Important Innovations

Mako Shark's Speed Inspires Potential New Aircraft Designs The Mako shark is known as the Cheetah of the Ocean, accelerating up to 80 mph.  A team of aeronautical engineers at the University of Alabama have discovered the mechanism behind the speed.  It's the shark's scales that angle up to 40 degrees and prevent any  drag. If your hand were to go across the shark's skin from nose to tail, the skin is smooth.  If you go from tail to nose, there are scales that go up at an angle. That natural acceleration mechanism has the potential for new designs for faster aircraft. For a great news blog on this go to Important Innovations Collection: Aircraft Innovation from Mako Sharks : Shark Scales Inspire Faster Planes Shortfin Mako - "Cheetah of the Ocean" Mako - Cheetah of the Ocean A team from the Unive...

VW's I.D. Buggy Electric Concept VW's Electric Dune Buggy, the I.D. Buggy Inspired by California Buggies in 1960's VW's electric concept, all terrain vehicle just debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show.  It's called the I.D. Buggy and is inspired by California dune buggies from long ago in the 1960's.  This electric dune buggy joins VW's new group of electric vehicles including the VW microbus, the ID Buzz which is a reinvention of VW's popular minibus. VW Inspired By Electric Power The I.D Buggy has a 4 cylinder boxer engine in the rear with 201 horsepower and 155 miles of battery range.  It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds with top speeds of 99 mph.  It seats 2 but is expandable for another two passengers and an extra electric motor for 4 wheel drive. Dune Dream This is a concept vehicle.  It has no doors, no roof and is meant for no-frills driving.  It does have roll-over support, reinforced windshields and off-road t

Smart Hat to Helmet When Needed Source:  ANTI Ordinary AI Beanie AI Shifts Hat from Soft to Helmet-Like Protection The company ANTI Ordinary says this hat is as safe as a helmet and you'll find it your most comfortable helmet ever. It's called the AI Beanie and has soft, Merino wool knitted lining and a moisture repellent acrylic outer layer.  What is between those two layers is the differentiator. Non-Newtonian Fluids - Not Your Ordinary Hat What is between the two layers is the company's proprietary blend of non-Newtonian fluids.  The fluid particles remain soft and flexible in slow motion and become much harder when impacted.  The inner layer of the hat becomes stiff enough to exceed safety standards while flexible enough to pack in a backpack and easily fit the contours of the head.  It's deliverable in October 2019, priced at $125.00 and seems targeted particularly at outdoor winter sports.

Mass Market Electric Cars Debuting at Geneva Auto Show Source:  Citroen Ami One Electric Car New Market Conditions Could Favor China According to Germany's Center of Automotive Management, global electric car sales hit 2.1 million in 2018 and are forecast to rise to 2.8 million in 2019.  China is the biggest market with more than 1 million sold, Europe is second with 389,000 and the US third with 359,000 vehicles sold last year.  The market is expected to ramp up and start accelerating as the European Union's tough emissions standards start rolling out in 2021. Geneva Auto Show Electric Vehicle Debuts There are a number of mass market electric cars debuting in Geneva.  They are more affordably priced and have good driving range.  Some examples: Kia e Soul Honda Urban Citroen Ami One, a tiny, 2 seat, city car that doesn't require a license Renault Zoe Nissan Leaf Peugeot Citycar 208 Volvo Polstar 2, a compact with 275 mile range Some of the cars being in

Personalized Wound Healing That's Mobile Medicine on the Cutting Edge This is remarkable innovation.  Millions of Americans suffer from non-healing wounds.  A team at Wake Forrest University have developed a 3D bioprinter that can selectively layer skin cells to heal a large wound or burn.  The process is personalized to the patient.  The bioprinter is filled with the patient's own skin cells. Several Firsts There are a number of firsts involved in this innovation.  The bioprinter is mobile and can be wheeled directly to the patient's bed.  It enables on-site management of large wounds by 3D laser scanning and measuring them in order to deposit cells directly where they're needed to create new skin.  It selectively layers in two types of cells.  Fibroplasts are placed on the deepest part of the wound and keratinocytes on top. Mimics Natural Healing The 3D bioprinter and the healing process it delivers replicate natural tissue and promotes healing. The team

US Robotic Workforce Hits Record Level Robot Manufacturing Surges This is new research information from the Robotics Industry Association.  The US and China are even more deeply investing in robots and AI for the workplace.   The US has increased the amount of robots being shipped to US factories by 36,000 in 2018 or 7% above the previous year. The number of  US universities investing in AI research centers is also on the rise.  For a great news blog on this, go to  Important Innovations Collection: US Robotic Workforce Surges : Robotic Manufacturing Source:  Automotive Robotic Assembly Line - Stock Image New Numbers for US The number of robots working in US fa...

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