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- May 13th 2025
May 13th 2025
Max Gray
May 13, 2025
The Daily Innovation Newsletter
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May 13th 2025
💻 Technology
University of Washington researchers have built an AI headphone system that translates several people speaking simultaneously while preserving each voice’s direction, tone, and identity in 3D audio. Called Spatial Speech Translation, the system works on standard noise-cancelling headphones and tracks speakers as they move, providing translations with a 2–4 second delay. This innovation, tested in varied environments, could transform multilingual communication in real-world settings.
⚡️ Energy
🇫🇷 🇪🇸 French and Spanish researchers create cement battery that turns buildings into rechargeable power banks
Scientists from the University of Bordeaux and the University of Basque Country have developed a novel cement-like material that stores electrical energy, enabling buildings to act as large, structural batteries. The material, made from metakaolin-based geopolymer embedded with zinc and manganese dioxide electrodes, achieves a storage capacity of 3.3 Wh/L and offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional cement. Published in Materials Horizons, this innovation could transform infrastructure into active components of the energy grid.
🚘 Transport
Klein Vision's AirCar, a roadworthy and flight-certified vehicle, will enter production in 2026 after more than 500 successful test flights. The sleek, two-seat hybrid transforms between car and aircraft in 80 seconds and offers up to 1,000 km flying range and 800 km driving range using conventional fuel. The company, based in Slovakia, is also planning an amphibious version, potentially making it the world’s first mass-produced car capable of operating on land, in the air, and on water.
🦾 Robotics
🇸🇬 Singapore deploys robot dogs for public safety, social services, and urban infrastructure monitoring
Singapore is expanding the use of AI-powered robot dogs to patrol construction sites, guide visually impaired individuals, inspect infrastructure, and assist in security operations. Developed by local researchers and supported by the National Robotics Programme, these quadrupeds navigate stairs, tunnels, and parks using sensors, cameras, and image recognition. With over 300 robotics firms now active in the country, robot dogs are becoming a cost-effective and versatile tool for maintaining safety and accessibility in dense urban environments.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence
AI tools helped Daniel Lalara, paralyzed by Machado-Joseph Disease, to express himself for the first time in a decade through song. With guidance from psychologist Dr. Damien Howard, Lalara used yes-or-no prompts and word cues to compose "For My Children," a jazz tune sung with AI-generated vocals via ChatGPT and Suno.AI. Created for his daughter, who also has the disease, the project highlights AI’s potential to restore communication and emotional connection for people with severe physical disabilities.
💊 Healthcare
Scientists at Mass General Brigham have created FaceAge, an AI model that estimates biological age from facial images and links it to cancer treatment outcomes. In a study of over 6,000 cancer patients, those with older FaceAge predictions had significantly worse survival, while younger-looking patients fared better—highlighting FaceAge as a powerful, objective biomarker. Published in The Lancet Digital Health, this tool could enhance treatment decisions across cancer and other aging-related diseases.
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See you soon,
Max