Ammonia-powered zero-emissions tractors in development: Developing alternative energy sources could ease the dependence on gas and diesel sources. With EVs, ammonia, and automation, farmers’ options are expanding.
3D-printed ear for transplant used human cells: AuriNovo is a patient-specific living tissue implant created through 3D-bioprinting. It could lead to safe and successful outer-ear implants by using the patient's own cells.
Deepfake AI training blocked at Google: Some face-altering AI models are being refused but others can still run in Google’s Colaboratory, revealing a porous approach to AI self-regulation.
EV flying taxis are taking off: We could see the first services in the air by 2025 as startups and established companies wrestle for large ride-sharing contracts in the busiest cities.
Tech wrestles with an era of uncertainty: As 2022 hits the halfway point, we look at how various technology companies navigate expected and unexpected challenges that could alter the business landscape.
Right-to-repair bill blocked in California: Will the setback ignite renewed consumer pressure to be able to fix their own devices or embolden manufacturers to block attempts at regulation?
Tech could help democratize indoor farming: Sensors, robots, automation, and apps work together to grow plants in an emerging segment, but change won’t be cheap.
Employer branding is key to attracting top talent: The labor market is still tight a year into the Great Resignation.
Goodbye gas, hello gravity: Mining companies demonstrate how gravity can replace diesel as a fuel for trucks and trains. It could transform clean energy and help reduce mortality from pollution.
Zero-gravity mining: Startup AstroForge recently raised seed money for a bold plan to mine asteroids with secretive technology. It’s a long shot but could spare Earth from destructive mining.
Robot friends for humans in their golden years: ElliQ’s empath bot will provide companionship for isolated New York seniors. But it shouldn’t be treated as a quick fix for the loneliness epidemic affecting the US’ eldery population.
Apple raising worker pay by more than 10%: It’s the latest Big Tech company to take steps to retain talent during the Great Resignation, a move that could set the tone for various industries.
Machine learning goes viral: The NIH is funding companies like PostEra to start fighting the next pandemic. It’s the tip of the iceberg of tech’s possible preventive role.
Graph neural networks enlisted against cancer: AI tech popularized by the NBA is being scaled out for health applications. The deeper understanding of complex relationships could be a gamechanger for medicine.
AI replaces metal detectors: Amid alarming rates of gun violence, Evolv Technology is deploying AI scanners to track guns in public places. But it has a lot of learning to do.
VR fitness will stick long after the pandemic: We detail how the tech will help make exercise more accessible and reduce preventable diseases.
Didi gets short shrift, again: Forced to delist from NYSE, the ride-hailing giant was made an example of by Beijing’s ruling. Now that China is loosening controls, Didi remains in delisting limbo.
Cloud-juiced robots: A new open-source system, FogROS, allows robots to function through the cloud. It could help warehouse and factory bots get more done in less time.