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Technology

Innovators to Watch: Pushing Technology to New Frontiers in 2013

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Innovators to Watch in 2013: Pushing Technology in New Directions

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Leila Takayama, a social scientist at Willow Garage, is dedicated to bridging the gap between humans and robots. Her research focuses on understanding how to design robots that can effectively interact and collaborate with people. One key insight she has gained is that making robots appear more fallible, such as by having them shake their heads when they fail, can actually enhance their perceived competence.

Interactive Devices

Chris Harrison, a researcher at Carnegie-Mellon University, is pioneering the development of interactive devices that leverage the natural conductivity of everyday objects. By attaching electrodes to objects or using their inherent conductivity, he has created prototypes that allow users to control lights, appliances, and even furniture with simple gestures or touches.

Health Tech

Nanshu Lu, an engineering professor at the University of Texas, has made significant advancements in health tech with her invention of “epidermal electronics.” These are ultra-thin, water-soluble silicon patches that contain tiny sensors and can bond directly to the skin, eliminating the need for adhesives. These electronic tattoos can continuously monitor vital signs, such as temperature, heart rate, and brain activity, providing valuable insights into our health and well-being.

Mobile Apps

Hossein Rahnama, director of the Digital Media Zone at Toronto’s Ryerson University, is the brains behind Flybits, a mobile app software that uses AI to anticipate users’ needs and provide personalized, contextually relevant information. Flybits is already being used in airports and transit systems to assist travelers with navigation, flight updates, and other essential information. The company has also developed Flybits Lite, which connects users with friends and contacts who are attending the same events or sharing similar experiences.

Wearable Technology

Martin Kallstrom, CEO of the Swedish startup Memoto, has created the Memoto Camera, a postage-stamp-sized wearable camera that automatically captures two photos every minute, documenting the user’s life in real time. While some may question the value of such a vast collection of images, Kallstrom believes it can preserve precious memories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Brain-Computer Interface

Steve Castellotti, a pioneer in brain-powered machines, has developed the Puzzlebox Orbit, a mind-controlled helicopter. Enclosed in a protective sphere, the helicopter is controlled wirelessly through brain activity transmitted from a headset. Castellotti envisions the Puzzlebox Orbit not only as a fun toy but also as an educational tool to introduce neuroscience to students and promote familiarity with biofeedback.

Additional Innovations

  • Chris Harrison’s Skinput project involves an armband with bio-acoustic sensors that can transform the human body into a touch screen.
  • Hao Zhang, Castellotti’s chief engineer and partner, is working on developing open source hardware and software for the Puzzlebox system, encouraging developers to innovate and create new applications for brain-computer interface technology.

These innovators are pushing the boundaries of technology and creating solutions that have the potential to transform our lives in countless ways. From enhancing human-robot collaboration to monitoring our health, providing personalized information, and even controlling devices with our minds, these innovations offer a glimpse into the exciting future of technology.

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Sports Science

FITGuard: A Revolutionary Mouthguard for Concussion Detection in Contact Sports

by Peter
written by Peter

Mouthguard Technology for Detecting Concussions in Athletes

Introduction

Concussions are a major concern in contact sports like football and rugby. Athletes who suffer concussions may experience a range of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and memory loss. In severe cases, concussions can lead to permanent brain damage.

Traditional methods of diagnosing concussions rely on subjective reports from athletes and observations by coaches and medical professionals. However, these methods are not always reliable, as athletes may not always be aware of their symptoms or may be reluctant to report them.

FITGuard Mouthguard: A Wearable Technology for Concussion Detection

FITGuard is a revolutionary mouthguard that uses sensors to measure the force of a hit to the head and calculate the likelihood of a concussion. The mouthguard is equipped with LED flashers that light up if a concussion is suspected. At the same time, a smartphone or tablet app connected to the device uploads data describing the force of the hit and activates a set of protocols to guide coaches and parents through the crucial first minutes after a potential concussion.

FITGuard is designed to help identify athletes who need to be evaluated by a physician. It can also help coaches and parents make informed decisions about whether to allow an athlete to return to play.

Benefits of Using FITGuard

FITGuard offers a number of benefits over traditional methods of concussion detection, including:

  • Early detection: FITGuard can detect concussions in real time, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
  • Objective data: FITGuard provides objective data on the force of a hit to the head, which can help healthcare professionals make more accurate diagnoses.
  • Convenience: FITGuard is easy to use and can be worn during practices and games.

How FITGuard Works

FITGuard is worn in the mouth like a traditional mouthguard. When the athlete is hit in the head, the sensors in the mouthguard measure the force of the impact. This data is then sent to the smartphone or tablet app, which calculates the likelihood of a concussion based on the athlete’s age, gender, and medical history.

If a concussion is suspected, the LED flashers in the mouthguard light up and the app activates a set of protocols. These protocols include tests to track symptoms like photosensitivity and memory loss, which can help coaches and parents assess the severity of the concussion and make decisions about whether the athlete should be removed from play.

Conclusion

FITGuard is a promising new technology that has the potential to improve the safety of contact sports. By providing early detection and objective data on concussions, FITGuard can help healthcare professionals make more accurate diagnoses and coaches and parents make informed decisions about athlete safety.

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Materials Science

Printed Graphene Supercapacitors: The Future of Wearable Energy

by Peter
written by Peter

Printed Graphene: The Future of Wearable Technology

Introduction

Imagine a world where your clothes could power your devices and monitor your health. This futuristic vision may soon become a reality thanks to a groundbreaking new development: graphene supercapacitors printed directly on textiles.

What are Graphene Supercapacitors?

Graphene supercapacitors are flexible, battery-like devices made from graphene, a two-dimensional lattice of carbon atoms. Unlike traditional batteries, supercapacitors store energy on their surfaces through static charge. This allows them to charge extremely quickly, in seconds rather than hours, and to maintain their energy storage capacity even after millions of charge cycles.

Printed on Textiles

Researchers have developed a technique to print graphene supercapacitors directly onto textiles using a screen printing method. This process creates flexible, conductive fabrics that can be worn, stretched, and even washed without damaging the supercapacitors’ charging capabilities.

Applications in Wearable Technology

The potential applications of printed graphene supercapacitors in wearable technology are vast. They could power:

  • Wearable heart monitors
  • Temperature sensors
  • EEG sensors for monitoring sleep and brain activity
  • Clothing that charges cell phones
  • Wearable computers
  • Temperature-stabilizing jackets

Advantages of Graphene Supercapacitors

Graphene supercapacitors offer several advantages over traditional batteries for wearable applications:

  • Flexibility: They can be printed on flexible substrates like textiles, allowing them to move with the body.
  • Rapid charging: They can charge in seconds, eliminating the need for frequent charging interruptions.
  • Durability: They maintain their energy storage capacity even after millions of charge cycles.
  • Environmental friendliness: Graphene is a relatively environmentally friendly material.

Challenges and Future Developments

While graphene supercapacitors hold great promise, there are still some challenges to overcome.

  • Scalability: Producing large quantities of high-quality graphene is still expensive and time-consuming.
  • Conductivity: Graphene does not conduct electricity as well as metals, which may limit its performance in certain applications.

Researchers are actively working to address these challenges and improve the performance of graphene supercapacitors. In the coming years, we can expect to see these devices revolutionize the wearable technology industry.

The Future of Wearable Technology

Printed graphene supercapacitors are poised to transform the landscape of wearable technology. They offer a powerful and versatile energy storage solution that can overcome the limitations of traditional batteries. As researchers continue to refine and improve these devices, we can expect to see a proliferation of innovative wearable products that enhance our lives and improve our health.

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