Rice University recently developed an AI based solution to predicting extreme weather conditions in an area up to 5 days before it approaches (McFarland, 2020). It makes use of deep learning to understand based on current weather the impact of the extreme weather incoming. The system learned from analyzing weather maps of surface temperature and air pressure 5 km above the surface to make 85% accurate predictions on possibilities like blizzards or heat waves. The existing technology, computer based numerical weather prediction is only useful for daily forecasts but cannot predict harsh changes. Rather than approaching the situation as a numerical problem, their solution is approaching it as an issue of pattern recognition. Their technology uses capsule neural networks which detect spatial relationships to recognize high and low pressure patterns. The engineers who created the application hope for this to provide an early warning system as well as data to help identify the things that cause extreme weather. I believe this type of system can be revolutionary for people who live in areas which are prone to experience drastic weather changes, so they can be prepared and stay safe.

Source: https://www.unite.ai/deep-learning-system-can-accurately-predict-extreme-weather/

Covariant has announced to the public their plans to implement robotic warehouse workers in storage areas to retrieve boxes and packages (Dialani, 2020). They are able to work 24 hours a day and use strong suction cups to remove objects from bins, not even needing appendages. The firm built the technology because warehouses need more labor but cannot find enough humans to fill these jobs. The robots have greater accuracy and speed for recognized objects than human laborers, though one challenge they are working through is getting the robot to pick up a variety of shapes and sizes as well as harder to grip objects. It is difficult to code a robot to handle every situation, which is why their robots use AI technology to recognize and adapt to these differences. Lately more companies have become involved in this space, which has been enabled by improvements in the quality of robotic arms, sensors, custom grippers, and open source code. Their robot must be able to handle movement and transportation around the warehouse as well as precision in placing or retrieving items, requiring ‘hands’ and ‘feet’. Their robots are currently being tested in German electric company Obeta to pack components, which allows them to analyze functionality and other important data. I believe this solution can have great value, as automating routine tasks like this could improve efficiency while also addressing many of the problems associated with humans working in warehouses, like operational hazards or potentially inhumane working conditions.

Source: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/warehouses-will-be-driven-by-ai-powered-robot-pickers/

Steinert recently unveiled its plans for its 5th model of the Unisort PR, which will use artificial intelligence to sort materials for recycling (Recycling Magazine, 2020). One problem with conventional recycling machines is that struggle to separate silicone from polyethylene in cartridges, and if this problem was not addressed, the plastic would not be able to be reused due to contamination. The system optically senses unique characteristics of the materials to separate them from the rest of the recycling waste with AI. The new model offers other benefits such as more effective calibration, stronger lighting for improved sensing, and better valve blocks for sorting materials. They hope to use this technology to include a feature in the future to separate PET bottles with greater reliability. I believe the inclusion of AI into waste management systems could greatly increase the accuracy and efficiency of recycling machines, which would benefit the environment by converting more potentially reusable parts like the silicone cartridges into usable products. It is fascinating that AI can have such a large impact on the materials we use everyday.

Source: 

https://www.recycling-magazine.com/2020/01/31/steinert-launches-next-generation-of-unisort-pr/

The tech company Hayden AI Technologies Inc. plans to soon release the beta version for their Safe Sense App for road safety that allows drivers and pedestrians to report traffic incidents or unsafe behavior (Frost, 2020). Civilians can use their phone camera to record speeding, skipping stop signs or red lights, or alarming driver behavior, and this information is sent to the police while the people who report are rewarded. At times not all traffic issues in a given area can be addressed at once by authorities so the app gives common people the ability to contribute to traffic safety. The app even notifies drivers if an accident or traffic violation is occurring in their area, allowing them to be better prepared for the situation. This information not only addresses violations but also helps provides the government with valuable data on road hazard, parking, and traffic patterns for a given city. The app functions by using cloud services, high definition mapping, and smart camera technology, but is based in artificial intelligence with computer vision and deep learning algorithms. I think a tool like this could be revolutionary as it would greatly reduce the likelihood of driving related accidents and deaths by maximizing coverage so that anyone has the power to point out a traffic issue, all for a cheap cost. 

Source:

https://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news/cloud-computing/new-smart-city-technology-developer-launches-ai-based-traffic-safety-app-launched.html

Recently, Toyota released plans to develop an extremely high tech city from scratch called the Woven City at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan starting in 2021 (Poon, 2020). They designed homes to be full of AI assistance to monitor the residents’ health or features of the house. Additionally they will make buildings out of wood to consume less fossil fuels than concrete buildings do in production, and everything will be powered by hydrogen fuel as opposed to fossil fuels. For transportation, there would be autonomous shuttles that also contain elements of retail stores for shopping. The designers envision 3 kinds of roads: those for autonomous vehicles, those for small vehicles, and those for pedestrians. Such types of autonomous cities are being attempted by many tech companies looking to create futuristic communities. The first set of residents of Toyota’s creation are expected to be 2,000 people involved with the company and industry professionals. However, even if the city is to be created, one possible challenge could be populating the city to its natural capacity. When South Korea attempted a futuristic city in Songdo, only ⅓ of the city’s residential goal was met leading to an eerie and lonely feeling for inhabitants. I believe that this kind of city will take decades to develop due to the challenges that designers could face, but could set a precedent for non-tech companies and governments around the world to start incorporating more technological advances into existing cities.

Source: 

https://www.citylab.com/life/2020/01/toyota-woven-city-smart-technology-cities-of-the-future/604741/

At the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show, French company Tali Connected unveiled a new smart motorcycle helmet (Paukert, 2020). The helmet has LED lights that can change colors, and display turn signals and brake lights. It makes use of Bluetooth to connect to phones, allowing the helmet to serve as a device for phone calls, music, and navigation. Furthermore, the headgear has other safety features such as using digital mapping to share location and notify the user through an app if the helmet is stolen, and automatically calling police if the rider has an accident. Another such beneficial feature is the photochromic visor, which darkens when exposed to UV light to ensure the rider can see. The helmet even has access to Siri and Alexa, so that the rider can speak commands instead of having to look at their phone, which could serve as a danger. However, the product revealed at CES has minimal functionality and is not ready for real life testing. The company’s app is still in development and the product still need to be certified by the Department of Transportation. The helmet is estimated to cost around $1200 when it releases at earliest by late 2020. I believe this innovation could greatly improve safety and comfort for motorcycle riders as it would make the experience more similar to riding in the numerous cars that currently exist that have built in navigation, Bluetooth, and voice command features.

Source:

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tali-motorcycle-helmet-connected-safety-ces/

At the Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung’s STAR Labs unveiled Neons, virtual humans that use AI to act and speak like regular humans (Smith & Tibken, 2020). It appears on a screen as a regular human and exhibits emotions, can learn and remember information from the user, serving as a digital assistant that is more interactive than similar technologies like Alexa or Siri. It can be used as an advisor, teacher, or even companion for businesses or individuals to perform certain tasks. They are not customizable and come with a preset name, and will be obtained through a subscription service, not able to be owned. The two main technologies used are Core R3 which provides the human-like behavior and communication, and the Spectra which powers the AI of the Neons to give memory and intelligence. One aspect that is unsettling is that they will not respond kindly when they are insulted, which I believe could be a danger given that the AI could use the user’s data for malicious purposes, though the company claims they would not sell the user’s data. Also, while this technology could have innovative use, it can be viewed as unethical to create such realistic humans, as it could remove people from reality.

Source:

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/samsung-neon-artificial-humans-are-confusing-everyone-we-set-record-straight/

Nextmind, a neural technology firm has revealed a new technology that can read brain signals from users from the visual cortex to create digital commands for a computer (TechStartups, 2019). It is supposed to make the control of computers and virtual reality easier, as no direct input besides thought is required. The software uses machine learning algorithms to convert neuron electrical signals from the visual cortex into a message for computers. An amazing feature is that the technology comes in the form of a small round cap that straps onto the back of the head without causing the user discomfort. This is revolutionary as it is completely noninvasive so it is safe to use but has the power to change the way we communicate. I believe that this is an enormous breakthrough as this could allow people with disabilities that prevent them from speaking to easily communicate with others in addition to allowing people to share thoughts easier over the internet. However, given the amount of difficulties current software presents with accurate translation, since even speech detecting software like Siri or Alexa sometimes struggles to interpret spoken messages, a project like this will likely take a large amount of time before it is ready for regular consumer use. 

Source:

https://techstartups.com/2019/11/22/neurotechnology-startup-nextmind-unveils-worlds-first-brain-sensing-wearable-delivers-real-time-device-control-just-thoughts/

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a futuristic concept car called Vision AVTR designed after the 2009 James Cameron movie “Avatar” (Weiss, 2020). The car has an interesting aesthetic with scales and no doors. One extremely unique feature is that it does not have a steering wheel. Instead it would use biometric detection, which would enable users to place their hands on a control panel so that their hands become part of the steering. This allows them to lift their hand to pull up a menu of car functions. It can monitor their heart rate and breath as well to identify drivers. Another incredible feature is that it is able to move 30 degrees sideways, unlike traditional cars. Finally the car boasts completely recyclable graphene batteries, which are highly sustainable. While it is just a concept car, with no plans revealed on the car’s development or even if this type of car plans to be released to the general public down the line, I find it fascinating that companies are already envisioning how biometric detection could become incorporated to remove physical features that are currently staples of a car.

Source: 

https://mobileidworld.com/biometrics-news-mercedes-unveils-eco-friendly-avatar-themed-concept-car-010706/

Google plans on partnering with large banks and credit unions to make use of Google Pay, essentially releasing their own banking service (Browne, 2020). Many companies have unveiled or already use this service like Apple, Amazon, and Facebook. Cooperating with banks allows them to avoid becoming a financial institution and needing a banking license. This can be seen as a benefit since these companies can create technological products that provide a greater return from the money received than traditional banks. However, this can also be viewed as a controversial move as a lead at Accenture, Sulabh Agarwal, mentions that this is likely not mainly to provide banking services to customers, but may just be a tactic by the companies to receive more personalized advertising information and keep users addicted to the apps. Though payment through phone is more convenient, I think it could lead to a large invasion of privacy. Companies like Facebook already have a history of illegally selling customer’s information for advertising purposes, and financial information is even more personal and dangerous when shared to others besides the banks and the government.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/03/big-tech-will-push-into-finance-in-2020-while-avoiding-bank-regulation.html