Daily Innovation News

June 8^th 2024

💻 Technology

🇺🇸 US filmmaker Gary Hustwit creates documentary that rewrites itself after every screening

Gary Hustwit has unveiled a groundbreaking documentary that uses advanced algorithms to create a unique viewing experience each time it's screened. This innovative approach involves rearranging and modifying the film’s scenes using a vast library of pre-recorded clips, integrating real-time data like current events and local weather. This technology revolutionizes storytelling by providing evolving narratives that increase audience engagement and make content more relatable and impactful. The project marks a significant shift in documentary filmmaking, making each screening distinct and personalized.

🇰🇿 Kazakh researchers 3D-print affordable earthquake-proof home in just five days

A team in Almaty, Kazakhstan, has created Central Asia's first 3D-printed house, completed in just five days using COBOD's BOD2 printer. Designed to withstand severe seismic activity, the home uses a high-strength cement mix, ensuring resilience against earthquakes up to 7.0 on the Richter scale. The project demonstrates the potential for cost-effective, durable housing, with the total construction cost significantly lower than traditional homes. The house now serves as a showroom to highlight the capabilities of 3D-printed construction.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop satellite tech to detect road damage and other infrastructure flaws

A new study from Texas A&M University demonstrates how high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data can identify infrastructure damage from space, allowing for early detection and preventative maintenance. This innovative technology can monitor roads, embankments, and runways regardless of weather or time of day, making inspections more efficient and cost-effective. By flagging potential issues from space, SAR satellites help ground teams allocate resources better, saving taxpayer money and enhancing public safety. The study was published in the Transportation Research Record.

⚡️ Energy

🇬🇧 UK startup trials tidal power generator made from plastic trash

Spiralis Energy, a London-based startup, is set to trial its screw-like tidal power generator, the Axial Skelter, in the English Channel. Made from recycled plastic waste, this innovative generator uses an Archimedes screw design with added aerofoils to increase torque and energy output. The trials, planned for winter in Alderney waters, aim to test the generator’s performance in tidal flows without generating power. Success could lead to local energy supply and position Alderney as a key site for tidal energy testing.

🚀 Space

🇯🇵 Japanese researchers develop heat switch for moon rovers to endure extreme lunar weather

Researchers from Nagoya University and JAXA have created a novel "heat switch device" to extend the lifespan of lunar rovers by managing extreme lunar temperatures. The device combines a loop heat pipe (LHP) with an electrohydrodynamic pump (EHD) to dissipate heat during the day and insulate electronics at night. This technology ensures rovers operate efficiently and survive harsh lunar conditions, potentially aiding long-term lunar exploration and spacecraft temperature management. The study was published in Applied Thermal Engineering.

🦾 Robotics

🇳🇱 Dutch AI-powered robot dog autonomously hunts drugs, safeguarding officers

The Dutch police are testing an AI-powered autonomous robot dog, developed by Boston Dynamics, for drug lab raids to protect officers from hazardous conditions and criminal risks. The Spot quadruped robot, equipped with cameras and sensors, can navigate complex environments, inspect drug labs, and identify dangerous chemicals without human intervention. This innovative approach aims to prevent injuries and enhance operational efficiency during drug raids, marking a significant advancement in law enforcement technology.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop a robotic device to restore muscular function for digestion and more

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a wirelessly activated robotic device that mimics the wavelike muscular function in the esophagus and small intestine, aiding patients with compromised organs. This soft-robotic prototype uses strong magnets controlled by an external actuator to restore natural peristalsis, potentially improving the quality of life for patients with blockages or requiring stents. The innovative device could also be adapted for other biological processes, such as aiding in egg transport from the ovaries. The study was published in Advanced Functional Materials.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🇺🇸 US researchers develop AI to decode dog barks to identify emotions

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an AI model capable of decoding dog barks to identify emotions, age, gender, and breed. This breakthrough study leverages AI techniques optimized for human speech to interpret animal vocalizations, achieving an average accuracy of 70% for emotions and around 62-69% for breed and gender. The research highlights the potential for AI to enhance our understanding of canine communication, offering a new perspective on animal behavior.

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