299 --> 00:04:10,033
- In the cold war,
the military's looking
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00:04:10,035 --> 00:04:14,204
For any type of technological
edge that it can get.
84
00:04:14,206 --> 00:04:17,882
So, so many crazy ideas
are being thrown out
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00:04:17,884 --> 00:04:20,043
To try and figure out what
is going to be the thing
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00:04:20,045 --> 00:04:22,303
That changes the face
of the battlefield.
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00:04:22,305 --> 00:04:25,557
- The military becomes very
interested in this idea of
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Allowing troops to rapidly
move over the ground,
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00:04:29,021 --> 00:04:31,980
Not on the ground,
but over the ground.
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00:04:31,982 --> 00:04:34,374
- Traditionally, one of the
problems in a battlefield,
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00:04:34,376 --> 00:04:37,226
There are mines or snipers.
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00:04:37,228 --> 00:04:40,396
So, a way of getting
over those mines
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Would be really, really useful.
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00:04:43,401 --> 00:04:46,327
- [dan] that goal leads to
this bizarre contraption.
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00:04:46,329 --> 00:04:49,205
It's the brainchild of
inventor charles zimmerman.
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00:04:49,207 --> 00:04:52,042
- Zimmerman's background is
in working in helicopters,
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00:04:52,044 --> 00:04:54,927
And he recognized that
having a rotor assembly
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00:04:54,929 --> 00:04:58,756
Would provide the lift
capability for the platform.
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00:04:58,758 --> 00:05:01,267
A rifleman, on a
flying platform,
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Will ascend into the air,
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00:05:02,937 --> 00:05:05,088
Flying across the
battlefield while delivering
102
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Suppressing fire
toward the enemy
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Against an opposing force
that cannot do that.
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00:05:10,095 --> 00:05:11,478
- [dan] but why be conventional?
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Instead of having the
rotor blades on top,
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Like a normal chopper, zimmerman
flips the bird upside down
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00:05:17,527 --> 00:05:19,527
And puts the blades
on the bottom.
108
00:05:20,263 --> 00:05:23,122
This allegedly
makes it more stable
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And more useful on
the battlefield.
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- The idea is that
you could steer it
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Much like you could
steer a segway.
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00:05:29,456 --> 00:05:33,099
You lean into it, lean to
the left, go to the left,
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Lean to the right,
go to the right.
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(edgy music)
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- This thing is, kind
of, like a magic carpet.
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It can fly up to 30 feet in the
air and go 16 miles an hour.
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So it's pretty fast compared
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To somebody moving
over the ground.
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00:05:50,184 --> 00:05:53,653
- [dan] the vz-1 pawnee as
it's known, sounds promising,
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But there's a problem.
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- Talking about shooting
fish in a barrel.
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Here this loud thing is coming
at you at 16 miles per hour.
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00:06:01,012 --> 00:06:02,145
You hear it from far off
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00:06:02,147 --> 00:06:06,157
And you have plenty of time
to take aim and unleash.
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00:06:06,159 --> 00:06:07,667
- So they ask the inventor,
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00:06:07,669 --> 00:06:10,662
Make it be able to fly
higher and go even faster.
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00:06:10,664 --> 00:06:13,647
(edgy music continues)
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00:06:13,649 --> 00:06:16,066
- [dan] but instead
of higher and faster,
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The new version goes
lower and slower.
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00:06:19,080 --> 00:06:20,663
- It also turns out that wind
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Is a huge problem
for this platform.
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Even a little bit
of wind can cause it
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To become incredibly unstable,
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00:06:26,337 --> 00:06:30,657
Which means it's not usable
in basically any situation.
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- Every idea does not pan out.
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It just didn't perform in a
way appropriate for warfare.
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But, I want one.
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(edgy music fades)
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00:06:40,718 --> 00:06:41,842
(gentle piano music)
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- [dan] if a flying
platform sounds insane,
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What about an
inflatable airplane
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You can pack inside an airplane?
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00:06:48,209 --> 00:06:49,450
(gentle piano music fades)
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00:06:49,452 --> 00:06:51,611
(animated music)
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00:06:51,613 --> 00:06:52,937
- Another interesting
idea that comes
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Out of cold war thinking
is how do you help
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A downed pilot behind
enemy lines get back home.
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00:06:59,554 --> 00:07:01,445
So goodyear comes
up with the idea
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00:07:01,447 --> 00:07:05,282
Of dropping an inflatable
aircraft behind enemy lines
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00:07:05,284 --> 00:07:09,303
To assist that pilot
in escaping quickly.
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00:07:09,305 --> 00:07:13,474
- [dan] in 1956, goodyear,
the company known for tires,
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Unveils the inflatoplane,
also known as the inflatobird.
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00:07:18,890 --> 00:07:21,574
It's made of a special
rubber nylon blend.
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00:07:21,576 --> 00:07:25,570
Unbelievably, when it's
unpacked, it actually flies.
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00:07:26,731 --> 00:07:28,973
- So the pilot
opens up this crate
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And there's a motor in there
that does the inflating
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And it inflates itself
in five minutes.
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Kind of, like when
you go camping
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00:07:34,664 --> 00:07:36,814
And you have a motor
on your air mattress
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And you're inflating it, but
instead of sleeping on it,
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You're going to fly in it.
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00:07:40,912 --> 00:07:44,196
(engine buzzing)
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- This is not a toy airplane.
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Its range is 400 miles.
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It can go up to 70 miles an hour
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And it can get up
to 10,000 feet.
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00:07:51,539 --> 00:07:54,106
Not only that, the way
the plane is constructed,
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00:07:54,108 --> 00:07:56,592
As the engine is running
is actually pushing air
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00:07:56,594 --> 00:07:58,828
Back into the structure
of the airplane.
170
00:07:58,830 --> 00:08:03,432
And so it can take up to six
30 caliber gunshot punctures
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Without deflating.
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00:08:05,361 --> 00:08:06,586
- [dan] if you're
thinking this invention
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00:08:06,588 --> 00:08:09,697
Is too good to be true,
you might be right.
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00:08:09,699 --> 00:08:10,865
(anxious music)
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00:08:10,867 --> 00:08:13,183
- During testing, there
are some problems.
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This is not a rigid
framed aircraft.
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00:08:15,463 --> 00:08:17,296
There are pilots who go
up in the inflatoplane
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00:08:17,298 --> 00:08:20,933
And they find that they
have to fly it delicately,
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00:08:20,935 --> 00:08:23,753
Otherwise the wings
fold in on themselves.
180
00:08:23,755 --> 00:08:26,806
- One test pilot tried
to go up too fast
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And the wing buckled and
actually folded over onto itself
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Totally cutting their lift.
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That pilot fortunately survived.
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00:08:33,981 --> 00:08:35,931
Another pilot is not so lucky.
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00:08:35,933 --> 00:08:38,634
As he's flying, a support cable
186
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Holding the wing
structure breaks
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And the wing folds
over onto the propeller
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Causing the entire
plane to go down.
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- Sadly, the pilot loses
his life and after that,
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This project was killed.
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It's a great idea.
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It sounds amazing, but
it's just not practical.
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- [dan] remarkably,
the inflatoplane
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Isn't even the strangest
plane of its time.
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00:09:00,332 --> 00:09:02,066
(eerie music)
196
00:09:02,068 --> 00:09:05,128
- In 2012, the united
states government decides
197
00:09:05,130 --> 00:09:10,300
To declassify documents that
are labeled "project 1794",
198
00:09:10,585 --> 00:09:15,013
Dated 1956, and we're
seeing what appears to be
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00:09:15,790 --> 00:09:17,173
A ufo.
(eerie music continues)
200
00:09:17,175 --> 00:09:19,559
- [dan] the plans
describe a flying disc
201
00:09:20,461 --> 00:09:22,711
That's able to reach
speeds of mach 4
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00:09:22,713 --> 00:09:24,922
And an altitude of 100,000 feet.
203
00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:29,426
But why would the military
need this alien looking flyer?
204
00:09:29,428 --> 00:09:31,970
(eerie music continues)
205
00:09:31,972 --> 00:09:33,122
- So during the cold war,
206
00:09:33,124 --> 00:09:35,717
If america goes to war
with the soviet union,
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00:09:35,719 --> 00:09:38,194
They might take out all
the military runways
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00:09:38,196 --> 00:09:40,847
To prevent our aircraft
from taking off.
209
00:09:40,849 --> 00:09:42,640
So what does someone think of?
210
00:09:42,642 --> 00:09:47,019
Well, we need a vertical
takeoff and landing aircraft.
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00:09:47,021 --> 00:09:50,289
- Enter jack frost who
comes up with an idea.
212
00:09:50,291 --> 00:09:53,225
Instead of creating an
aircraft that has wings,
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00:09:53,227 --> 00:09:54,777
Why not create an aircraft that
214
00:09:54,779 --> 00:09:57,805
Looks just like a giant disc?
215
00:09:57,807 --> 00:09:58,948
(eerie music continues)
216
00:09:58,950 --> 00:10:01,792
- [dan] frost believes his
curved disc will have the lift
217
00:10:01,794 --> 00:10:04,854
To leave a more traditional
plane in the dust.
218
00:10:04,856 --> 00:10:06,080
(edgy music)
219
00:10:06,082 --> 00:10:08,966
- The us military is extremely
excited by this concept,
220
00:10:08,968 --> 00:10:12,386
And they throw a bunch of
money in this guys direction
221
00:10:12,388 --> 00:10:14,063
To build this aircraft.
222
00:10:14,065 --> 00:10:19,369
- And so in 1959, frost
presents the avrocar vz-9,
223
00:10:19,921 --> 00:10:20,920
(edgy music continues)
224
00:10:20,922 --> 00:10:21,888
And it works,
225
00:10:21,890 --> 00:10:24,573
(edgy music fades)
226
00:10:24,575 --> 00:10:25,482
Kind of.
227
00:10:25,484 --> 00:10:26,667
(upbeat music)
228
00:10:26,669 --> 00:10:30,170
- The avrocar goes
into its test flight.
229
00:10:30,172 --> 00:10:31,989
And remember, he's
trying to achieve
230
00:10:31,991 --> 00:10:34,783
Mach 3, 4 at 100,000 feet.
231
00:10:34,785 --> 00:10:36,569
He gets three feet
off the ground
232
00:10:36,571 --> 00:10:38,011
And goes 30 miles per hour.
233
00:10:38,013 --> 00:10:40,923
And as you might imagine, the
people who wrote the check,
234
00:10:40,925 --> 00:10:41,891
And as you might imagine, the
people who wrote the check,
235
00:10:42,168 --> 00:10:44,260
They had a few
questions for jack.
236
00:10:44,262 --> 00:10:46,687
- Eventually the
avrocar is shelved,
237
00:10:46,689 --> 00:10:49,732
Another cold war big swing that
doesn't live up to the hype.
238
00:10:52,703 --> 00:10:54,303
- Parents are always
looking for ways
239
00:10:54,305 --> 00:10:55,354
To keep their babies
happy and healthy.
240
00:10:55,356 --> 00:10:56,489
In the early 1920s,
241
00:10:56,491 --> 00:11:01,944
That desire yields a
particularly strange invention.
242
00:11:02,580 --> 00:11:05,297
(fast-paced pulsating music)
243
00:11:05,299 --> 00:11:08,100
- 1920 is the first year that
244
00:11:08,102 --> 00:11:09,085
The us census reveals
245
00:11:09,087 --> 00:11:12,204
That a majority of
americans live in cities.
246
00:11:12,206 --> 00:11:14,790
- It's a period of
hyper urbanization.
247
00:11:14,792 --> 00:11:16,742
Steel has just absolutely
changed the game.
248
00:11:16,744 --> 00:11:19,645
We've gone from having
buildings that at most could be
249
00:11:19,647 --> 00:11:22,615
About five to six
stories tall to suddenly
250
00:11:22,617 --> 00:11:25,284
With steel, the sky's the limit,
251
00:11:25,286 --> 00:11:27,044
Hence skyscrapers.
252
00:11:27,046 --> 00:11:28,353
(haunting music)
253
00:11:28,355 --> 00:11:30,656
- [dan] electric elevators
suddenly make the highest floors
254
00:11:30,658 --> 00:11:33,692
Go from the least
desirable to the most.
255
00:11:33,694 --> 00:11:36,838
But while folks are enjoying
their sweeping new views,
256
00:11:36,840 --> 00:11:40,165
They realize they've lost
something very important.
257
00:11:40,167 --> 00:11:42,452
(haunting music continues)
258
00:11:42,454 --> 00:11:44,003
- If you're living
in an apartment,
259
00:11:44,005 --> 00:11:47,172
You might not want to lug
your baby in the elevator
260
00:11:47,174 --> 00:11:51,585
Or down the steps, but you
still have this understanding,
261
00:11:51,587 --> 00:11:54,696
This sense that fresh
air is a good thing.
262
00:11:55,674 --> 00:11:57,349
- So we have a few people
that are thinking about ways
263
00:11:57,351 --> 00:11:59,076
To get that fresh
air to the kids
264
00:11:59,078 --> 00:12:02,746
Despite being on the 10th,
15th floor, you name it.
265
00:12:02,748 --> 00:12:03,923
And enter emma read.
266
00:12:03,925 --> 00:12:08,202
In 1922, she applies for a
patent for a cage, essentially,
267
00:12:08,204 --> 00:12:10,646
That's just going to hang
right outside the window,
268
00:12:10,648 --> 00:12:13,273
Just like you'd hang an
air conditioning unit.
269
00:12:13,275 --> 00:12:15,425
Except it's not an
air conditioning unit,
270
00:12:15,427 --> 00:12:19,322
(haunting music continues)
271
00:12:20,783 --> 00:12:21,615
It's your baby.
272
00:12:21,617 --> 00:12:22,700
(nervous music)
273
00:12:22,702 --> 00:12:26,429
- Baby cage is pretty much
exactly what it sounds like.
274
00:12:26,431 --> 00:12:29,715
It's made of essentially
chicken wire and wood.
275
00:12:29,717 --> 00:12:34,504
And supposedly these baby cages
could hold up to 500 pounds,
276
00:12:34,506 --> 00:12:36,631
But who's going to test that?
277
00:12:37,775 --> 00:12:40,426
- The real thing
driving the baby cage
278
00:12:40,428 --> 00:12:42,862
Is the threat of tuberculosis.
279
00:12:42,864 --> 00:12:45,564
Doctors are telling
moms that the best way
280
00:12:45,566 --> 00:12:49,535
To prevent tuberculosis is
to get your kid fresh air.
281
00:12:49,537 --> 00:12:51,203
And it seems like a good idea.
282
00:12:51,205 --> 00:12:53,630
- In some cities,
this idea takes off.
283
00:12:53,632 --> 00:12:54,899
You can walk down the street
284
00:12:54,901 --> 00:12:57,985
And see these baby cages
filled with babies,
285
00:12:57,987 --> 00:13:01,489
Suspended up to hundreds
of feet in the air.
286
00:13:02,733 --> 00:13:04,099
(fast-paced music)
287
00:13:04,101 --> 00:13:05,067
- [dan] even a future first lady
288
00:13:05,069 --> 00:13:07,653
Jumps on the baby
cage bandwagon.
289
00:13:08,406 --> 00:13:10,923
- Eleanor roosevelt
before she's first lady,
290
00:13:10,925 --> 00:13:12,925
Living in new york
city with fdr,
291
00:13:12,927 --> 00:13:15,235
Ends up using a baby
cage for her kid
292
00:13:15,237 --> 00:13:16,920
On the recommendation
of a doctor.
293
00:13:16,922 --> 00:13:20,258
So one of eleanor roosevelt's
neighbors looks out the window
294
00:13:20,260 --> 00:13:23,035
And sees a baby hanging
out over the city,
295
00:13:23,037 --> 00:13:24,178
So she complains,
296
00:13:24,180 --> 00:13:27,223
And the roosevelts have to
take down their baby cage,
297
00:13:29,352 --> 00:13:30,792
- [dan] but it's
not just the us.
298
00:13:30,794 --> 00:13:34,246
By 1930, the cages are
especially popular in london.
299
00:13:34,248 --> 00:13:36,782
In fact, the chelsea baby
club is giving them away
300
00:13:36,784 --> 00:13:38,834
To anyone without a backyard.
301
00:13:38,836 --> 00:13:41,361
- Let's also keep in mind
people are experiencing
302
00:13:41,363 --> 00:13:44,781
So much rapid shifts in
their lives in this era.
303
00:13:44,783 --> 00:13:46,592
You've got a lot of
experiments going on.
304
00:13:46,594 --> 00:13:48,094
Whether it's subways,
305
00:13:48,096 --> 00:13:50,854
These crazy new things
called automobiles.
306
00:13:50,856 --> 00:13:53,099
Well, maybe it just makes
sense that one of those shifts
307
00:13:53,101 --> 00:13:56,377
Is putting your child in a
cage that hangs out a window.
308
00:13:57,772 --> 00:14:02,141
- [dan] by the 1940s, vaccines
calm fears of tuberculosis
309
00:14:02,143 --> 00:14:04,443
And the cages fall out of favor,
310
00:14:04,445 --> 00:14:06,812
Before anyone falls out of them.
311
00:14:06,814 --> 00:14:09,064
- But perhaps more importantly,
312
00:14:09,066 --> 00:14:12,134
There's a real change in the way
313
00:14:12,136 --> 00:14:15,037
We understand science and
we understand disease.
314
00:14:15,039 --> 00:14:17,656
So it's not that we're
uninterested in fresh air,
315
00:14:17,658 --> 00:14:19,975
But we don't see it as the
cure-all to everything,
316
00:14:19,977 --> 00:14:23,312
So much so that we're willing
to stick our kids in cages
317
00:14:23,314 --> 00:14:26,073
Outside of upper
west side apartments.
318
00:14:28,669 --> 00:14:31,820
- There's no word on whether a
generation of big city babies
319
00:14:31,822 --> 00:14:34,081
Suffer from terrible acrophobia
320
00:14:34,083 --> 00:14:35,658
Or are immune to it.
321
00:14:35,660 --> 00:14:39,912
But the 1930s introduced more
than one strange invention
322
00:14:39,914 --> 00:14:41,764
To concerned parents.
323
00:14:41,766 --> 00:14:43,207
(bouncy music)
324
00:14:43,209 --> 00:14:44,925
As another world war looms,
325
00:14:44,927 --> 00:14:48,095
London town councils hand
out tiny green outfits
326
00:14:48,097 --> 00:14:49,931
To perplexed new mothers.
327
00:14:49,933 --> 00:14:51,974
Officials casually explain,
328
00:14:52,710 --> 00:14:54,060
It's a gas mask
329
00:14:55,729 --> 00:14:56,845
For your baby.
330
00:14:56,847 --> 00:14:58,013
(bouncy music continues)
331
00:14:58,015 --> 00:14:59,148
- From the first world war,
332
00:14:59,150 --> 00:15:00,599
There were a hundred
thousand deaths
333
00:15:00,601 --> 00:15:02,442
From mustard and chlorine gas.
334
00:15:02,444 --> 00:15:04,937
So you have the
military and scientists
335
00:15:04,939 --> 00:15:06,155
Trying to develop technology
336
00:15:06,157 --> 00:15:09,541
To keep the population
safe from gas attacks
337
00:15:09,543 --> 00:15:12,410
And baby gas masks are invented.
338
00:15:12,412 --> 00:15:14,013
(bouncy music fades)
339
00:15:14,015 --> 00:15:16,499
- Gas mask is probably
the wrong word.
340
00:15:16,501 --> 00:15:18,834
This is like a full body suit.
341
00:15:18,836 --> 00:15:21,945
This is like a
helmet with a visor
342
00:15:21,947 --> 00:15:25,341
And a metal grate
over the kid's face.
343
00:15:25,343 --> 00:15:27,710
- [dan] in an effort to
make them seem less scary,
344
00:15:27,712 --> 00:15:30,971
The government names them
the 'mickey mouse' mask.
345
00:15:30,973 --> 00:15:32,147
(tense music)
346
00:15:32,149 --> 00:15:34,233
Not sure how much that helps.
347
00:15:34,235 --> 00:15:36,218
- Getting a baby
into these gas masks
348
00:15:36,220 --> 00:15:38,037
Isn't exactly the easiest thing.
349
00:15:38,039 --> 00:15:41,273
You have to load them into
this metal visor thing
350
00:15:41,275 --> 00:15:44,694
And then wrap canvas
around them like a diaper
351
00:15:44,696 --> 00:15:47,162
With their little legs
hanging out from the bottom.
352
00:15:47,164 --> 00:15:49,081
But then it is actually
convenient for the parents
353
00:15:49,083 --> 00:15:52,885
Because you can wear your gas
masked baby like a backpack,
354
00:15:52,887 --> 00:15:55,162
Like a gas masked babybjorn.
355
00:15:55,164 --> 00:15:56,229
(tense music continues)
356
00:15:56,231 --> 00:15:59,208
- This suit is
meant to be airtight
357
00:15:59,210 --> 00:16:02,594
And you as the parent have
to keep pumping air into it,
358
00:16:02,596 --> 00:16:05,414
So your kid has enough
fresh air to survive.
359
00:16:05,416 --> 00:16:08,508
It's not hard to imagine this
isn't going to work well.
360
00:16:08,510 --> 00:16:10,720
- So the british start testing
out this brilliant idea,
361
00:16:10,722 --> 00:16:13,405
But then the nurses
notice a little problem.
362
00:16:13,407 --> 00:16:15,924
The babies are falling asleep.
363
00:16:15,926 --> 00:16:17,593
- [dan] and it isn't
because the babies
364
00:16:17,595 --> 00:16:19,261
Are so warm and cozy.
365
00:16:19,263 --> 00:16:20,879
- So it becomes rather clear
366
00:16:20,881 --> 00:16:22,181
That they aren't
actually getting
367
00:16:22,183 --> 00:16:23,983
As much air as
they're supposed to.
368
00:16:23,985 --> 00:16:25,401
And ultimately the
project is scraped
369
00:16:25,403 --> 00:16:28,287
Because of course, better to
run the risk of a gas attack
370
00:16:28,289 --> 00:16:31,090
Than inadvertently
wipe out a generation
371
00:16:31,092 --> 00:16:33,959
By suffocating them
in baby gas masks.
372
00:16:33,961 --> 00:16:37,446
- [dan] but it does inspire
yet another bizarre invention.
373
00:16:37,448 --> 00:16:39,856
- As the british people are
facing the prospect of war,
374
00:16:39,858 --> 00:16:43,619
We also have the baby
gas mask stroller.
375
00:16:43,621 --> 00:16:45,304
For the parent-on-the-go
who wants to make sure
376
00:16:45,306 --> 00:16:47,806
Their child's protected in
the event of a mustard attack.
377
00:16:47,808 --> 00:16:51,193
Basically it looks like a
coffin with a visor over it,
378
00:16:51,195 --> 00:16:52,344
So you can see the baby,
379
00:16:52,346 --> 00:16:53,645
Make sure everything
looks good there.
380
00:16:53,647 --> 00:16:56,315
- [dan] and like
the baby gas mask,
381
00:16:56,317 --> 00:16:58,617
The gas stroller is
also airtight
382
00:16:58,619 --> 00:17:00,269
With a cute little pump.
383
00:17:00,271 --> 00:17:03,730
Just don't forget to give
it a squeeze now and then.
384
00:17:03,732 --> 00:17:06,108
- You put your baby in
this airtight, coffin-like,
385
00:17:06,110 --> 00:17:08,110
Metal container that
has an air filter
386
00:17:08,112 --> 00:17:10,829
That you have to consistently
pump oxygen into,
387
00:17:10,831 --> 00:17:13,699
And you go for a stroll
in piccadilly circus.
388
00:17:13,701 --> 00:17:16,035
- [dan] what happens to
the person walking the baby
389
00:17:16,037 --> 00:17:17,286
Isn't quite clear,
390
00:17:17,288 --> 00:17:20,264
But the intent behind
it somehow makes sense.
391
00:17:20,266 --> 00:17:22,249
- During wartime, you still
want to go to the park
392
00:17:22,251 --> 00:17:24,460
With your baby even though
you're under threat.
393
00:17:24,462 --> 00:17:27,154
So, people are just
grasping at straws
394
00:17:27,156 --> 00:17:29,164
To maintain their
sense of normalcy.
395
00:17:29,166 --> 00:17:32,251
- And luckily, london
and the rest of England
396
00:17:32,253 --> 00:17:34,804
Were not attacked
with chemical weapons,
397
00:17:34,806 --> 00:17:35,287
Were not attacked
with chemical weapons,
398
00:17:36,023 --> 00:17:39,508
And so the baby stroller
was never needed.
399
00:17:39,510 --> 00:17:40,643
(metal clanks)
400
00:17:43,439 --> 00:17:44,788
- Since the first
moving pictures,
401
00:17:44,790 --> 00:17:46,765
We've been dreaming of
how to make movies better.
402
00:17:46,767 --> 00:17:49,284
First with dialogue,
then with color.
403
00:17:49,286 --> 00:17:54,406
So in 1960, two producers
wonder what's next.
404
00:17:55,376 --> 00:17:58,243
(gentle music)
405
00:17:58,245 --> 00:18:03,106
- By 1960, 75% of american
households have a television.
406
00:18:03,108 --> 00:18:05,609
That's more than the
number of households
407
00:18:05,611 --> 00:18:07,002
That have a refrigerator.
408
00:18:07,004 --> 00:18:08,754
And hollywood's box office sales
409
00:18:08,756 --> 00:18:12,441
Have fallen off almost
50% in 20 years.
410
00:18:12,443 --> 00:18:15,553
- So hollywood is scrambling
trying to figure out a way
411
00:18:15,555 --> 00:18:17,729
To get people back
into the theaters.
412
00:18:17,731 --> 00:18:20,899
And in the words
of gypsy rose lee,
413
00:18:20,901 --> 00:18:22,518
"you gotta get a gimmick".
414
00:18:22,520 --> 00:18:25,162
- [dan] movie producer
mike todd jr.,
415
00:18:25,164 --> 00:18:26,730
Elizabeth taylor's stepson,
416
00:18:26,732 --> 00:18:30,809
Thinks he has the idea
hollywood needs, smell-o-vision.
417
00:18:30,811 --> 00:18:34,471
- Mike todd jr. Works with
this inventor named hans laube,
418
00:18:34,473 --> 00:18:37,232
And they come up with
this revolutionary
419
00:18:37,234 --> 00:18:38,417
Piece of technology
420
00:18:38,419 --> 00:18:39,702
That's going to
completely change
421
00:18:39,704 --> 00:18:42,955
The movie theater viewing
experience, the "smell brain".
422
00:18:42,957 --> 00:18:47,259
- The "smell brain" is
synced up with the projector,
423
00:18:47,261 --> 00:18:48,477
It has a belt.
424
00:18:48,479 --> 00:18:52,881
And attached to this belt
are small pouches of scent.
425
00:18:52,883 --> 00:18:58,262
There's a small needle that
punctures these little pouches,
426
00:18:59,056 --> 00:19:01,773
Releasing the scent
in exact synchronicity
427
00:19:01,775 --> 00:19:04,143
With whatever you're
meant to smell on camera.
428
00:19:04,145 --> 00:19:07,730
If you see roses, it'll
pierce that rose pouch
429
00:19:10,217 --> 00:19:11,609
And you smell roses.
430
00:19:11,611 --> 00:19:13,944
It seems foolproof.
431
00:19:14,872 --> 00:19:17,114
- So in 1960, mike and
hans produced a film
432
00:19:17,116 --> 00:19:19,441
Specifically shot
for smell-o-vision,
433
00:19:19,443 --> 00:19:22,094
And they call it
"scent of mystery".
434
00:19:22,096 --> 00:19:24,771
- So this is not
like a minor film.
435
00:19:24,773 --> 00:19:26,465
It features among
others,
436
00:19:26,467 --> 00:19:28,467
Elizabeth taylor and
peter lorre.
437
00:19:28,469 --> 00:19:31,803
But what's cool about
the film it's smells
438
00:19:31,805 --> 00:19:33,422
Are crucial to the plot.
439
00:19:35,309 --> 00:19:37,876
(villainous music)
440
00:19:37,878 --> 00:19:40,829
You know when the
villain is coming
441
00:19:40,831 --> 00:19:42,539
Because the villain
smokes a pipe
442
00:19:42,541 --> 00:19:44,624
And we get the
smell of pipe smoke.
443
00:19:44,626 --> 00:19:47,161
And we actually know
the heroine in the film
444
00:19:47,163 --> 00:19:50,305
Before you see her because
the scent of her perfume
445
00:19:50,307 --> 00:19:51,640
Is supposed to fill the theater.
446
00:19:51,642 --> 00:19:54,443
This smell is not
just incidental,
447
00:19:54,445 --> 00:19:57,445
It's actually
intrinsic to the plot.
448
00:19:57,447 --> 00:19:58,505
- Yuck!
449
00:19:58,507 --> 00:20:00,565
- Now this technology
does not come cheap.
450
00:20:00,567 --> 00:20:04,828
It costs $15,000 just for
the chicago theater alone,
451
00:20:04,830 --> 00:20:07,489
Which is over a hundred
grand in today's dollars.
452
00:20:07,491 --> 00:20:09,899
So they're really banking
on a success here.
453
00:20:09,901 --> 00:20:12,511
- [dan] but unfortunately,
on opening night,
454
00:20:12,513 --> 00:20:15,071
Smell-o-vision has
some rank problems.
455
00:20:15,073 --> 00:20:19,051
- Number one, you can't
clear out the previous smell
456
00:20:19,053 --> 00:20:21,336
When the next smell comes in.
457
00:20:21,338 --> 00:20:24,006
If the first smell is gasoline
458
00:20:24,008 --> 00:20:26,308
And the next smell is perfume,
459
00:20:26,310 --> 00:20:30,228
And the next smell is garlic,
you are having a theater
460
00:20:30,230 --> 00:20:33,414
That smells like a
combination of gasoline,
461
00:20:33,416 --> 00:20:34,591
Garlic and perfume.
462
00:20:34,593 --> 00:20:37,352
On top of that, some
parts of the theater
463
00:20:37,354 --> 00:20:40,297
Aren't getting the scent
right as it's released,
464
00:20:40,299 --> 00:20:42,941
So it's wafting down
to them scenes later.
465
00:20:42,943 --> 00:20:47,362
And then you have an entire
theater going... (sniffing)
466
00:20:47,364 --> 00:20:50,498
It is a complete
and total disaster.
467
00:20:50,500 --> 00:20:52,884
- [dan] mike and hans
scramble to fix the problem,
468
00:20:52,886 --> 00:20:54,203
But it's too late.
469
00:20:54,205 --> 00:20:58,557
Critics and audiences agree,
smell-o-vision stinks,
470
00:20:58,559 --> 00:21:01,059
And the movie's a total flop.
471
00:21:01,061 --> 00:21:03,094
- So they tried to
salvage some part
472
00:21:03,096 --> 00:21:04,913
Of this very expensive
experiment
473
00:21:04,915 --> 00:21:06,398
And they
rebrand the movie
474
00:21:06,400 --> 00:21:08,458
And they call it a
"holiday in Spain",
475
00:21:08,460 --> 00:21:09,734
Which is already a pivot,
476
00:21:09,736 --> 00:21:12,837
But this time it's without
the smell-o-vision technology.
477
00:21:12,839 --> 00:21:15,057
But that doesn't really work
because this was the film
478
00:21:15,059 --> 00:21:19,135
Shot entirely for the purpose
of smell in the scenes.
479
00:21:19,137 --> 00:21:21,246
So you've got these
weird long pauses
480
00:21:21,248 --> 00:21:22,831
Because you were
waiting for an audience
481
00:21:22,833 --> 00:21:24,240
To be able to smell something
482
00:21:24,242 --> 00:21:26,552
And you have nothing
to smell now.
483
00:21:26,554 --> 00:21:29,504
- You just, kind of, have a
weird movie with long shots
484
00:21:29,506 --> 00:21:33,792
Of gas pumps and a long shot
of a dude smoking a pipe,
485
00:21:36,430 --> 00:21:39,489
Which resembles a
real holiday in Spain
486
00:21:39,491 --> 00:21:42,968
About as much as I
resemble beyonce.
487
00:21:44,864 --> 00:21:47,723
- If you think smelling your
entertainment is strange,
488
00:21:47,725 --> 00:21:50,659
Brace yourself for
this next invention.
489
00:21:50,661 --> 00:21:54,563
(machine gun shots popping)
490
00:21:55,265 --> 00:21:57,674
- Video game technology
keeps advancing,
491
00:21:57,676 --> 00:22:00,419
Keeps becoming more
and more realistic.
492
00:22:00,421 --> 00:22:01,770
So what's the next step?
493
00:22:01,772 --> 00:22:04,906
How about feeling what's
happening in the game.
494
00:22:04,908 --> 00:22:06,108
(haunting music)
495
00:22:06,110 --> 00:22:08,777
(avatar laughing)
- [avatar] aahh!
496
00:22:08,779 --> 00:22:10,128
Aahh!
497
00:22:10,130 --> 00:22:11,613
That's actually been invented,
498
00:22:11,615 --> 00:22:14,266
And it's called a haptic vest.
499
00:22:14,268 --> 00:22:17,352
It gives you the
experience of feeling
500
00:22:17,354 --> 00:22:19,404
What your game character feels.
501
00:22:20,157 --> 00:22:23,092
So if you're in a combat
game and you're stabbed,
502
00:22:23,094 --> 00:22:25,127
Punched, whatever's going on,
503
00:22:25,129 --> 00:22:27,979
You actually feel
that through the vest.
504
00:22:27,981 --> 00:22:29,572
It hurts you.
505
00:22:29,574 --> 00:22:31,374
(avatar groans)
506
00:22:31,785 --> 00:22:33,318
- When you read the
sensations this haptic vest
507
00:22:33,320 --> 00:22:36,296
Is promising to give you, it
sounds like a police report.
508
00:22:36,298 --> 00:22:40,008
Shot, shot with exit
wound, stabbing,
509
00:22:40,010 --> 00:22:43,403
Axe wound, abdominal wound,
severe abdominal wound.
510
00:22:43,405 --> 00:22:45,305
Why would people want this?
511
00:22:46,133 --> 00:22:49,660
- Game players claim
that it's very realistic.
512
00:22:51,588 --> 00:22:54,123
Get hit with a battle
axe in the back
513
00:22:54,125 --> 00:22:55,791
Feels just like the real thing.
514
00:22:55,793 --> 00:22:59,711
My question is, how the
heck do you know that?
515
00:22:59,713 --> 00:23:01,496
- [dan] as crazy as this sounds,
516
00:23:01,498 --> 00:23:04,432
There's actually a
practical application.
517
00:23:04,434 --> 00:23:08,436
- It's very useful in
training scenarios for police,
518
00:23:08,438 --> 00:23:11,664
For military personnel,
for firefighters.
519
00:23:11,666 --> 00:23:15,668
So people are finding multiple
uses for this technology.
520
00:23:15,670 --> 00:23:18,763
(gunshots popping)
(groaning)
521
00:23:18,765 --> 00:23:20,541
- I just hope we don't
have to wear them
522
00:23:20,543 --> 00:23:21,232
To watch movies one day.
523
00:23:21,234 --> 00:23:22,534
To watch movies one day.
524
00:23:22,536 --> 00:23:24,202
- [avatar] aahh!
525
00:23:24,204 --> 00:23:25,370
Aahh!
526
00:23:25,372 --> 00:23:27,406
- [dan] 'cause I
prefer pretending
527
00:23:27,408 --> 00:23:28,866
To be attacked by monsters.
528
00:23:31,795 --> 00:23:34,370
- For millennia, pests
have plagued farmers,
529
00:23:34,372 --> 00:23:37,816
But some of the most
damaging are slugs.
530
00:23:37,818 --> 00:23:40,777
It's a billion dollar a year
problem across the globe,
531
00:23:40,779 --> 00:23:45,782
Until 2001 when a strange
solution is suggested.
532
00:23:45,784 --> 00:23:48,777
(chilling music)
533
00:23:48,779 --> 00:23:51,346
- College student, ian
kelly comes up with an idea.
534
00:23:51,348 --> 00:23:53,265
He says, "what if I
could create something
535
00:23:53,267 --> 00:23:57,544
That not only kills slugs,
but also uses them for fuel?"
536
00:23:57,546 --> 00:23:58,870
(chilling music continues)
537
00:23:58,872 --> 00:24:00,539
And so he comes up with the idea
538
00:24:00,541 --> 00:24:04,142
That is affectionately
known as slugbot.
539
00:24:04,144 --> 00:24:07,529
- So the vision for the
slugbot is, sort of,
540
00:24:07,531 --> 00:24:11,008
Like an automatic
lawnmower type machine
541
00:24:11,010 --> 00:24:14,502
That moves through the
fields, identifying slugs
542
00:24:14,504 --> 00:24:17,038
And scooping them off the ground
543
00:24:17,040 --> 00:24:19,991
And putting them into a digester
544
00:24:19,993 --> 00:24:24,112
That will make fuel to
keep the machine running.
545
00:24:24,114 --> 00:24:29,051
- This is a robot that is
consuming organic flesh.
546
00:24:29,053 --> 00:24:31,135
(electronic music)
547
00:24:31,137 --> 00:24:32,587
- [dan] it's a
terrifying concept,
548
00:24:32,589 --> 00:24:36,274
Yet if it works, it could
change farming forever.
549
00:24:36,276 --> 00:24:37,184
(electronic music continues)
550
00:24:37,186 --> 00:24:39,511
- So the slugbot
has immense promise.
551
00:24:39,513 --> 00:24:41,513
Everyone wants
this idea to work.
552
00:24:41,515 --> 00:24:42,748
Everyone loves it.
553
00:24:42,750 --> 00:24:44,357
It's going to save
hundreds of millions
554
00:24:44,359 --> 00:24:46,418
Of dollars in destroyed
crops annually.
555
00:24:46,420 --> 00:24:49,187
It's so promising, that's
even on time magazine's,
556
00:24:49,189 --> 00:24:51,956
Inventions of the
year list in 2001.
557
00:24:51,958 --> 00:24:54,993
- [dan] but can this
flesh-eating robot put its money
558
00:24:55,696 --> 00:24:57,379
Where its mouth is?
559
00:24:57,381 --> 00:25:00,373
- The technology
isn't 100% there.
560
00:25:00,375 --> 00:25:02,867
The slugbot is fine
at identifying slugs
561
00:25:02,869 --> 00:25:04,035
And picking them up,
562
00:25:04,037 --> 00:25:06,271
But the process of
decomposing slugs
563
00:25:06,273 --> 00:25:07,923
To convert them into energy
564
00:25:07,925 --> 00:25:11,760
Hasn't actually been
employed on the robot itself.
565
00:25:11,762 --> 00:25:13,302
- [dan] 20 years later,
566
00:25:13,304 --> 00:25:16,539
Researchers develop an
unsettling new iteration.
567
00:25:16,541 --> 00:25:18,541
(chilling music continues)
568
00:25:18,543 --> 00:25:20,893
- What they want to do
is they want to use ai,
569
00:25:20,895 --> 00:25:23,805
So that it can determine
where slugs are in your crops.
570
00:25:23,807 --> 00:25:27,818
It can attack them and deliver
a lethal dose of poison.
571
00:25:29,021 --> 00:25:30,812
- So rather than devouring
slugs to power itself,
572
00:25:30,814 --> 00:25:35,366
This new product goes out
there like half terminator,
573
00:25:35,368 --> 00:25:40,088
Half roomba, zapping all the
slugs up and down the field
574
00:25:40,090 --> 00:25:43,074
With laser guided ai precision.
575
00:25:43,710 --> 00:25:44,876
- First you have this machine
576
00:25:44,878 --> 00:25:47,587
That's killing to
eat and power itself,
577
00:25:47,589 --> 00:25:52,417
And now it evolves to a machine
that's killing just to kill.
578
00:25:52,419 --> 00:25:54,761
I'm not sure I like
where this is headed.
579
00:25:54,763 --> 00:25:56,204
- [dan] maybe the
key to harnessing
580
00:25:56,206 --> 00:25:58,414
The potential of future robots
581
00:25:58,416 --> 00:26:02,994
Is controlling them
ourselves, from the inside.
582
00:26:02,996 --> 00:26:05,372
(electronic music)
583
00:26:05,374 --> 00:26:08,417
- It is 1980s japan,
and kogoro kurata
584
00:26:08,419 --> 00:26:12,261
Is like most boys of his
age, obsessed with anime.
585
00:26:12,263 --> 00:26:14,873
(electronic music continues)
586
00:26:14,875 --> 00:26:19,961
Specifically mecha,
giant fighting robots.
587
00:26:19,963 --> 00:26:22,438
- And like most kids of the
'80's, kogoro kurata thinks,
588
00:26:22,440 --> 00:26:24,883
"wouldn't it be cool if these
things existed in real life?
589
00:26:24,885 --> 00:26:27,628
Wouldn't it be cool if you
could get into the driver's seat
590
00:26:27,630 --> 00:26:29,646
And control it and fight?"
591
00:26:29,648 --> 00:26:32,240
(electronic music continues)
592
00:26:32,242 --> 00:26:33,917
- [dan] by the time
kogoro grows up,
593
00:26:33,919 --> 00:26:36,878
There are still no
giant rideable robots.
594
00:26:36,880 --> 00:26:39,047
So he wonders, "why not?"
595
00:26:39,049 --> 00:26:41,533
- He gets tired of
waiting and in 2012,
596
00:26:41,535 --> 00:26:43,143
He builds one himself.
597
00:26:43,145 --> 00:26:45,637
(japanese music)
598
00:26:45,639 --> 00:26:47,222
It's called "kuratas".
599
00:26:47,224 --> 00:26:51,259
It's 13 feet tall and
you climb up into it.
600
00:26:51,261 --> 00:26:54,529
You close the hatch and you
get behind the controls.
601
00:26:55,591 --> 00:26:57,198
It's every boy's dream.
602
00:26:57,200 --> 00:27:00,944
My own 13 foot tall,
giant killer robot.
603
00:27:00,946 --> 00:27:02,212
(japanese music continues)
604
00:27:02,214 --> 00:27:04,097
(foreign language spoken)
605
00:27:04,099 --> 00:27:07,225
- "kuratas" is the
first robot of its kind
606
00:27:07,227 --> 00:27:11,171
That is built to this scale
and for this function.
607
00:27:11,923 --> 00:27:13,331
(foreign language spoken)
608
00:27:13,333 --> 00:27:15,917
- This robot is an
amazing machine.
609
00:27:16,719 --> 00:27:20,922
It has 30 robotic joints
and weighs five tons,
610
00:27:20,924 --> 00:27:24,609
And it actually shoots
bbs with a gatlin gun.
611
00:27:24,611 --> 00:27:26,519
I'm talking like 6,000 a minute,
612
00:27:26,521 --> 00:27:28,112
That's a hundred a second.
613
00:27:28,114 --> 00:27:29,097
(edgy music)
614
00:27:29,099 --> 00:27:30,415
But what's really interesting
615
00:27:30,417 --> 00:27:33,543
Is how you trigger
shooting these bbs.
616
00:27:33,545 --> 00:27:34,986
The trigger is a smile.
617
00:27:34,988 --> 00:27:37,446
(edgy music continues)
618
00:27:37,448 --> 00:27:39,031
(machine gun ratting)
619
00:27:39,033 --> 00:27:40,491
- If I am sitting
in the "kuratas",
620
00:27:40,493 --> 00:27:43,745
This thing is not going to
stop shooting bbs anytime soon,
621
00:27:43,747 --> 00:27:47,081
'cause I'm smiling
from ear to ear.
622
00:27:47,083 --> 00:27:51,194
- [dan] "kuratas" even takes
on a challenger in 2017,
623
00:27:51,196 --> 00:27:53,714
California's megabots.
624
00:27:53,716 --> 00:27:54,697
(horn sounds)
625
00:27:54,699 --> 00:27:55,774
- [announcer] and there's the
horn.
626
00:27:55,776 --> 00:27:56,699
Here we go.
627
00:27:56,701 --> 00:27:59,644
(tense music)
628
00:27:59,646 --> 00:28:00,895
- [competitor] he's
firing! He's firing!
629
00:28:00,897 --> 00:28:01,930
- [henny] those six
barrels can fire
630
00:28:01,932 --> 00:28:03,631
Up to 2000 rounds per minute.
631
00:28:03,633 --> 00:28:05,742
- [announcer] "eagle
prime", "kuratas"
632
00:28:05,744 --> 00:28:07,519
Engage in close combat.
633
00:28:07,521 --> 00:28:10,981
That chainsaw is now activated.
634
00:28:12,642 --> 00:28:15,643
(horn sounds)
635
00:28:15,645 --> 00:28:17,946
- Megabots is the first winner
636
00:28:17,948 --> 00:28:21,399
Of the first ever live
action mecha battle.
637
00:28:21,401 --> 00:28:23,827
- [announcer] history
has been made.
638
00:28:24,829 --> 00:28:25,895
- But don't feel
bad for "kuratas"
639
00:28:25,897 --> 00:28:28,439
Because we have both
"kuratas" and megabots
640
00:28:28,441 --> 00:28:30,833
To thank for bringing
our childhoods
641
00:28:30,835 --> 00:28:33,161
Into actual real existence.
642
00:28:33,163 --> 00:28:34,463
- [dan] believe it or not,
643
00:28:34,465 --> 00:28:39,000
"kuratas" briefly goes on
sale for a mere $1.3 million.
644
00:28:39,002 --> 00:28:41,185
Though in the end, no
one pulls the trigger
645
00:28:41,187 --> 00:28:42,762
To bring their
childhood fantasy home.
646
00:28:42,764 --> 00:28:43,488
To bring their
childhood fantasy home.
647
00:28:43,857 --> 00:28:45,265
- And honestly, that
sounds like a bargain,
648
00:28:45,267 --> 00:28:47,692
Considering it's
cheaper than a bugatti
649
00:28:47,694 --> 00:28:50,103
And way more smiles per minute.
650
00:28:52,699 --> 00:28:54,699
- Like most of us,
I'm sure you've come to
651
00:28:54,701 --> 00:28:55,783
Work in a bad mood before,
652
00:28:55,785 --> 00:28:58,536
But those days may soon be gone.
653
00:28:58,538 --> 00:29:01,456
Whether you are happy
about it or not.
654
00:29:01,458 --> 00:29:04,442
(electronic music)
655
00:29:05,186 --> 00:29:08,120
- It's 2009 and keihin
electric express railway
656
00:29:08,122 --> 00:29:11,866
Decides that happy employees
are good employees.
657
00:29:11,868 --> 00:29:14,769
So, how do we prove
that you're happy?
658
00:29:14,771 --> 00:29:18,948
- This japanese railroad
company comes up with a test
659
00:29:18,950 --> 00:29:20,775
That the employees
do every morning.
660
00:29:20,777 --> 00:29:23,978
They walk up to this
camera and they smile.
661
00:29:23,980 --> 00:29:27,473
The computer analyzes the smile
662
00:29:27,475 --> 00:29:30,885
And grades the employee
from zero to 100.
663
00:29:30,887 --> 00:29:32,720
(whimsical music)
664
00:29:32,722 --> 00:29:34,630
- It's not just your
smile in your teeth,
665
00:29:34,632 --> 00:29:37,375
It analyzes your full smile.
666
00:29:37,377 --> 00:29:38,893
It's your eyes
and your wrinkles.
667
00:29:38,895 --> 00:29:43,665
So if your smile is fake,
this will call you out on it.
668
00:29:43,667 --> 00:29:46,675
- [dan] it even gives you tips
on how to improve your smile,
669
00:29:46,677 --> 00:29:48,370
Like, "lift up your
mouth corners,"
670
00:29:48,372 --> 00:29:51,581
Or my favorite, "you
still look too serious."
671
00:29:52,625 --> 00:29:53,774
Believe it or not,
672
00:29:53,776 --> 00:29:56,836
There's actually science behind
this weird little device.
673
00:29:56,838 --> 00:29:59,080
- A lot of people
think that your actions
674
00:29:59,082 --> 00:30:00,415
Follow your feelings,
675
00:30:00,417 --> 00:30:04,994
But psychiatry shows that your
feelings follow your actions.
676
00:30:04,996 --> 00:30:06,437
So when you do the smile,
677
00:30:06,439 --> 00:30:09,257
It can trigger your brain
to release endorphins,
678
00:30:09,259 --> 00:30:10,958
Which is a happy chemical,
679
00:30:10,960 --> 00:30:12,643
And you can actually feel better
680
00:30:12,645 --> 00:30:15,689
Just by the action of smiling.
681
00:30:17,675 --> 00:30:19,117
- The keihin railway company
682
00:30:19,119 --> 00:30:22,020
Was using this technology
just to give advice,
683
00:30:22,022 --> 00:30:25,273
To try to get them to smile
more at the customers.
684
00:30:26,201 --> 00:30:29,786
But in 2018, another company
takes this one step further.
685
00:30:30,688 --> 00:30:33,874
- E-cometrue has you
clock in every morning
686
00:30:33,876 --> 00:30:36,784
With a smile device.
687
00:30:36,786 --> 00:30:37,752
And if you fail,
688
00:30:37,754 --> 00:30:40,422
You're not allowed in
the office for the day.
689
00:30:40,966 --> 00:30:42,882
- So you have to re-smile
690
00:30:42,884 --> 00:30:46,285
Until you're exhibiting
true happiness.
691
00:30:47,038 --> 00:30:48,996
But you know what could
make people feel better
692
00:30:48,998 --> 00:30:50,465
Even more effectively?
693
00:30:50,467 --> 00:30:54,102
Money. Give them a pay raise,
give them some bonuses,
694
00:30:54,104 --> 00:30:57,305
Smiles throughout the room.
695
00:30:57,307 --> 00:30:58,214
(edgy music)
696
00:30:58,216 --> 00:30:59,474
- But it gets worse.
697
00:30:59,476 --> 00:31:01,592
The university of tokyo,
it goes one step further.
698
00:31:01,594 --> 00:31:04,629
You want to get your food
out of the office fridge,
699
00:31:04,631 --> 00:31:07,115
You have to unlock
it with a smile.
700
00:31:07,117 --> 00:31:09,134
If you don't smile
adequately enough,
701
00:31:09,136 --> 00:31:11,069
The fridge won't unlock for you.
702
00:31:11,913 --> 00:31:14,021
- If it's lunchtime
and you're hungry,
703
00:31:14,023 --> 00:31:16,899
Hunger can lead to
not being so happy.
704
00:31:16,901 --> 00:31:19,402
So you could go up to
the refrigerator, hangry,
705
00:31:19,404 --> 00:31:22,881
And never get your lunch,
which only makes you hangrier.
706
00:31:22,883 --> 00:31:24,048
You got to be careful.
707
00:31:24,050 --> 00:31:25,825
You got to think
these things through.
708
00:31:25,827 --> 00:31:27,669
- [dan] while a future
of forced smiles
709
00:31:27,671 --> 00:31:29,745
May not actually make us happy,
710
00:31:29,747 --> 00:31:31,806
This next invention
could literally
711
00:31:31,808 --> 00:31:34,183
Change the way we see the world.
712
00:31:34,185 --> 00:31:36,168
- Smartphones have been
getting smaller and smaller,
713
00:31:36,170 --> 00:31:39,755
But sony corporation wants
to take it to a new level.
714
00:31:39,757 --> 00:31:41,115
(gentle music)
715
00:31:41,117 --> 00:31:43,434
Google glass was a
set of ar glasses
716
00:31:43,436 --> 00:31:45,462
Where you're looking
at the real world,
717
00:31:45,464 --> 00:31:48,406
But you have augmentation
overlaid on top of it.
718
00:31:49,192 --> 00:31:50,599
It's essentially
what you would see
719
00:31:50,601 --> 00:31:54,512
On your smartphone screen, just
transparent in your glasses.
720
00:31:54,514 --> 00:31:59,550
But the price point of
$1,500 made it hard to sell.
721
00:31:59,794 --> 00:32:02,128
- Another limitation is
they, kind of, look dorky.
722
00:32:02,130 --> 00:32:05,223
And so, ultimately
the best solution
723
00:32:05,225 --> 00:32:08,826
Would be to remove the
glasses altogether.
724
00:32:08,828 --> 00:32:10,070
- [dan] many believe the answer
725
00:32:10,072 --> 00:32:12,489
Is to hide the
hardware in your eyes.
726
00:32:13,399 --> 00:32:18,669
So in 2016, sony files a patent
for a 'smart' contact lens.
727
00:32:18,963 --> 00:32:20,021
(upbeat music)
728
00:32:20,023 --> 00:32:22,573
- Instead of having
a pair of glasses
729
00:32:22,575 --> 00:32:24,058
With information overlaid on it,
730
00:32:24,060 --> 00:32:27,061
The information is displayed
in the contact lens itself.
731
00:32:27,063 --> 00:32:29,155
- The technology behind
this is pretty incredible.
732
00:32:29,157 --> 00:32:31,582
It has a battery
that gets charged up
733
00:32:31,584 --> 00:32:34,643
By the mechanical
action of you blinking.
734
00:32:34,645 --> 00:32:38,248
You know, just charging
my contact camera.
735
00:32:39,259 --> 00:32:40,750
- [dan] the developers
say smart contacts
736
00:32:40,752 --> 00:32:45,213
Will change our lives as much
as smartphones did in 2007.
737
00:32:46,182 --> 00:32:47,990
- Ostensibly, you would
be able to do anything
738
00:32:47,992 --> 00:32:51,302
On these lenses that you can
do on your cell phone screen.
739
00:32:51,304 --> 00:32:53,755
Check your email, find
navigation directions,
740
00:32:53,757 --> 00:32:56,558
Look at pictures, and
it also has a camera
741
00:32:56,560 --> 00:33:00,186
And onboard storage
that can record video.
742
00:33:00,188 --> 00:33:01,929
- Imagine you could just
look around the room
743
00:33:01,931 --> 00:33:03,898
And identify
everyone in the room.
744
00:33:03,900 --> 00:33:07,276
It's like you googled
them or an ai face search,
745
00:33:07,278 --> 00:33:10,588
And identify each person and
get their full background.
746
00:33:10,590 --> 00:33:12,373
This thing is limitless.
747
00:33:12,375 --> 00:33:14,208
- [dan] it's not just a fun toy.
748
00:33:14,210 --> 00:33:16,444
It might even be
able to save lives.
749
00:33:16,446 --> 00:33:18,020
- Because they're
embedded in your eye,
750
00:33:18,022 --> 00:33:20,356
They might be able to
monitor your vital systems
751
00:33:20,358 --> 00:33:23,117
And maybe even trigger
the release of medication
752
00:33:23,119 --> 00:33:25,937
If they're perceiving
that your vitals
753
00:33:25,939 --> 00:33:26,954
Are getting out of control.
754
00:33:26,956 --> 00:33:28,864
And that is an incredible thing.
755
00:33:29,593 --> 00:33:31,809
- [dan] but a fully integrated
digital visual future
756
00:33:31,811 --> 00:33:34,629
May also come with
some dark consequences.
757
00:33:34,631 --> 00:33:37,481
- There are a number of
privacy issues involved here.
758
00:33:37,483 --> 00:33:39,542
If somebody is wearing them,
they could be recording
759
00:33:39,544 --> 00:33:42,453
And the people around
wouldn't actually be aware
760
00:33:42,455 --> 00:33:43,638
That they're being recorded.
761
00:33:43,640 --> 00:33:46,048
Not only that, we are
already at a state
762
00:33:46,050 --> 00:33:48,567
Where we're a highly
distractible culture.
763
00:33:48,569 --> 00:33:50,295
And bringing something
that takes up
764
00:33:50,297 --> 00:33:53,164
Your entire field of vision
with additional information,
765
00:33:53,166 --> 00:33:55,784
Seems like it could be
a recipe for disaster.
766
00:33:57,253 --> 00:33:59,971
- [dan] whether the idea
of 'smart' contact lenses
767
00:33:59,973 --> 00:34:02,915
Makes it to stores
anytime soon or not,
768
00:34:02,917 --> 00:34:04,158
One thing's certain,
769
00:34:04,160 --> 00:34:07,921
Our future will look much
different than our present.
770
00:34:08,573 --> 00:34:09,680
- When I got my glasses,
771
00:34:09,682 --> 00:34:11,849
My sister encouraged me
to get contact lenses
772
00:34:11,851 --> 00:34:13,968
And I went in for my contact
lens training session.
773
00:34:13,970 --> 00:34:15,670
And I went in for my contact
lens training session.
774
00:34:15,672 --> 00:34:18,356
Sticking my finger
in my eyeball,
775
00:34:18,358 --> 00:34:20,141
Is not the technology for me.
776
00:34:23,663 --> 00:34:25,254
- Have you ever dreamed you
woke up trapped in a casket?
777
00:34:25,256 --> 00:34:27,690
You can't move.
You can't breathe.
778
00:34:27,692 --> 00:34:30,852
In the 19th century,
this fear is so real,
779
00:34:30,854 --> 00:34:33,020
The question for many becomes,
780
00:34:33,022 --> 00:34:35,281
Can modern innovation save us
781
00:34:35,283 --> 00:34:38,451
From such a ghastly
second death?
782
00:34:39,662 --> 00:34:42,229
(person gasps)
783
00:34:42,231 --> 00:34:45,642
- Taphophobia is the fear
of being buried alive.
784
00:34:45,644 --> 00:34:49,036
This is a persistent
fear throughout the ages,
785
00:34:49,038 --> 00:34:50,779
But taphophobia is really,
786
00:34:50,781 --> 00:34:53,133
Really prominent in
the 19th century.
787
00:34:54,060 --> 00:34:55,985
(tense music)
788
00:34:55,987 --> 00:34:58,304
Cholera is a huge issue.
789
00:34:58,306 --> 00:35:01,182
Cholera is one of these diseases
that are wiping people out.
790
00:35:01,184 --> 00:35:05,186
- So when you have 5% of a
population dying from cholera,
791
00:35:05,188 --> 00:35:06,979
You have a massive
amount of bodies
792
00:35:06,981 --> 00:35:11,483
That also need to be buried in
a very short period of time.
793
00:35:11,485 --> 00:35:13,211
- Cholera can induce coma.
794
00:35:13,213 --> 00:35:15,029
So you have a number of
people who are afraid
795
00:35:15,031 --> 00:35:18,082
They're going to be
buried in a coma state
796
00:35:18,084 --> 00:35:22,453
And wake up, reaching up,
to only find a coffin lid.
797
00:35:22,455 --> 00:35:24,621
This just feeds into
all these fears,
798
00:35:24,623 --> 00:35:27,149
This taphophobia that's
already so rampant
799
00:35:27,151 --> 00:35:28,434
In the 19th century.
800
00:35:29,178 --> 00:35:32,689
- [dan] so, in 1829, a
german engineer comes up
801
00:35:32,691 --> 00:35:34,399
With an unusual solution.
802
00:35:34,401 --> 00:35:37,435
- Dr. Johann taberger
devises this system
803
00:35:37,437 --> 00:35:39,854
Where there's a bell
on top of the grave
804
00:35:39,856 --> 00:35:42,414
And the string runs
into the coffin.
805
00:35:42,416 --> 00:35:44,508
And when you wake
up and you realize,
806
00:35:44,510 --> 00:35:47,278
"oh my gosh, I'm buried alive."
807
00:35:47,280 --> 00:35:52,025
You pull the string and
it rings above your grave.
808
00:35:52,027 --> 00:35:53,817
- And crucially,
we have an air tube
809
00:35:53,819 --> 00:35:56,087
Because you got
to have fresh air.
810
00:35:56,089 --> 00:35:58,122
So, you've got your air
tube, you can breathe,
811
00:35:58,124 --> 00:36:00,383
You're moving your hand,
you're ringing that bell.
812
00:36:00,385 --> 00:36:02,410
Out come the spades,
you're being dug out,
813
00:36:02,412 --> 00:36:04,036
Everything's going to be okay.
814
00:36:04,038 --> 00:36:05,020
(climatic music)
815
00:36:05,022 --> 00:36:07,432
- The problem is
when a body decays,
816
00:36:07,434 --> 00:36:09,709
Gases build up, the body bloats.
817
00:36:09,711 --> 00:36:13,721
And what happens is that the
bell might start to ring.
818
00:36:13,723 --> 00:36:17,124
- People were hired to sit in
cemeteries just to make sure
819
00:36:17,126 --> 00:36:19,810
That these bells
did or did not ring.
820
00:36:19,812 --> 00:36:21,645
Yes, they could be
rung from a finger,
821
00:36:21,647 --> 00:36:24,382
But the wind could cause
just as much ringing.
822
00:36:24,384 --> 00:36:26,083
(climatic music fades)
823
00:36:26,085 --> 00:36:27,368
(bell clanging)
824
00:36:27,370 --> 00:36:29,203
- [dan] as far as we
know, there are no cases
825
00:36:29,205 --> 00:36:32,890
Of anyone actually being
'saved by the bell'.
826
00:36:32,892 --> 00:36:35,217
But why wait for someone
to come dig you up
827
00:36:35,219 --> 00:36:37,069
If you can get out yourself?
828
00:36:37,071 --> 00:36:38,112
(tense music)
829
00:36:38,114 --> 00:36:40,748
- In 1843, christian
eisenbrandt,
830
00:36:40,750 --> 00:36:43,968
He takes this idea of a safety
coffin one step further.
831
00:36:43,970 --> 00:36:46,571
He calls it the "life
preserving coffin".
832
00:36:46,573 --> 00:36:48,039
- "the life preserving coffin".
833
00:36:48,041 --> 00:36:49,240
It's a great paradox.
834
00:36:49,242 --> 00:36:53,110
So christian's idea is
that if you move at all,
835
00:36:53,112 --> 00:36:54,161
Then the lid of the coffin
836
00:36:54,163 --> 00:36:56,580
Is just going to
spring right open.
837
00:36:56,582 --> 00:36:57,990
That's going to be a
problem, of course,
838
00:36:57,992 --> 00:37:01,152
If you've got the weight
of six feet of dirt on you.
839
00:37:01,154 --> 00:37:04,322
So he does recommend
being laid to rest
840
00:37:04,324 --> 00:37:06,324
In more of a
mausoleum situation.
841
00:37:06,326 --> 00:37:09,394
But barring that issue,
it's a great invention.
842
00:37:10,479 --> 00:37:12,497
- [dan] eisenbrandt
really stands by his work
843
00:37:12,499 --> 00:37:13,589
Because when he dies,
844
00:37:13,591 --> 00:37:16,200
He's actually placed
in his own invention.
845
00:37:16,202 --> 00:37:21,372
Unfortunately or fortunately,
he never comes out.
846
00:37:21,374 --> 00:37:22,673
(edgy music)
847
00:37:22,675 --> 00:37:27,269
In 1868, another german inventor
has a more practical idea.
848
00:37:27,271 --> 00:37:29,956
- Franz vester, he ups
the escape coffin game.
849
00:37:29,958 --> 00:37:32,366
Escape coffins should not
just be something for the rich
850
00:37:32,368 --> 00:37:35,536
Who can afford a
above ground tomb.
851
00:37:35,538 --> 00:37:36,628
It can be something to save
852
00:37:36,630 --> 00:37:37,714
Those who are buried
in the ground.
853
00:37:37,716 --> 00:37:40,758
- This coffin has a
built-in escape route.
854
00:37:40,760 --> 00:37:43,210
He has a two foot square tube
855
00:37:43,212 --> 00:37:44,929
That goes all the way
down to the coffin.
856
00:37:44,931 --> 00:37:47,631
So if you were buried
alive, all you have to do
857
00:37:47,633 --> 00:37:50,935
Is shimmy your way up
this pipe to freedom.
858
00:37:50,937 --> 00:37:53,821
- [dan] and in case you're
not quite up for the climb,
859
00:37:53,823 --> 00:37:55,540
It's equipped with
a wine holder,
860
00:37:55,542 --> 00:37:59,810
Giving you time to gather
up some liquid courage.
861
00:38:00,480 --> 00:38:02,388
- Franz decides there's
no better marketing
862
00:38:02,390 --> 00:38:05,307
Than to demonstrate
that this truly works.
863
00:38:05,309 --> 00:38:06,917
(edgy music continues)
864
00:38:06,919 --> 00:38:09,904
He invites the media, he
invites people to buy tickets.
865
00:38:09,906 --> 00:38:14,983
Hundreds flocked to see him
buried alive in his coffin.
866
00:38:14,985 --> 00:38:18,012
The coffin's put in
place, he climbs in,
867
00:38:18,014 --> 00:38:20,406
Dirt is thrown down,
the whole works.
868
00:38:20,408 --> 00:38:22,550
He is truly buried alive.
869
00:38:23,736 --> 00:38:25,736
- 15 minutes goes by,
870
00:38:25,738 --> 00:38:29,599
Everyone's looking
around going, "hmm."
871
00:38:29,601 --> 00:38:31,834
30 minutes goes by,
872
00:38:31,836 --> 00:38:35,079
Vester has not come up
out of the tube yet.
873
00:38:35,081 --> 00:38:37,506
45 minutes goes by
874
00:38:37,508 --> 00:38:40,918
And people are starting
to become concerned.
875
00:38:41,862 --> 00:38:45,456
- They're waiting and they're
waiting and they're waiting.
876
00:38:45,458 --> 00:38:47,366
(tense music)
877
00:38:47,368 --> 00:38:51,186
And he finally pops up out
of the tube, alive and well.
878
00:38:51,188 --> 00:38:53,114
And the crowd goes wild.
879
00:38:53,116 --> 00:38:57,000
(crowd cheering and applauding)
880
00:38:57,002 --> 00:38:58,978
- [dan] no one knows for
sure if the long wait
881
00:38:58,980 --> 00:39:00,571
Was for a dramatic effect
882
00:39:00,573 --> 00:39:04,759
Or if he was just enjoying
his pinot noir down there.
883
00:39:04,761 --> 00:39:06,535
Meanwhile, by the late 1800s,
884
00:39:06,537 --> 00:39:08,221
There's a new market
to stop people
885
00:39:08,223 --> 00:39:11,123
Who are trying to
get in to coffins.
886
00:39:11,125 --> 00:39:15,119
- Grave robbing becomes a big
problem in the 19th century.
887
00:39:15,121 --> 00:39:17,955
The us has just been
through the civil war,
888
00:39:17,957 --> 00:39:19,990
The economy has suffered greatly
889
00:39:19,992 --> 00:39:24,570
And people are in need of
ways to make money fast.
890
00:39:24,572 --> 00:39:26,147
- So I can imagine a
world in which people
891
00:39:26,149 --> 00:39:30,334
Are desperate to get jewelry
or gold or other valuables,
892
00:39:30,336 --> 00:39:32,653
They might dig
down and grave rob.
893
00:39:32,655 --> 00:39:34,138
- [dan] people aren't
thrilled to learn
894
00:39:34,140 --> 00:39:37,125
Their dear old granny is
getting dug up and robbed.
895
00:39:38,068 --> 00:39:40,670
So inventors decide the best
way to stop grave robbers
896
00:39:40,672 --> 00:39:43,831
Is to make sure they
never leave the cemetery.
897
00:39:43,833 --> 00:39:46,500
(pulsating music)
898
00:39:46,502 --> 00:39:49,886
- In 1881, thomas
howell, he files a patent
899
00:39:49,888 --> 00:39:53,716
For a very unique
kind of casket.
900
00:39:53,718 --> 00:39:56,476
This casket is meant
to deter grave robbers
901
00:39:56,478 --> 00:39:57,444
And not just one.
902
00:39:57,446 --> 00:39:58,904
His casket is designed
903
00:39:58,906 --> 00:40:02,233
With essentially a
landmine inside of it.
904
00:40:03,019 --> 00:40:05,786
- This "torpedo
coffin" has a canister
905
00:40:05,788 --> 00:40:08,923
That contains a
pound of black powder
906
00:40:08,925 --> 00:40:10,182
Just under the surface.
907
00:40:10,184 --> 00:40:12,659
And as soon as you hit
it with a shovel...
908
00:40:12,661 --> 00:40:15,496
(explosive boom)
909
00:40:15,498 --> 00:40:18,458
- [dan] according to an
ohio newspaper in 1881,
910
00:40:19,269 --> 00:40:20,526
It actually works.
911
00:40:20,528 --> 00:40:22,753
- Two grave robbers
go after a coffin
912
00:40:23,656 --> 00:40:26,056
Protected by thomas
howell's invention.
913
00:40:26,058 --> 00:40:28,926
(dramatic music)
914
00:40:30,280 --> 00:40:33,181
Boom goes the coffin,
flynn ends up dead.
915
00:40:33,183 --> 00:40:37,493
The other has a mingled,
gnarled leg as a result.
916
00:40:37,495 --> 00:40:40,538
- So imagine you die
in a cemetery,
917
00:40:40,540 --> 00:40:41,547
Which is rather ironic,
918
00:40:41,549 --> 00:40:44,299
But at least you're
already in your grave.
919
00:40:44,301 --> 00:40:46,060
- Grave robbing
becomes such an issue
920
00:40:46,062 --> 00:40:49,396
That finally state law, kind
of, catches up with them.
921
00:40:49,398 --> 00:40:50,881
- [dan] and I'm
guessing the heat
922
00:40:50,883 --> 00:40:54,735
The cemeteries were
packing, helped too.
923
00:40:54,737 --> 00:40:55,870
(fast-paced music)
924
00:40:55,872 --> 00:40:58,956
Humankind is constantly
striving to reinvent
925
00:40:58,958 --> 00:41:01,842
Our way of life
from birth to death,
926
00:41:01,844 --> 00:41:04,611
From how we move to how we see.
927
00:41:04,613 --> 00:41:07,514
But to achieve our outlandish
dreams of the future,
928
00:41:07,516 --> 00:41:10,468
We have to start with
the "unbelievable".
929
00:41:10,470 --> 00:41:11,886
(fast-paced music fades)
930
00:41:11,966 --> 00:41:13,966
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931
00:41:14,016 --> 00:41:18,566
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