January 13th 2025

Author

Max Gray
January 13, 2025

The Daily Innovation Newsletter

January 13th 2025

🚘 Transport

WeRide's Robobus, the world’s first purpose-built autonomous minibus, has begun operations at Zurich Airport, marking Europe’s first commercial driverless shuttle service. Designed for open urban roads, the electric Robobus can carry nine passengers and features a fully autonomous L4 system without steering wheels or driver cabins. With a range of 200 km and advanced safety features, it will transport airport employees along a dedicated route. This milestone builds on WeRide's previous deployments, including a shuttle service at the 2024 French Open, advancing low-carbon and autonomous mobility solutions.

China's CETROVO 1.0 Carbon Star Express, the world’s first carbon fiber train, has entered service on Qingdao's Metro Line 1. Developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., the train is 11% lighter than conventional models, using 7% less energy and cutting 130 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to planting 100 acres of trees. Carbon fiber’s high strength-to-weight ratio enhances durability, reduces vibration, and improves passenger comfort. Fully automated with advanced safety features, this innovative train represents a milestone in sustainable and efficient mass transit technology.

Oshkosh Corporation has unveiled the McNeilus® Volterra™ ZFL, an all-electric, AI-powered garbage truck at CES 2025. Designed to operate a full day on a single charge, it features an AI-enabled bin detection system and electric arms that streamline waste collection, reducing operation time by 45 minutes per route. Complementing this, the compact, autonomous HARR-E™ robot provides on-demand trash pickup. Both innovations aim to enhance efficiency, reduce noise, and cut emissions, supporting cleaner and more sustainable urban environments.

💊 Healthcare

In a pioneering UK case, a liver transplant cured 32-year-old Bianca Perea of stage 4 bowel cancer that had spread extensively to her liver. Performed in 2024, the procedure is part of growing evidence suggesting liver transplants can offer curative potential for advanced bowel cancer, which is often resistant to standard treatments. Research indicates that replacing the liver can eliminate cancerous tissue and trigger immune responses that may combat residual cancer cells. While this approach is promising, it is suitable for only a small subset of patients and requires lifelong monitoring and immunosuppression.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a self-destructing tuberculosis (TB) vaccine that dissolves after administration, offering enhanced protection and improved safety in macaque monkeys. The vaccine, detailed in Nature Microbiology, includes a "kill switch" mechanism activated by antibiotics, preventing accidental infections from the live mycobacteria used in the vaccine. This innovative approach outperformed standard TB vaccines, eliminating lung inflammation and sterilizing the infection in most test animals. The breakthrough could pave the way for safer, more effective TB vaccinations, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

The Electric Salt Spoon, developed by Kirin Holdings in collaboration with Japan's Meiji University, uses a weak electrical current to amplify the salty taste of low-sodium foods without adding actual salt. By drawing sodium ions from food directly to the tongue's taste buds, the device enhances saltiness by up to 1.5 times, according to earlier studies. Powered by a 3-volt lithium battery, the spoon features four intensity levels and is designed to help individuals reduce sodium intake without sacrificing flavor. This innovation addresses global health concerns linked to high sodium consumption.

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