Technology Review

Sinn Power - a platform that harvests energy from water, wind, and sun Researchers of the German company Sinn Power are working on the development of a universal generator, capable of using three renewable sources to generate electricity at once. According to the designers' idea the platform will be equipped with solar panels, wind turbines and movable floats. At the moment, only the last option - with floating solar solution (you can watch it on the video) - is at the stage of full-scale tests.

i-Limb Ultra Revolution - a prosthesis controlled via your iPhone This is a development of the American company Touch Bionics, which specializes in the creation of high-tech prostheses. Thus, the i-Limb Ultra Revolution, in addition to controlling the arm muscles, is capable of performing different movements controlled through a smartphone via Bluetooth. All the user needs to do is to select the desired movement in the application, and the device moves to a certain position. The i-Limb Ultra Revolution bionic hand is able to tie shoelaces, operate the keyboard and touch screen, rotate the hand, etc.

Ultrasonic prosthesis for musicians Musician James Barnes had to amputate his arm to the elbow due to injury. However, simple prostheses with electromyogram sensors did not provide the needed control. Therefore, together with tech designers from Georgia Tech, he began work on a prosthesis with an ultrasonic sensor that could accurately capture the movements of the untouched muscles and correctly reproduced both movement and pressure force. The actions of the new development are so precise that a musician can play musical pieces.

Couch Console is a universal organizer for a relaxed stay at home The Couch Console is a universal organizer and holder for everything you might need during a relaxing holiday at home. In one slot you can hold a snack, in another a drink, and in the third a TV remote control or a gamepad, and you can also attach a smartphone there. The drink will not spill due to the holder can balance the glass using the force of gravity.

The Robot dog now has a new hand Spot Arm - this name was given to a robot with an additional manipulator, created by Boston Dynamics. The robotic arm turned out to be very useful to Spot. With its help he can now open doors, collect items, dig holes, plant flowers and even draw. Intended use: the use of the robot in hazardous industries, construction sites, rescue operations and even to explore other planets

DOBOT MG400 - portable lightweight robot The MG400 is a lightweight desktop robot that occupies an area smaller than a sheet of A4 paper. The MG400 can be easily integrated into any production line or laboratory bench, making it universally accessible and affordable. Customers can use it to automate processes, including touch screen testing, loading and unloading of parts.

Mobile hotels Autonomous Travel Suite (ATS) is a mobile hotel complex that combines the functions of self-driving vehicle with hotel facilities. Thus, the ATS module is equipped with many of the elements found in a traditional hotel room: a sleeping space, a work space, a tiny kitchen, a toilet, a sitting shower and an entertainment zone. In addition, it encased by panoramic smart glass windows to regulate light levels inside the module. Moreover, such a module is designed to carry travelers on journeys of between six and 10 hours. For greater hotel experience travelers can choose to dock their ATS into a static suite.

SSC Tuatara - the world’s fastest production car On January 17 of this year the SSC Tuatara hypercar topped Koenigsegg Agera RS's record of 2017 (447.19 km/h) becoming the world's fastest production car to date. So at a distance of 4.8 km the hypercar with a 1750-horsepower engine accelerated to a speed of 455.3 km/h. Jerod Shelby, founder and owner of Shelby Supercars was driving it. However, the previously claimed 500 km/h was not reached. The reasons were short distance and the driver without high-speed driving experience.

f.lashes LED Eyelashes This is the development of designer Tien Pham, who did not expect a widespread reaction to his invention. The idea is simple: the false eyelashes are fitted with tiny LEDs. An invisible wire is used to transmit power. The lashes attach to the back of the head using a special bandage. f.lashes respond to head movements with light running through them.

Introducing the Vento multifunctional wireless fan with 48 hours of autonomy The Vento fan consists of a platform, a retractable leg and a moveable head, which allows up to 120 degrees worth of rotation. The device allows you to pick from 3 different fan speeds, as well as adjust its height up to 107 cm. It also includes a remote. To free users from wall plugs, the developers have equipped their brainchild with a 16000 mA*h battery which provides autonomy up to two days. Also the fan can charge your smartphone, or rather two smartphones at once.

The Air Charge technology from Xiaomi charges gadgets within a radius of several meters The user needs to put a special beacon, featuring the 14 antennas and a low-powered receiver, on the smartphone battery to start charging. Air Charge works based on two principles. First, the transmitter and beacon send signals to locate themselves in space so that the system gets clear coordinates to form a narrow directional beam. Second, it uses millimeter wave technology (mmWave signals) that converts signals into power by running them through a rectifier circuit.

Augmented reality for dogs The U.S. Army has commissioned Command Sight to develop an augmented reality system for military working dogs. The goal is to provide dogs with commands and cues during combat operations. Due to a camera, the operator will be able to see everything the dog sees in order to assess the situation and give the necessary orders using graphic pointers and voice. The project is already being tested under real conditions.

LF-30 Electrified Concept by Lexus Lexus has presented its vision of a future electrified vehicle. According to the creators, the exterior of LF-30 Electrified is designed to visualize energy, and the interior should provide maximum comfort. Thus the car is provided with an augmented reality technology, gesture control, autonomous driving system, a drone, and electric motors for all 4 wheels. As for the battery, it can be charged inductively.

Bees for data collecting Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a small backpack for bees that can hold up to 107 milligrams of useful equipment. The device isn't supposed to control a bee, but it is possible to obtain useful data recorded during the flight. The backpack is equipped with several sensors to collect information about the temperature, light, and humidity, as well as it is provided with a transmitter and a 30kV memory.

GO FlyEase Hands-Free Sneakers This is the Nike's development, which is considered a response to the recent release of Crocs sandals. Unlike its competitors, Nike used a bi-stable hinge that remains fixed in two positions, creating a wide opening for easy taking off and quick putting on. A limited edition of GO FlyEase will be released on February 15, and later this year, the model will be put into mass production.

Kitty Hawk HSVD Personal Electric Aircraft This is Kitty Hawk's third brainchild, which is much quieter than many of its counterparts. The single-person electric plane produces a noise level of 38 dB, while the helicopter produces up to 80 dB. At the same time, one charge for Kitty Hawk HSVD is enough to cover 160 km distance. The 6-meter wingspan aircraft is equipped with a vertical takeoff/landing (VTOL) system and can be controlled manually as well as flying autonomously.

Fundamental VR: A new reality for learning and development training The revolution in the training of medical personnel has arrived. A new development, Fundamental VR, has made it possible to perform complex operations in virtual reality without leaving the classroom. The simulator can be used both for practicing and for evaluating students (the application analyzes the correctness of their actions). The simulation process requires minimal equipment, which makes it affordable and easy to use.

Quell Fitness Gaming - throw punches to defeat monsters The creators of the game Quell set a goal to combine the excitement of gaming with a workout. The software comes with dedicated gloves equipped with motion sensors that track the position of your fists, as well as their speed and movement. The gloves are provided with straps for withstanding greater stress. The gameplay consists of quests, where the player has to beat the spirit out of monster opponents, thereby customizing his or her skin.

Morph Interface for gamers and musicians Sensel has developed an amazing touch user interface with the Morph controller, which can be customized to fit any user's needs and is ideal for musicians and gamers. The unique feature is a sensitive keyboard-like MIDI controller that reacts differently, depending on the velocity and vector of your finger, which multiplies the capabilities of the device.

Controlling a drone with your mind The startup UDrone has released an EEGSmart headset, which allows you to control the quadcopter without using your hands. The gadget uses EEG/EMG sensors, accelerators, gyroscopes and neural signal amplifier to track the user’s head position as well as their concentration on the quadcopter. Thus, by blinking, the user controls the camera, their jaw is responsible for takeoff and landing, and their head tilt controls the vehicle’s position in the air.