At a cost of $500 to $1,100 in materials and 30 hours of construction time, you could build a paintball turret just like this one. And there’s no reason not to; this thing fires 34 rounds per second and can even be taken on the road with wireless operation. Can you imagine planting this thing on your buddy’s lawn, then waiting patiently to trigger an ambush? In the arena, though, it’ll prove worthless except maybe to freak out your opponents. Instructional videos are coming soon to paintballturret.com. [Inventgeek via Dvice]

In the name of science, MIT’s Media Lab has created this fuzzy, somewhat creepy-looking robot that dances in place and shifts its OLED eyes. Named TOFU for its elastic properties, the robot’s squashing and stretching was modeled after Disney animation techniques from the 1950s. “Such techniques have since been used widely by animators, but are not commonly used to design robots,” says the product overview. Ya think? The project’s purpose is to explore new lifelike ways for robots to express themselves. That way, when Judgment Day comes, you won’t even care; they’re so cute! Check out the video to see TOFU in action. [MIT Media Lab via Wired]

Here at Gear Crave, we usually cover toys in a looser sense of the word–gadgets, innovations and games that any guy, prepubescent to old man, would covet. Today we found some pretty cool toys in the more traditional sense. Straight from Tokyo Gift Show 2009, Hot Toys, a Hong Kong Company, had some pretty damn cool figurines and model vehicles from some superhero movies that we love so much. Akihabara News was there to snap these sweet shots. Among them Iron Man, the Batmobile and Joker…we’d continue on, but you’re probably just checking out the pics by now anyway. [Akihabara News]

Thanks to Akihabara News for the pics.

While I’m not sold on LG‘s liberal use of the word “floating” (make it levitate and we’ll talk), the unconventional look of this DVD player, and the wall-mounting capabilities that lend its nickname, are at least easier on the eyes than your standard disc box. The DVS450H uses HDMI to upscale standard-definition DVDs to 1080p, and can play DIVx files using an attached USB hard drive. For $240, it does not play Blu-Ray. [Reg Hardware via Slashgear and Boing Boing Gadgets]

Unlike traditional wakeboards, the Ronix Zariel Wakeskate has no bindings whatsoever. Now, I am sure you are thinking, “how can you wakeboard without being tied to the board?” Sure, this lack of straps means balancing takes some practice (even though the textured deck helps), but it also allows riders to pull skateboard-like tricks on the water, with the wakes crest taking the place of a half pipe. The WakeSkate is crafted from poplar wood, making this board both flexible and durable. Wakeboarding with the feel of a skateboard? There is only one thing to say and that is that it’s totally RAD!  [$330 at ronixwake]

As shown above, it is the base of a coffee table where most creative options can be expressed.  Designer Greg Lynn has taken classic plastic toys and formed them into visually stunning bases for a range of furniture.  This Recycled Toy Furniture line brings childhood nostalgia to modern design, with colorful plastic centerpieces for your own contemporary environment. [thanks dezeen]

Buy: $TBA

We’ll openly admit, we’re behind on the urban vinyl toy trend.  While we scoffed at first, we’ve been hit pretty hard by just how cool, fun and inventive some of this art is.  It takes us back to our own childhood, refreshes our imagination and even pushes us to consider starting a collection of our own.  The latest design crew to adopt this trend is Vitamin, who has been oft covered here on GearCrave.  Vitamin’s Street Style Urban Creature Collection will be revealed at 100% Design in London next week.  Call us nerdy if you want to, but we’re digging this newer form of expression called urban vinyl art… [thanks dezeen]

Buy: $TBA

Thinking about bringing a feast to the beach? Or do you simply want to haul enough grub and beer for the ultimate tailgate party? If you answered yes, we’ve found a cooler that will do your job best. The Yeti cooler’s Tundra Series provides you with a 2-inch polyurethane lining and freezer style sealing gasket ensuring your food and beer stays cold. Sturdy rope handles, a dry-goods rack and a leak proof drain keep things convenient. Not to mention that a lockable lid prevents your freeloading friends from swiping your stash…

Buy: From $225.00

Recently there was a Bisphenol-A or BPA scare.  The plastics additive Bisphenol-A or BPA, which is found in almost all plastic bottles, can cause harmful effects in animals by mimicking estrogen. That is where the KOR water vessel comes in. The KOR water vessel is a new, plastic free BPA water bottle specifically constructed to support a long product life. This progressive little bottle has a special flip top which pops right open with one hand. If you’re an athletic individual, that comes in handy on the bike or on a run. So if you use water bottles on a regular basis and want to protect not only the earth but your health (not to mention your pocket book) then the KOR One is a solid solution.

Buy: $29.00