Entry #28: Humanoid Robot

A research team from the University of Tehran in Iran has recently announced its newest humanoid robot, Surena III. Compared to its first model, the new Surena III has over 3 times as much degrees of freedom (DOF). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches its main function will serve disaster situations. It can currently kick balls, walk up and down stairs, and detect irregularities on the ground. Robots have been coming but this one just seems to be a benchmark. The team is already considering the next prototype, Surena IV.

For more info: Humanoid Robot

Entry #27: New LEDs

A team from Florida State University has recently created a new type of LED that is brighter, cheaper, and easier to make. The new LED they created has a brightness of level of 10,000 candela (the unit used to measure how bright a light is) while current LED technology has a brightness level of 400 candela. It is a pretty big leap how much brighter their new LED is. The materials used in the creation are also cheaper and easier to make which will cut down on manufacturing costs significantly. This will make LED products much cheaper if the new technology is implemented.

For more info: New LEDs

Entry #26: 3D Printed Pill

A company called Aprecia Pharmaceutical’s recently got approved to create its first 3D drug. Using their technology ZipDose they have created an anti-epilepsy pill called Spritam. The great prospect about this new technology is that now people can receive specifically tailored drugs for them and not just a generic dosage that is made for everyone. This can potentially prevent overdosing and under dosing and will make the drugs easier to take. I think this is a really smart technology that has been researched and I realize more and more how much the 3D printer can do.

For more info: 3D Printed Pill

Entry #25: Huawei Quick Charge

A company in Japan called Huawei has recently developed new technology that will allow batteries to charge much faster. With their specialized batteries and charger a smart phone could be charged very quickly. They surmise that in 7 minutes the new iPhone 6S can be fully charged with their technology. This seems like a pretty nifty new type of technology because people now a days use their smart phones for everything so being able to charge it full very quickly could be very convenient.

For more info: Huawei Quick Charge

Entry #24: Real Virtual Reality

A research team from Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has recently created a type of band that can be worn while connected to VR equipment to stimulate actual touch. For example if you had an Occulus Rift and were playing a boxing game, you would be able to feel the punches and blocks. How it works is the band will send electric impulses to the muscle and make it feel like you actually touched something. It is still being developed and will need to be reworked if it is meant to go commercial because it looks quite cumbersome. It does present an interesting concept though and I'm sure many people will want the final product to go along with their VR.

For more info: Real Virtual Reality

Entry #23: JetPack Aviation

The company JetPack Aviation has recently tested its maiden flight of its new jetpack JB-9. The creators have been secretly creating the jetpack for over 25 years and have surprised the world with its first flight in New York. The team has already been working on the next prototype JB-10. This new prototype is expected to be able to fly over 10,000 feet in altitude and go over 100 mph. This product has been dubbed a personal jetpack so it seems pretty exciting. I expect that this will probably not be a cheap item to buy but the cool factor alone makes it worth it.

For more info: JetPack Aviation

Entry #22: SkyTran

A new form of public transportation is being developed in Israel called the SkyTran. It will be a system that lets 1 to 2 people travel above traffic at up to 150 mph along a set route. It will be like a subway, except above ground and above traffic. It will use magnets to propel itself and only uses about the amount of energy as two hairdryers. The price to use one is estimated to be about the same as a subway ticket and the cost of building the systems will be a fraction of what it would cost to build a subway line. It is an interesting way to circumvent traffic but I think if it does become a reality then traffic on the SkyTran might become a thing, but that's just human nature.

For more info: SkyTran

Entry #21: Supersonic Airliner

A new concept plane called the Skreemr has been proposed. It is able to go mach 10 and boasts being able to transport people from London to New York in 30 minutes. It uses a type of engine called the scramjet engine which would burn up the oxygen in the atmosphere rather than needing to carry oxygen fuel tanks. If it were fully developed it would be cool but it might cost quite a bit just for a flight on the supersonic airliner which people might not be too inclined to pay.

For more info: Supersonic Airliner

Entry #20: Unbreakable Glass

Japanese scientists have recently created a new type of glass that is nearly as strong as steel. The University of Tokyo developed a new technique in order to combine silicon dioxide with alumina. They look to mass produce and commercialize the new glass within 5 years. This could lead to many more sturdy products at home such as glassware and also for phones. As long as the price is reasonable I think this could be a great innovation that the world could use.

For more info: Unbreakable Glass

Entry #19: Plasma Wings

New research into aircraft efficiency has produced new plasma wings. These new wings for aircrafts will result in cheaper, lighter, greener planes in the future. The technology also improves maneuverability and will allow for more efficient fuel consumption. I think that if this research is further developed then flying will become much easier and there may little to no accidents at all since the system is relatively simple.

For more info: Plasma Wings