A popular trend in modern families are smart devices such as the Amazon Alexa.  This robot has all of the features of Alexa, while also being fully mobile.  The robots name is Kuri and she rolls around on wheels and can adapt to different floor plans specific to your home.  Kuri’s eyes have a built in camera that can take photos and videos, and also has a built in speaker.

The robot is 20 inches tall and is controlled by users smart devices.  This robot can use its camera feature to be a home surveillance system.  It is available to pre-order for $699 and will most likely be shipped out by the end of the year.  The purpose of this robot is to provide entertainment and perform tasks. If you want to play music you can have the robot follow you from room to room so you are still able to hear.  You can also set up custom commands for specific actions.

When you’re not home, you can watch a livestream from the Kuri app on your phone.  You can use this feature to check up on pets or make sure that no one breaks into your house.  Microphones are also embedded in the robot and can detect unusual sounds.  When it detects this, it is designed to roll towards the sound to take a look at what’s happening.  This robot is so smart that when its low on battery, it will roll itself over to its charging dock.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603303/meet-kuri-another-friendly-robot-for-your-home/

This wearable alcohol sensor is going to help protect people from drunk drivers.  The wristband is called Proof and works similarly to a fitness tracker.  The band takes data from your body by reading the alcohol molecules in your skin so that you don’t have to physically type it into your phone. This product is being compared to the accuracy of Breathalyzers on the market.

The wristband will show you information about your alcohol intake and will send you a message if you are too drunk to drive.  It is left up to the person whether or not they act on the message to not drive, but it is made to try to prevent a terrible accident from occurring.

The wristband can also measure your friends drinking levels too.  The app that is synced with the band allows you to check on them if they were to decide to go out without you.  Your friends just need to invite you for you to see what their levels look like.  This could save so many lives and present serious injuries and damage.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38530145/the-wristband-that-tells-you-how-drunk-you-are

Most 3-D printers rely on the use of plastic as their medium.  Anything other than plastic has been found to be expensive and time consuming.  Over the years it has become much cheaper and easier.  If more companies experimented with other materials, mass producing would be much more efficient.  This could make daily life much easier because you would be able to print things like car parts and more.

The reason why this technology is so interesting is because it can create lighter, stronger, and more complex shapes that are not possible with the metal fabrication methods we have now.

In 2017, a company called Markforged released the first 3-D metal printer for under $100,000.  Printing metal has become a lot easier in the past years.  Desktop Metal released a software to create designs ready for 3-D printing.

This breakthrough will make it easier for people to create needed parts rather than take the time to find parts that are available.

https://www.technologyreview.com/lists/technologies/2018/

Have you ever tried to get work done but were distracted by the noise around you?  The scientists at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics have created an office chair that can cancel out any disturbing noises in the room.  A research film showed that an open office can lose up to 86 minutes of productivity a day from distractions.  The noises can be as simple as the constant humming of machinery or computers.  There have been attempts to combat this in the past, with the example of noise cancelling headphones, but most are uncomfortable to wear for long hours.

These scientists customized a popular gaming chair by attaching flexible error microphones to the headrest of the chair.  Their design is based on the feed-forward control system.  Microphones are placed throughout the room and receive sound waves that send out reference signals, generating signals that make loudspeakers start the cancelling noise.

The scientists tested out how many microphones should be used throughout the room in a classroom.  they also performed computer simulations to see where the error microphones should be placed on the chair.  The microphone should be placed in a certain position where the head will be, so a dummy head with a sound level monitor was placed in the chair to test this.  The chair was effective at cancelling noises of frequencies ranging from 200 to 800 Hz, and the typical hearing range of a human is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Noises created by things like electric motors, fans or other machines have very predictable frequencies which made it easier to design the chair.  The chair can also cancel random noises about 1 kHz, however the chair couldn’t cancel random noise below 300 Hz.

These chairs could be very important when looking to improve productivity in a work environment.  Some minor modifications to increase the level of noise cancellation could be made, but the idea itself is very strong.

Scientists design an office chair that cancels noise

Scientists design an office chair that cancels noise

A new study that researchers put together at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences includes implanting bio-loggers into farmed rainbow trout to monitor them in the wild.  The researchers measured the stress hormone cortisol before and after introducing stressors to see how their heart rate is affected when put in a stressful situation.

The bio-loggers implanted are small, bullet shaped sensors that are about 13 cm or 1.5 inches long.  Their function is to measure heart rate and temperature from inside an animals for 18 months.  Most researchers would go about this study by looking at fish when taken out of water, but this is unsustainable because their research can only last a few minutes and the fish will eventually die. The purpose of monitoring stress in farmed animals is related to their health and to ensure quality production.  Stress can negatively affect the quality of final products in the category of taste and texture.

To implant the bio-loggers in the fish, a preliminary study was required to fine the best position for the sensor.  It was found that the optimal position for the sensors was when it was placed horizontally between the two front fins, pointing towards the head.  the sensors were put into 20 fish and placed in a net cage.  After 4 days, they noticed that the fish had fully recovered from the stress of the implantation surgery.

The results were very interesting. “The researchers then took measurements of heart rate and cortisol over a 2 day period. The fish were recorded when they were swimming normally around the sea cage, experiencing a moderate increase in the density of fish, an additional increase in density, after being scooped into a transport boat, in the boat while moving and after it stopped, after being moved to the slaughterhouse holding tank, while in the holding tank right before slaughter, and while they were being euthanized with CO2.” (Erica Curles).

An increase in heart rate was shown during stressful events.  Their stress levels decreased when being loaded into the boat when it wasn’t moving.  They believe that this was due to the oxygen level being low during those times which causes fish to decrease their heart rate.  When the oxygen was increased, their heart rates also increased.  These events were stressful to the fish and showed that the holding time before slaughter was not long enough for fish to recover to normal levels.

This technology is an important thing for farmers so that they can increase the quality of their products and become more popular.  They need to pay attention to recovery times to produce the best quality and most relaxed fish.

Implanting sensors in fish to monitor their stress levels in the wild

A new product has been made that allows you to safely whiten your teeth with your phone.  The Mobile White Teeth Whitening Lite Tray is a 16-piece LED system that is waterproof and BPA free!  Each kit includes syringe applicators that are filled with the whitening gel.

This product is compatible with all mobile devices and USB ports, has a 20 minute whitening cycle with and light and sound reminder, and doesn’t require a battery for on the go use.  Because of its unique proprietary and FDA whitening gel and cool blue LED light tray, it provides a zero sensitivity experience.

Maximum results will be acquired after six 20 minute long sessions.  All you have to do is connect the tray to your mobile device with the provided adapters, put the tray in your mouth for 20 minutes, and then easily store it in the provided carrying case when you’re finished!

The kit includes one Mobile White 16 LED Lite Tray with a USB chord and timer button, four 3ml syringe applicators with the whitening gel, mobile adapters for IOS lightening, micro-USB, Type-C, and USB 3.0, and a storage case with a mirror that is perfect for travel.  One kit costs $79.99, but they have many deals that include buying two kits and receiving one kit free, and buying one kit and receiving the second for half off.

Have you ever gone to use your phone in your basement or any other area of your house and had your wifi not work? This super boost wifi router is the solution to this problem.  It is a strong wifi device that you plug into your wall.  It is developed from a military technology called “signal repeater transmission”.

This devices easy qualities eliminates stress and bad wifi! There is no set up required, all you have to do is plug it in and you’re done.  It locks on to weak wifi signals throughout your home and rebroadcasts it where it is most needed.

This device isn’t affiliated with your wifi provider, so there will be no extra monthly charge added to your bill.  You can use multiple in your home, as you just need to plug it into the wall.

Super Boost Wifi has a satisfaction guarantee, so if you end up not being happy with the results, you can return it for a 100% money back guarantee.  This product starts at a price of $49.99 and works with providers like Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, and Spectrum.

Have you ever went to take a sip of your coffee and had it be cold? Luckily in our developing society, a solution to that problem has been created.  Ember Travel Mugs keep your drink at the perfect temperature for as long as you would like.  The battery of this 13 ounce cup will last 1-2 hours depending on your temperature setting, but you can leave the cup on a charging coaster for all day use.

The mug has seven built-in temperature sensors, a rapid cooling system, and a microprocessor-controlled heating system.  You can pair this mug to your phone for easy access to temperature settings.  You can set your own temperature ranging from 120° F to 145 °F.  You can also set up alerts on your phone that will tell you when your drink is at an optimal temperature.

The charging coaster is the best way to keep your drink warm all day.  You can keep it on the charger all day, but just have to hit the power button every two hours to reset the auto shut off feature.  You can also drink from the mug at any angle without spilling.

This product is perfect for coffee and tea lovers that are constantly on the go or busy.  You can easily control the heat from your phone, it is easily washable with warm soapy water, and you can avoid having your drink being too hot or too cold tp drink.  You can find the Ember Travel Mug for $150 on amazon.

Source:

https://www.edgytrend.com/blog/the-ember-travel-mug

Technology is slowing taking over everyday simple tasks.  In this case, this company has created magnetic shoe closures that will make you never have to tie your shoes again.

The entirety of this product is a small magnetic piece that you interlace in your shoelaces.  Once the laces are completely secured in the closure piece, you can then cut off the excess lace.  Instead of tying your shoes, all that you have to do is put the two magnetic pieces together and your shoes will stay on.  The magnets are very strong and protect you from losing your shoes during high intensity activities such as running, jumping, and more. Your shoes then easily come off by stepping on the heel and popping the magnets apart.

Zubits makes three different sizes for children, teens/adults, and large adults/sports.  They have a size guide that takes into account your height, weight, and activity level so that you can make sure you’re receiving the perfect product.

This product is also helpful for kids as they may not know how to tie their shoes yet.  Instead, they can just pop the magnets together and continue playing.  Zubits are compatible with most shoes that have laces.  The price of this product ranges from $19-22 on amazon depending on size and color.

Source:

https://www.edgytrend.com/blog/zubits-magnetic-shoe-closures