The industrial arts of mechanical engineering are all around us and seen in many forms and technologies. Of greatest interest is how these wonders are designed, constructed and used. From the smallest home appliance to the behemoths used for outsize building and excavation projects.

Components like motors, bearings and drives are subject to harsh environments on Earth, but they must be at the top of their game to enjoy space travel. Recent applications from Maxon Motors (Return to Mars) and the University of Michigan (Robotic Legs) illustrate the incredible requirements it takes to handle applications in space and how these components can be utilized here on Earth.

There is absolutely no doubt that riding an electric bicycle will not stir up cinematic memories of Marlon Brando (The Wild One) or Steve McQueen (The Great Escape) tearing it up on their hogs. Think more Pee Wee Herman and his Great Adventure.

Looking at a Gear Cube XXL, you can't help but think about a Rubik's Cube. Both are 3x3 puzzle cubes with brightly colored pieces. Moreover, both are sold commercially as toys.

Siemens products and technologies seem to pop up in the strangest of places.

You might not expect a humble cylinder to garner more attention than a luxury boat or a giant, shiny stage prop, and yet thatâ??s just what happened in Michigan's latest contest celebrating local manufacturersâ?? contributions.

One of the largest components manufactured by Schaeffler last year was a double-row tapered roller bearing featuring an outer diameter measuring 3.6 meters and a weight just over nine tons.

Andries Keyser built his first steam locomotive at the age of 19 and completed the project five-years later. It was named after his mother, Doreen and is based on a Beira Railways Lawley design from way back in 1895.

How well do you know your public gear art? Match wits with the Power Play travel team by trying to identify the locations of these awesome works of public art. Answers at the bottom of the page!

They're like real fingers, able to pick up hard stuff, a spark plug or a metal pipe connector, and pick up soft stuff without breaking or smushing it: an egg, a loaf of bread, a donut.