Researchers at Tsinghua University in China have developed a groundbreaking photonic chip that can process, transmit, and reconstruct images in mere nanoseconds. This innovative chip bypasses the traditional optical-to-electronic data conversion used by conventional chips, significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of image processing.

Machine vision, a rapidly evolving field where cameras, sensors, and algorithms collaborate to interpret the world and execute specific tasks, has traditionally relied on transferring data over long distances for analysis. This process, however, is too slow for many real-time applications. “The world is entering an AI era, but AI is very time- and energy-exhaustive,” said Lu Fang, associate professor at Tsinghua University’s Department of Electronic Engineering. In today’s fast-paced world, machine vision now requires on-device data processing, known as edge computing, to enable quicker decision-making.

Researchers at MIT, led by Damian Stefaniuk, have developed a groundbreaking material that could revolutionize energy storage. By combining water, cement, and carbon black—a highly conductive material commonly used in car tires—Stefaniuk and his team created a supercapacitor with the potential to significantly impact renewable energy storage.

Unlike lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors are not ideal for long-term energy storage but excel at rapid charging and discharging. This makes them an intriguing complement to conventional batteries. The novel carbon-cement supercapacitor developed by Stefaniuk’s team could alleviate pressure on the electrical grid by providing efficient storage solutions for green energy, which often fluctuates throughout the day.

A new trend in green technology focuses on converting energy from water or air into drinkable water. DrinkingMaker, an innovative company, is set to launch DrinkingWater, a solar-powered, multifunctional dispenser that extracts water from the air.

Amid the climate crisis and increasing water scarcity, DrinkingMaker drew inspiration from desert beetles and cacti to develop DrinkingWater, an advanced air-to-water (AWD) dispenser. This new technology is designed to yield up to 19 liters of water per day and offers optional mineral-rich filter cartridges, allowing users to customize their mineral water to personal preferences.