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Showing posts from January, 2021

Sustainable, Recyclable Toy: Insect Kids

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  Winner of Audi Innovation Award                                      Source:  Audi Innovation Award Innovation From Jordan Insect Kids is a biodegradable, recyclable ad reusable toy designed to benefit kids, their parents and the planet.  The toy is the creation of a brother and sister team Ahmad and Rasha Jarrar of Jordan.  They have received the prestigious Audi Innovation Award for their invention.  The focus of the Audi competition was "circular models", meaning that the materials and resources used for the design would be reusable over the long term, yielding their maximum value. A Toy That Eliminates Clutter and Plastic Waste The Insect Kids toy can be constantly reused and disassembled when not in use to avoid household clutter.  The toy is sustainable and recyclable.  The inventors used flatpack technology and biodegradable materials that help maintain a minimalist clutter free home.  It also benefits the planet by, according to the Jarrars, "removing the toxic

Impact of the Moon on Humans - New Science

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  Inner-connectivity of the Moon & Humans                                   Source:  Stock image of Moon New Scientific Evidence of Ancient Superstitions About the Moon Ancient civilizations believed that the phases of the Moon triggered certain events.  They also believed that certain things happened only during specific phases of the Moon, like the full Moon.  New scientific research is providing credible evidence to support some of these superstitions about the interconnections between humanity and the Moon. Sleep Patterns A new study just published in the journal Science Advances demonstrates the impact of the phases of the Moon on sleep patterns.  100 volunteers from Argentina's indigenous communities and 450 volunteers from Seattle, Washington wore sleep trackers for two months to track their sleep patterns during the phases of the Moon.  The results are very surprising. Full Moon: Loss of An Hour's Sleep The indigenous people who participated in the research had very

China's Wireless, Remote Charger Breakthrough

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  Mi Air Charge Wirelessly Charges Devices Over Several Meters                                             Source:  Xiaomi Breakthrough Charging Device Beijing based, multinational electronics company Xiaomi has invented  a breakthrough remote, wireless charging system.  The company says it can charge multiple devices simultaneously over "several meters", according to Xiaomi.  The radical new technology is called Mi Air Charge.  It's a wireless charging system that can charge devices at 5W.  The company says physical barriers like furniture don't reduce the charging capability. Wireless Living Rooms Xiaomi says their goal with this new technology is to create truly wireless living rooms with lamps, smart devices, speakers, smartwatches and other electronic devices being powered by the same wireless, remote system.  How It Works Xiaomi's system has five phase interference antennas built-in to locate, for instance, a smartphone.  A phase control array composed of 14

Tesla: Most Anticipated Steering Wheel

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  World's Most Intelligent Cars                                             Source:  Tesla Artificial Intelligence & Autopilot Driving Tesla is rolling out its vision of the future of driving and it is amazing. Tesla just unveiled a highly advanced and innovative steering wheel for its new Model S and Model X 2021 vehicles.  This is the world's most anticipated steering wheel and perhaps the new Tesla vehicles are the world's most intelligent cars.  The steering wheel has autopilot sensor-based drive modes and force touch buttons for Park, Reverse, Neutral & Drive modes at the base of the phone charger on the center console. Importantly, the steering wheel has no driving mode stalk (P, R, N, D).  The plan is to replace them in the future with AI and autopilot, making the vehicles autonomous when regulations permit.  Tesla's latest technology, such as updated battery packs and powertrains, are also included in these new vehicles.  Tesla is calling them the world&

E-Scooters From Ford & Spin

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  Electric, Remote-Controlled E-Scooters Source:  Spin Spin Micromobility Ford is in the e-scooter business.  The Ford owned electric scooter company Spin just introduced its S-200 e-scooter.  It's a 3-wheel scooter with a maximum speed of 15.5 mph. The S-200 has three independent braking systems, turn signals and a camera on the front and rear of the vehicle. Spin co-developed the vehicle with Segway-Ninebot.  Spin is now moving into an international partnership with microbolity startup Tortoise that specializes in autonomous technology and remote controlled operations for e-scooters.  The two plan to initiate pilot programs in North America and the UK.  Tortoise works with other manufacturers to remote control their scooters for pickup, delivery and parking. Operations Rolling Out in 2021 Spin is rolling out operations this year. It starts this spring in Boise, Idaho with 300 of Spin's new e-scooters in a pilot driving program.  Tortoise remote control operations will handle

New Inventions For The 2020's Pts. 1&2 by Edward Kane

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 Ed's  Latest Books on Inventions                                              Source: Amazon & Kindle New Inventions For The 2020's Parts 1 &  2 I'd like to make you aware of journalist Edward Kane's 2 part series on the top new inventions for the 2020's.  NEW INVENTONS FOR THE 2020's Pt. 1:  Consumer Electronics, Robots & Medicine.  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08THWN8JD&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_WxjeGbCVZR0K8   And NEW INVENTIONS FOR THE 2020's Pt. 2:  Gadgets, EVs, Environment/Renewable Energy.  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08TVVMF4L&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_lAjeGbTC94XVX   We designed these as companion books to give readers easy access to the top, new inventions rolling out in the 2020's that enhance our lives.  I co-authored the books with Ed.

Climate Change Is Rapidly Accelerating

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  1.2 Trillion Tons of Ice Melting Yearly                                                                 Source:  Greenland Ice Mel Two Important New Climate Change Studies Two comprehensive, new studies by NASA and European scientists demonstrate that Climate Change is getting worse.  A team of scientists from the University of Leeds, University of Edinburgh and University College of London have discovered that the Earth is losing 1.2 trillion tons of ice every year.  That is causing climatologists to recalibrate rising sea levels.  They say that the rising water levels are much worse than anticipated.   The ice melt numbers are staggering.  The melt has escalated from 760 billion tons per year in the 1990's to 1.2 trillion tons per year during the 2010's.  That is a 60% increase. NASA Findings A separate study by NASA found that 74 major glaciers in Greenland, with bases in deep, warming ocean water, are being severely undermined.  Furthermore, NASA scientists say the impact

Space Ridesharing from Elon Musk

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 SpaceX  Transporter 1: Sets Record Space Ride Share Launch                                                       Source:  SpaceX 143 Spacecraft Launched on a Single SpaceX Rocket If you need a ride share to space, SpaceX is offering it and breaking records doing it.  On January 24, 2021, SpaceX launched 143 spacecraft ridesharing inside of a single Falcon 9 rocket.  The cosmic ride sharing program is called Transporter 1.  SpaceX has set a new world record for new space vehicles deployed in one rocket launch. For SpaceX, the mission is another historic success.  SpaceX was founded by entrepreneur and CEO Elon Musk. Record Cosmic Vehicles Onboard The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida.  The reusable rocket carried 133 commercial and government spacecrafts and 10 SpaceX Starlink satellites to space.  SpaceX calls their space ride sharing system a reliable, affordable ride to space for small satellites.  The launch of 143 spacecraft  broke all records for a joint rid

New Inventions For The 2020's by Edward Kane

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  New Inventions:  Gadgets, EVs, Energy, Environment                                          Source:  Amazon & Kindle My Latest Books on Amazon & Kindle I'm pleased to announce that journalist Edward Kane's latest book "New Inventions For The 2020's" Part 2: Gadgets, EVs, Energy, Environment is now available on Amazon and Kindle.  It is the companion book to "New Inventions For The 2020's" Part l:  Consumer Electrics, Robots, Medicine. Inventions that Enhance Our Lives The top new inventions showcased in the books are fascinating and very relevant to enhancing our lives.  To see a preview, go to  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08TVVMF4L&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_TmVdGb0HC4Z1F   I co-authored the books with Ed.

Elon Musk's $100 M Tech Challenge

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  Musk Offers $100 M Prize For Best Carbon Capture Technology                                                  Source:  Greenhouse Gas Emissions Stock Image                                      Source: Elon Musk Stock Image Global Competition & Need Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk is offering a $100 million prize for the best new carbon capture technology.  Capturing greenhouse gas emissions is a key component of tackling Climate Change.  But very little progress has been made on the technology to date.  The International Energy Agency says taking carbon out the the air is an essential component for reaching net-zero emissions targets. Entrepreneurial Challenge Elon Musk has become the #1 & #2 richest person in the world from his many entrepreneurial successes.  He founded and is CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.  He announced the $100 million competition on Twitter.  He promised more details on the challenge this week.  Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is a

Alphabet's Loon Balloon Internet

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  Loon Subsidiary Being Shut Down                                                  Source: Loon Not Commercially Viable Google's parent company Alphabet has decided to shut down its internet balloon services company after concluding that the business of using high altitude, large balloons to deliver the internet is not commercially viable.  In a way, the decision is a surprising one because the technology works.  Alphabet founded Loon in 2011.  And it has successfully delivered internet services to disaster areas and to Kenya.  But the company says it could not find a way to get the costs low enough to "build a sustainable, long term business". Great Intentions The goal and purpose of Loon was to bring connectivity by high flying balloons the size of tennis courts to global, underserved areas that are too remote or difficult to connect with broadband.  That proved to be too expensive. Loon certainly made every effort to make it work. It conducted years of  testing with ba

Joby Flying Taxi Readies Takeoff

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  Joby Considers Going Public                                                                      Source:  Joby Air Taxi Flying Taxis Fleets by 2023 The dawn of flying taxis is getting closer.  California based startup Joby is exploring the possibility of going public.  Joby is a very hot aircraft technology company developing an all electric, zero emissions, vertical air taxi which it hopes to put into service by 2023.  Also it recently took over Uber's flying taxi unit Elevate.  As part of the deal, Uber took a stake in Joby. Potential of Significant New Money There is no guarantee that Joby will go public.  But it has hired investment bankers and it reportedly is exploring a merger with what is called a "blank check" or special purposes company at a valuation of $5 billion.  It's an alternative way of going public rather than the traditional IPO route.  Joby is currently valued at $2.6 billion.  Going public would potentially bring in significant new money for Job

New Inventions For The 2020's by Edward Kane

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A    # 1 New Release on Amazon New Releases in  Curiosities & Wonders #1 NEW INVENTIONS FOR THE 2020's: Part 1:… EDWARD KANE Kindle Edition $5.99 Ed's Latest Book on Top New Inventions that Enhance Our Lives I'm pleased to announce that journalist Edward Kane's latest book "NEW INVENTIONS FOR THE 2020's" Part 1 is a #1 New Release on Amazon and Kindle in Curiosities and Wonders.  For a free preview, click on https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08THWN8JD&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_5oZcGbYK8N4AB   I co-authored the book with Ed.

New Earbuds with Ambient Sound Safety

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Bose Sports Open Wireless Earbuds                                                  Source:  Bose Connected But Keep You Aware of Your Surroundings  Bose has invented a new earbud product that's cited by Newsweek as one of the hottest new gadgets of 2021 and of CES 2021.  It's the Bose Sports Open Earbuds.  They wirelessly keep the wearer connected to their choice of music, telephone calls, podcasts or audiobooks while on the go.  But the new earbud's key advantage is that they do not block out the world around the user.  Designed for runners, bikers and people moving in busy environments, they allow the ambient noise of traffic and pedestrians around the user to be heard alongside of the music or calls being transmitted through the earbuds. New Headphone Technology Bose is a global leader in sound equipment.  These headphones are very different. They direct the ambient sound of the user's environment directly into the ear.  They do not rely on bone conduction as many ne

Lenovo's Smart New ThinkPad Titanium Yoga

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  Lenovo's Smart New Gadget                                             Source:  Lenovo Unveiled at CES 2021 The Lenovo X1 Titanium Yoga ThinkPad has been cited as one of "The Best Gadgets of 2021" and among the best new laptops by technology experts.  The device is Lenovo's slimmest ThinkPad.  The design is sleek and the body is composed of titanium. The device weighs 2,5 pounds and is less than 1/2 inch thick.  It's being called a "Revolutionary ThinkPad". New Tech The device features a 360 degree chassis and a stylus for notetaking and drawing. The convertible two-in-one has a 13.5 inch 2 K 450-nit display with a 3:2 aspect ratio.  It has an IR camera for touchless sign-in, a fingerprint reader and it is 5G ready.  In terms of specs, the 3:2 display is tall and adaptable to all sorts of productivity.  It includes 11th generation Intel chips.  It is Intel Evo certified for performance, features and battery life and has 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports,  It is a p

Butterflies Have Jet Propulsion Abilities

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   New Science From Sweden                          Source:  Stock Image of a Monarch Butterfly Aerodynamics of Butterflies - Wing Claps This is fascinating new science about butterflies and their aerodynamic capabilities.  Swedish scientists have determined that butterflies have the ability to create jet propulsion with their fragile, but powerful, wings.  The beautiful and delicate creatures of summer clap their wings and hit the air with such force, that it thrusts the air forward, creating jet propulsion.  The scientists at Lund University in Sweden have discovered and analyzed the unique clap function of butterfly wings as being capable of generating jets of air propulsion. Very Advanced Aerodynamics From Butterflies Globally, scientists and engineers have learned a great deal from nature to create new forms of technology. The potential impact of these new findings on the aerodynamics of butterflies include unique modes of space travel, aviation and other forms of travel.  In thei

New Inventions For The 2020's by Edward Kane

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  Consumer Electronics, Internet, Robots & Medicine                                             Source:  Amazon & Kindle New Book by Edward Kane If you're interested in top new inventions in consumer electronics, the internet, robots & medicine, you might want to take a look at journalist Edward Kane's just published book "New Inventions For The 2020's". It showcases the latest innovations that will enhance your life. It is available in paperback and as an e-book on Amazon and Kindle.  For a free preview,  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08THWN8JD&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_rwhcGbRF0XQAQ   I co-authored the book with Ed.

Electric Car Battery Breakthrough

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  5 Minute Charge                                                                      Source:  StoreDot New Battery Invention from Israel Startup One of the biggest obstacles to the widespread use of electric cars is the time it takes to recharge the battery.  In most cases, it takes hours and that leads to what is called "battery range anxiety".  Israeli startup StoreDot has the solution.  It has developed a highly advanced car battery that can be recharged within five minutes.  The invention is a world first and a potential gamechanger for the electric car industry. Next Steps Toward Commercialization The industry itself will have to catch up to the battery. The ultra fast charge requires much higher power chargers than are currently in use.  Charging stations need to be upgraded to enable widespread commercialization of the new invention.  It makes a recharge as quick as filling a car with gas. Big Investors Behind StoreDot StoreDot has the financial backing of several gl

Big Collaboration on Autonomous Cars

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  Microsoft, GM and Cruise Partner on Self-Driving Cars                                                  Source:  GM's Cruise A New Vision for Autonomous Driving This is a brand new vision of the future of autonomous driving.  A new partnership among Microsoft, GM and Cruise.  San Francisco based startup Cruise just received a huge infusion of cash to develop autonomous cars.  Microsoft has joined GM, which is Cruise's majority shareholder, along with Honda and other institutional investors to pump $2 billion worth of investment into Cruise and its autonomous technology.  Their intent is for Cruise to take their self-driving vehicles to market for widespread commercialization. The investment infusion brought Cruise's market valuation to $30 billion. That is very close to Waymo, the self-driving company owned by Google's parent Alphabet, valued at slightly over $30 billion. Microsoft Tech and the Big Picture Cruise will use Microsoft's cloud computing platform Azure

Big Oil's Growing Investment in Green Tech

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  Chevron & Carbon Capture Technology                                                                           Source:  Oil Refinery Stock Image Blue Planet US major oil company Chevron disclosed that it is investing in San Jose, CA based Blue Planet Systems Company.  Blue Planet is a startup that develops and manufactures carbon capture technology.  The technology cuts the carbon output of industrial processes in order to reduce their carbon footprint.  Chevron is making the investment through its Future Energy Fund. The Fund focuses on new, innovative lower carbon technologies being developed by startups that can scale up commercially.  The two companies plan to collaborate on pilot projects with the new carbon capture technology in certain locations.  Chevron did not disclose the amount of  the investment. Big Oil Looking For Low Carbon Solutions Chevron is a traditional fossil fuel energy company.  It and other major oil companies are under growing pressure from investors to c

World's Smartest Face Mask for COVID Protection

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  Operation Hazel                                                                                        Source:  Razer Top COVID Weapon Gaming equipment maker Razer has developed a highly advanced, reusable face mask that they say is a medical grade respirator.  The mask ventilates and purifies the air to guard against COVID-19.  It has a built in microphone and amplifier to prevent muffling of the wearer's voice.  Razer calls development of the mask Operation Hazel.   Highly Advanced COVID Fighting Gadget Razer says the mask uses a N95 medical grade respirator, detachable and rechargeable ventilators.  The ventilators are sanitized by putting them into their wireless recharging box which contains disinfecting UV light.  The mask is made of recycled material and has lights that automatically turn on in the dark.  There's a choice of 16.8 million colors to select from for the mask. CES 2021 Razer is headquartered in Singapore and Las Vegas.  Early in the COVID pandemic, it conv

Inexpensive E-motorbike for Commuting

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SONDORS Metacycle                                                                      Source:  SONDORS Metacycle City & Highway Riding SONDORS Metacycle is a new form of personal mobility and it brakes the mold of traditional motorcycles.  The bike is an all electric motorbike that can hit speeds up to 80 mph.  The vehicle is designed for urban commuting and is roadworthy for highways.  For a motorcycle it is relatively inexpensive.  It's priced at $5,000.  By contrast, Harley Davidson's electric Live Wire is priced at $29,799.  Both are categorized as electric commuting bikes.  The Metacycle is considered gamechanging travel technology. SONDORS is headquartered in Malibu, CA  It claims to have sold 100,000 e-bikes since 2015 and says it is now the largest e-bike distributor in the US. Tech Specs The Metacycle has a rear mounted, hub electric motor that provides 8 Kw nominal and 14.5 K peak.  The removeable 4,000 Wh battery has a range of 80 miles.  It can be charged at ho

Samsung's Much Anticipated Smart Phones

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  Galaxy S21                                                  Source:  Samsung Galaxy 5G Phone Less Expensive Than Predecessor Samsung has launched three Galaxy S21 series phones.  The 5G lineup includes the $800 Galaxy S21, $1,000 Galaxy S21 Plus and the $1,200 Galaxy S21 Ultra.  The next generation Samsung S21 series was one of the most anticipated product launches at CES 2021 and it didn't disappoint.  The biggest advantage is the price reduction. It's priced at $200 below its 2020 predecessor phone Galaxy S20. Samsung Telephonic Technology The South Korean phone maker has added upgrades to the phone's processor and the software it runs on.  It's on Android 11 with a Snapdragon 888 processor, that promises enhanced overall performance.  The smart phone has upgraded 5G connectivity and the fingerprint sensor.  The screen size of the base S21 is 6.2 inches and the Plus is 6.7 inches. The refresh rate is 120 Hz and the battery  is 4,000 mAh on the base model and 4,800 m

New Immersive Gaming Chair & Display

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  60 Inch Rollable OLED Display                                             Source:  Razer Razer's Project Brooklyn One of the most innovative items unveiled at the CES 2021 virtual show is Razer's fully immersive video gaming chair.  For gaming sessions, it envelops the gamer in a 60 inch flexible display screen that rolls out and can be retracted.  Razer calls it Project Brooklyn.   Multipurpose Chair The chair can serve as a deskside chair for PC gaming.  But it can also be transformed into an immersive gaming experience with a halo ring extended above the top of the chair for the gamer.  The ring serves as a mount for up to a 60 inch full surround OLED display.  The display extends up, out and around the chair's backbone.  The results are very similar to an AR and VR experience.  The chair's 4D armrests have built in panels for keyboard, mouse and other controls.  And the seat contains Hypersense which is Razer's audio-driven haptic feedback technology. That ena

AI Collar Understands Dog Barks

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  South Korean Invention Interprets Your Dog's Bark                                            Source: Petpuls AI Collar Petpuls Bark Recognition  to Better Understand Your Dog We know that a dog's bark is their best way of putting their owner on alert that something important is up.  A South Korean company has invented an AI enabled dog collar called Petpuls that is AI driven and interprets the dog's bark. The technology relays the information to the owner via their smartphone.  This collar specifically enables the owner to understand exactly what the dog is trying to communicate.  The dog's bark may be communicating emotions like anger, anxiety, sadness, happiness or relaxation.  The bark showing anger and anxiety could be communicating that there is something wrong at your home. All five emotions are determined by the artificial intelligence through the collar.  This new gadget was just unveiled at CES 2021. A Fitbit for Dogs The gadget is being marketed as a Fitbit

GM's New Flying Taxi

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  Cadillac e-VTOL Flying Taxi                                        GM:  e-VTOL Concept New Form of Personal Air Mobility GM surprised the world at CES 2021 by introducing a totally unexpected Cadillac personal flying machine.  It's an electric powered, autonomous e-VTOL.  The vehicle takes off and lands vertically.  It is sleek and futuristic looking.  It is a flying drone that GM calls a flying taxi.  This is not a flying car as it cannot be driven. Highly Advanced GM EV Technology GM has invested $27 billion into the development of electric vehicles.  It is utilizing its on-road electric vehicle technologies to go airborne.  The personal flying vehicle is totally powered by batteries.  GM's top of the line Ultium EV battery platform is likely to play a major role in the e-VTOL, which has zero emissions.  The four-rotor aircraft is powered by a 90 kWh electric motor.  It can reach speeds of 56 mph.  At this stage of its development, it is a one-seater and designed for short

Samsung's New Jeeves Robot for Home

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  New Robot with AI Does the Housework for You                                             Source:  Samsung So Dexterous It Can Set a Dinner Table & Pour a Glass of Wine Samsung has unveiled a new robot Bot Handy designed to be very handy around the house and do chores.  The robot can set a dinner table, clean messy rooms or pour a glass of wine.  Samsung specifically designed this robot to be a very helpful Jeeves around the house. AI Enabled The robot is enabled by very advanced technology.  It uses AI to recognize and pickup objects.  It's able to calculate the right amount of force needed to grab and move objects.  It is capable of differentiating the material composition of a variety of household objects. Top Technology Bot Handy can make itself taller and smaller.  There's a display on the front that shows the robot's blinking eyes, which makes the robot more human.  It has a single robotic arm with hinges for dexterous movement in the fingers, wrist, hands, armpi

New Robot That Disinfects COVID

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  UBtech's Adibot Source:  UBtech Robot Can Be Rented For $15/day UBtech, the Chinese robotic company, has invented a robot that can rid a space - like a room, office or school - of COVID-19.  It's a large, cylindrical robot called Adibot that disinfects rooms with UVC light.  The company says it provides hospital grade sanitizing in less than a minute and a half.  Adibot comes in a stationary form that can be wheeled into a room.  And there is an autonomous model that pilots itself using lidar.  It neutralizes pathogens and in particular COVID-19 with UVC light.  The light dosage can be adjusted for different diseases.  What is very remarkable is that the robot can be rented for $15/day. Robot on COVID Duty UBtech claims Adibot can give a 1000 sq. foot space a complete cleansing of COVID and other pathogens in a minute to a minute and a half.  The robot issues vocal warnings to people to stay out of the room while it is cleaning.  UVC light can be harmful to humans.  The robot

Climate Change Is Getting Worse - New Study

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  European Union's Latest Findings on Climate Change Source:  Climate Change Stock Images Temperatures & Severe Weather Rising   The European Union's Copernicus Earth observation service says that global temperatures in 2019 were the highest on record and tied  2016 for that dubious distinction.  Also, 2010 - 2019 was the hottest decade ever. And, the pattern continues to escalate.  Europe, the Arctic and southern Siberia experienced their hottest year ever in 2020.  All experienced extreme heatwaves and fires.  In the US, the rising temperatures in 2020 caused 22 distinct disasters, including wildfires and hurricanes, resulting in $95 billion in damage. Greenhouse Gas Emissions The scientists at Copernicu s  are calling for immediate action on greenhouse gas emissions to reduce the amount going into the atmosphere.  The UN sponsored global summit on Climate Change won't happen until November in Glasgow. So the Paris Accords stand in play, which the US has withdrawn fro