Entry #57: Unmanned Convenience Store

In Sweden a man named Robert Ilijason created a new type of convenience store that has no staff and is completely automated. You simply download an app that lets you enter the store and then you scan your items and the price will get automatically deducted from your bank account. It sounds really convenient and makes things much faster.

For more info: Unmanned Convenience Store

Entry #56: LiFi

A new type of WiFi has been developed using LED light bulbs, LiFi. Internet signals are transmitted to the light bulbs and then are converted into usable data. This new LiFi will be able to support up to 224 Gbps, which is way faster than internet we currently have in the United States. I look forward to internet companies trying to catch up to this new model that has been developed.

For more info: LiFi

Entry #55: Photonic Propulsion

NASA has recently revealed their new prototype photonic propulsion system for space travel. They say once it is completed it will be able to travel to Mars in 3 days. It uses lasers and sails to travel through space. This is a pretty exciting development as it could lead to interstellar life for humans.

For more info: Photonic Propulsion

Entry #54: Sword Art Online

IBM has just announced that they will be recreating the popular anime series "Sword Art Online" for virtual reality. They want to create an immersive environment that is similar to the anime. They say the system will be able to scan each person and be able to render their profile in the game. They are currently only approaching the alpha stage of their testing and will have 208 participants from Japan to test it. If they can perfect it and make it as immersive as they are suggesting it will be then I think it'll be a huge step in virtual reality and gaming.

For more info: Sword Art Online

Entry #53: Augmented Reality

Microsoft inventor Alex Kipman and his team have created the HoloLens, a type of augmented-reality headset. He demonstrated what you could do with the HoloLens by summoning magic and even talking to an astronaut. It would give you the power to change what you see around your world, very similar to virtual reality.

For more info: Augmented Reality

Entry #52: Bionic Spine

Scientists in Australia have begun research on their new "Bionic Spine." They say it will let paralyzed patients to use bionic limbs that will give them their mobility back. This could mean the end to wheelchair bound people. The procedure involves inserting the bionic spine into a blood vessel leading to the brain and attaching it to the motor cortex.

For more info: Bionic Spine

Entry #51: 5D Discs

Researchers at the University of Southampton's Optical Research Center have just created a new method of storing data. They call the new format 5D Discs and these can store up  to 360 TB per disc. The discs can withstand 1000 degrees C and are supposed to be able to survive up to 13.8 billion years at room temperature. This seems like a pretty cool advance and that much of history will not be lost to time with this kind of technology.

For more info: 5D Discs

Entry #50: Self-Parking Chairs

Nissan has just announced chairs that position themselves. These chairs can be controlled via Wi-Fi and make use of sensors that need to be installed in order for them to work. The sensors will direct the chairs to move into position. This is great for conference rooms and after you leave you won't have to push the chair in as it will do it for you.

For more info: Self-Parking Chairs

Entry #49: Cheaper Tesla

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has announced that their Model 3 electric car will go into production 2017 and will only cost $35,000. This is a big announcement as that is about the price a brand new car costs so basically it is being made mainstream. Finally the average consumer can buy a Tesla. I think this is a smart move for Elon Musk and that in the future many people will be driving the new Model 3 around.

For more info: Cheaper Tesla

Entry #48: Welding Neurons

Scientists have discovered a way to physically attach two neurons to each other through artificial means. They use a laser to basically weld two neurons together. This can be used to help people who have had strokes or other brain damage. I can see it being used to perhaps enhance people to help them think even faster.

For more info: Welding Neurons

Entry #47: Roach Robots

Researchers have been looking into new ways of creating robots that will help in disaster situations. One of the newest creations is a cockroach type of robot that is just a little bit bigger than an actual cockroach. They will be mounted with cameras and sensors and will be able to fit into small cracks to get about in situations such as earthquakes. This will help to find survivors and surveyors will be able to tell if the area is stable or not. It sounds like a cool idea from something of nasty origin.

For more info: Roach Robots

Entry #46: Brainprints

Researchers at Binghamton University have recently come up with a new method of security and are calling it brainprints. It is like fingerprints but with the brain instead. They say a machine will record the responses a person makes to specific images or words and then can use them to 94% accuracy to determine that person later on when they try to gain access. It provides a much more intense sense of security as a person's fingerprints can be stolen but brain patterns aren't so easily stolen. I think it'd be pretty cool, but like the article says it is very expensive and would only be practical for high security places such as the pentagon.

For more info: Brainprints

Entry #45: Veggie Factory

The first farm completely run by robots is going to begin production soon in Japan. Boasting very high efficiency and little waste, this automated farm is said to be able to produce 30,000 heads of lettuce a day. It is supposed to reduce labor costs by 50%, cut energy use by 30%, and recycle 98% of water needed to grow the crops. This sounds like a pretty cool idea and I think they would be a benefit wherever they are built.

For more info: Veggie Factory

Entry #44: Power Trees

A team at The Ohio State University has proposed a new type of way to harvest wind energy. They want to create a device that resembles a tree. They say that trees shake a certain way that can produce plenty of electrical energy. The scientist want to use the trees to power sensors in structures such as bridges that monitor the soundness of the structure.

For more info: Power Trees

Entry #43: Gene Editing

Recently scientists in the UK (United Kingdom) have gotten the go ahead to proceed with altering the DNA of embryos. Scientists in China have already done the gene editing in order to correct a blood disorder. If successful future babies could be immune to many things and not get sick as much.

For more info: Gene Editing