Impact Lab – Page 211 – A Laboratory of the Future Human Experience

Jet

Hydrogen Takes Flight: Swiss Jet Prototype Could Redefine Supersonic Travel

May 11, 2023

A European company aims to revolutionize air travel with its sustainable hypersonic jet prototype set to cut flight times by 75%.

Destinus, the Swiss-based company, has already flown two prototypes successfully and is now preparing for a third test flight to evaluate the fuel systems. The design of the jet is based on the “Waverider” shape, also used in hypersonic cruise missiles and the Concorde jet, enabling it to “ride” the sound barrier.

Tesla

From Perception to Decision: Tesla’s FSD v12 Shifts Gears with End-to-End AI Approach

May 11, 2023

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package is set to receive a significant update with the integration of end-to-end AI in its upcoming FSD Beta v12, according to Elon Musk. While FSD Beta already utilizes neural nets powered by artificial intelligence for environmental perception, the decision-making and driving input aspects rely on traditional programming. Previously, Musk stated that AI wouldn’t be necessary for this part, but he seems to have reversed his stance.

Musk recently highlighted the forthcoming v11.4 update, emphasizing the improvements in FSD Beta. He also mentioned the future v12 update, which would introduce “end-to-end AI” capabilities. However, no specific timeline was provided for this update. Tesla is currently expanding the release of v11.4 beyond its internal fleet, signaling progress in its self-driving ambitions.

AI

From Sci-Fi to Reality: AI Discovers Game-Changing Drugs to Eradicate ‘Zombie’ Cells

May 11, 2023

Researchers from Integrated Biosciences, a biotechnology company combining synthetic biology and machine learning, have showcased the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in discovering innovative senolytic compounds, which are being studied for their ability to combat age-related processes such as fibrosis, inflammation, and cancer. The recently published paper titled “Discovering small-molecule senolytics with deep neural networks” in the May issue of Nature Aging outlines the AI-guided screening of over 800,000 compounds, leading to the identification of three drug candidates with superior medicinal chemistry properties compared to existing senolytics.

Described as a significant milestone in both longevity research and AI-driven drug discovery, the study has received collaboration from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Dr. Felix Wong, co-founder of Integrated Biosciences and the publication’s first author, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that the research demonstrates the potential to explore chemical space virtually and uncover multiple promising anti-aging compounds with higher chances of success in clinical trials than current options.

Science & Technology News

Worldcoin’s Revolutionary Crypto Wallet: A Game-Changer for the Masses

May 9, 2023

In the age of large language models (LLMs) and ChatGPT, AI is poised to make a weird internet even weirder – turning the content-driven social media apps, news sites and media platforms of today into future uncanny valleys that blur the line between man and machine.

As advances in AI make it more difficult to discern bots from humans, Sam Altman, the co-founder of Open AI – the company behind ChatGPT – thinks blockchains can help.

Altman’s crypto project, Worldcoin, rose to prominence last year with a controversial, Silicon Valley vision for a universal basic income (UBI): a crypto token that can be distributed in equal quantity to everyone in the world.Worldcoin is back again this week with a new launch – this one poised to be its biggest yet. World App, Worldcoin’s crypto wallet, built on the Ethereum sidechain Polygon, is the first product from the elusive identity upstart that anyone, anywhere will be able to download.

Robotics

Revolutionizing Human Potential: Jizai Arms’ Wearable Robotics and AI Symbiosis

May 9, 2023

Recent advancements in robotics aim to create new experiences for humans that can assist in their work and social interactions. One such innovation is being brought forth by Jizai Arms, a company offering a wearable backpack that allows users to attach robotic limbs powered by AI for social interaction needs. The company’s vision is to create a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, where both freely interact with each other, having the same goals and aspirations.

Jizai Arms is a Japanese company that has pioneered in the field of wearable robotics, introducing a remarkable product that promises to enhance human capabilities like never before. The Jizai Bodies, their flagship product, is a set of four mechanical arms that users can strap to their back, enabling them to perform a multitude of tasks with ease. The real marvel lies in the integration of AI for seamless movement control, opening up endless possibilities for human-machine interaction.

Electric Vehicles

Autev’s Mobile Charging Robots to Revolutionize EV Charging

May 9, 2023

Autev, a Seattle-based startup, has launched its mobile charging robots that can convert parking spots into autonomous charging spaces, providing on-demand autonomous EV charging services that are more convenient and reduce the need for fixed charging infrastructure.

These intelligent massive battery packs on wheels can be summoned through an app and autonomously make their way to the desired location, where users can plug in their vehicles and leave them to charge. The firm hopes the service will ensure a seamless and convenient charging experience, improving EV owners’ overall satisfaction with electric transportation.

Space

Revolutionize Your Space Experience with the Quantum Solar System

May 9, 2023

If you’re a space enthusiast or an astronomer, the Quantum Solar System may be of great interest to you, as it offers a unique way to explore the universe and its planets. This innovative product is an excellent tool for learning more about the planets in our solar system, while also serving as a great conversation piece for your guests.

The Quantum Solar System utilizes cutting-edge magnetic levitation technology to create a stunning visual display of the planets orbiting the sun in a realistic manner. The planets appear to be floating in mid-air, giving off a magical and futuristic vibe. The product provides an immersive and interactive experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.

As part of the recently launched project, early bird bonuses are now available, with prices starting from approximately $549 or £437, depending on the current exchange rates. The Quantum Solar System is an excellent investment for those who want to explore the universe in a unique way, and it’s also a perfect gift for science enthusiasts of all ages.

The Quantum Solar System is not only visually appealing, but it is also an educational tool that can help deepen your knowledge of astronomy and planetary science. By watching the planets in motion, you can learn more about their rotations, sizes, and other features. You can also use the Quantum Solar System to teach children about the wonders of the universe and inspire their curiosity and interest in science.

Overall, the Quantum Solar System is an innovative product that combines technology and science to create a visually stunning and educational experience. Whether you’re a professional astronomer or just someone who loves space, this product is definitely worth checking out.

By Impact Lab

Science & Technology News

Get wild with SoftZoo: MIT’s open-source platform for creating soft robots

May 9, 2023

The world of soft robotics is expanding rapidly, with MIT recently unveiling SoftZoo, a virtual open framework platform that simulates 3D model animals performing various tasks in different environmental settings. Researchers can use the program to design and optimize their own creations, with the aim of co-designing the soft robot bodies and their controllers for specific tasks.

SoftZoo offers an open source program that enables researchers to experiment and test their robot ideas. This allows them to find the best configuration for a robot’s shape, thereby enabling them to design soft robotics algorithms that can perform various tasks. The platform helps users understand the best strategies for robots to interact with their environments.

Space

NUVIEW’s LiDAR Technology: The Future of Geospatial Industry

May 7, 2023

NUVIEW, a space research and technology company based in Florida, has announced that it is building a constellation of satellites to capture and map the entire surface of the Earth in 3D using LiDAR technology. LiDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging, uses pulsed lasers to measure distances to a given target or area accurately and consistently. NUVIEW’s LiDAR satellite constellation will collect data “more than 100 times faster than current commercial aerial solutions,” providing the first, most complete, high-resolution 3D point cloud of the Earth’s surface. The company made the announcement during the Geospatial World Forum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Although it remains unclear when the company will launch its LiDAR constellation, NUVIEW has amassed $1.2 billion in contracts.

Clint Graumann, CEO & Co-Founder of NUVIEW, said in an official press release, “NUVIEW is thrilled to be leading a new era in geospatial technology to provide the first, most complete, high-resolution 3D point cloud of the Earth’s surface. Our LiDAR satellite constellation will offer a wealth of information that has never before been available at scale, driving innovation and progress throughout numerous industries and revolutionizing the way we understand and interact with our planet.”

Augmented Reality

3D Apartment’s AR Technology Lets You Shop for Furniture Without Leaving Your Home

May 7, 2023

The 3D Apartment platform is revolutionizing the apartment hunting and interior decorating experience with its use of cutting-edge VR and AR technology. Home seekers can take virtual tours of apartments and apply for residences digitally, all from the comfort of their current location. The platform also boasts a range of AR features to help people design and furnish their new space.

One of the standout features of 3D Apartment is its ability to allow users to digitally measure their furniture to ensure that pieces will fit perfectly in their new home. Additionally, the platform enables users to scan their own furniture and place it in a digital space to visualize how it will look in their new apartment.

Agriculture

China Advances Gene-Editing in Agriculture with First-Ever Crop Approval

May 7, 2023

China has given approval to the first gene-edited soybean in the country. The crop, developed by Shandong Shunfeng Biotechnology, is expected to raise the level of healthy oleic acid in the plant. Gene editing involves altering existing genes rather than introducing foreign ones, making it less risky than genetic modification. China, which published regulations on gene-editing last year, is now looking to science to enhance food production. Shunfeng is also researching other gene-edited crops, such as herbicide-resistant rice and vitamin C-rich lettuce. The approval comes amid growing concerns over feeding China’s population of 1.4 billion people, as well as a rise in diet-related diseases among its expanding middle class.

The soybean has been granted a safety certificate for five years, starting from April 21, 2023. Shunfeng has hailed the approval as a significant achievement for the company, and it is hoping to become the first to commercialize gene-edited crops in China. United States-based company Calyxt produced a high oleic soybean, which was the first gene-edited food to be approved in the US in 2019.

Law Enforcement

Public Safety or Private Interests? The Privatization of American Law Enforcement

May 7, 2023

Private security firms are seeing a significant increase in demand as police departments in the United States struggle with staffing issues. This comes as crime rates continue to rise, leaving many business owners and civilians feeling vulnerable and in need of additional protection. As a result, private security companies are booming, with twice as many security guards employed in the US as there were 20 years ago. By 2021, there were roughly three private security guards for every two police officers.

The rise of private security is driven by income inequality, with wealthy people having more to protect and more money to spend on protection. While some business owners are able to pay $750 a day for armed guards, many others have to make do with what their taxes can buy. In cities like Beverly Hills, where residents and business associations have chipped in extra money to hire private security, the wealthy have effectively created their own private police force.