Important Innovations

Appoints former Google Executive as Chief Innovation and Digital Officer Source:  Tod Company Store Chasing Young Luxury Consumer Italy's Tod, the luxury shoes and leather goods brand, has appointed a former Google executive Alessandra Domizi as their new Chief Digital and Innovation Officer.  The clear intent is to ramp up the global company's digital strategy, including online sales and marketing.  Ms. Domizi was previously Google's top industry executive for fashion and retail.  Tod's efforts are an important example of the infiltration of digital technology and marketing and the growing importance of online shopping, even at the luxury level. Targeting Millennials Building Disposable Income Tod is focused on accelerating its luxury digital efforts to pull in younger customers, particularly millennials who are starting to build disposable income.  Tod's sales started to decline a bit in 2017.  It was then that they started developing a new dig...

Space X Starship Super Heavy Source:  SpaceX  Starship CEO Elon Musk on to Mars SpaceX CEO Elon Musk just unveiled his silver bullet:  a spacecraft to take you to Mars and beyond.  It's the new Starship Mk1 prototype, unveiled this weekend at SpaceX's South Texas test site in Boca Chico, TX.  Starship is a massive, reusable launch system.  When finalized, the vehicle will have a 387 foot Starship Super Heavy stack and be powered by six Raptor engines.  The spacecraft has room for 37 Raptor engines, depending on the mission needs and distance. Musk, a Visionary Thinker Starship will be capable of taking up to 100 people back and forth to space, including the Moon, Mars and other space destinations.  Musk says space travel has to be done like air travel.  He believes that is the first breakthrough needed to make humans a space-faring, multi-planet civilization.  He adds making space travel like air travel is "the faste...

Shapeshifter Exploring New Distant Worlds Source:  NASA/CalTech Concept Source:  NASA Drone of Drones NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab at Caltech has just introduced the drone of drones.  Right now, it separates into two different units:  two shapes to explore new distant worlds and new habitats.  It's a prototype and is made of several small, quadcopter drones calls cobots.  The cobots have propellers and fly independently and the system reassembles to roll on the ground. The future for the concept is much bigger.  The Shapeshifter would be made up of a number of small robots that can easily self-assemble into larger robots and disassemble as the mission requires, particularly in space. The mini-robots will be able to fly, roll, float and swim and then morph into a single machine. Morphing Robots On the ground, the cobots come together to form a roller-wheel like drone to explore the ground in places in space like Titan, where there is very l...

Important Innovation Collection Audiobooks Just Published Latest Innovations in Robotics and Renewable Energy This week ACX published two more of our innovation news audiobooks:  "Important Innovations Collection:  Robotics" and "Important Innovations Collection:  Energy".  They join "Important Innovations Collection:  Travel" that was first published. Unique News Summaries on Breaking Global Innovations The co-authors and narrator are US national television journalists Ed Kane and Maryanne Kane. The audiobooks are unique and highly valuable news accounts, written by Ed and Maryanne, of the latest global breakthroughs in innovation. Sample Links and Free Codes for Important Innovations Collection:  Energy For easy access for a free sample listen, in the US  https://www.audible.com/pd/B07XTP1N8Z/?source_code=AU In the UK,  https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B07XLNX35Y/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-164309&ref=acx_bt...

Four Second AI Diagnosis of Heart Disease Source:  AI stock image Faster and As Good As Doctors Scientists at the University College London have invented an AI program that can read a cardiac MRI scan in fractions of the time it takes doctors and the artificial intelligence system has equal accuracy.  The AI program reaches a diagnosis in just four seconds.  The doctors take an average of thirteen minutes to analyze the patient's heart function.  The results are equally accurate. When Seconds Mean Saving a Life Fractions of seconds of time for cardiac patients can be life saving.  This new AI program is significant and it's being deployed in robotic machines at the University College London in a series of trials.  This may be a great example of artificial intelligence and robotics greatly aiding medical specialists in more quickly analyzing and treating dangerous cardiac emergencies and saving lives. UK Analysis In the UK alone,...

Just Launched in US Eating Plant Based Meat in Fast Food Stores  Swiss based food giant Neste launched its Awesome Vegan burgers in the US today in retail grocery stores.  The competition for winning in the plant-based meat category in the US and other markets like Europe is huge.  Simultaneously in the US today, McDonalds launched "Beyond Meat" burgers in its US and Canadian McDonald's Restaurants.  The irony is that Nestle and McDonalds partner in the plant-based burger category in Europe and particularly in Germany.  They are now doing combat over meatless meat in the US. Big Global Innovation Growth Category Meatless meat substitutes are a big avenue of innovation growth.   In  fact, this is cited as one of the top ten categories for global market growth. Nestle is all over this.  They are launching Awesome Burgers and Awesome Grounds plant based ground meat, across retailers in the US, through their business unit Sweet Earth.

Important Innovations Collection: Energy.  New Audiobook on Latest & Most Impressive Renewable Energy Innovations Free Codes for Audible, ACX, iTunes Journalists Edward Kane and Maryanne Kane are pleased to announce that their third Audiobook "Important Innovations Collection:  Energy" has just been published by ACX and is being distributed by Audible, iTunes and ACX.  Ed and Maryanne are national television and radio broadcast journalists.  The book is narrated by Maryanne, who is the host of CEO Global Foresight on PBS.  Ed is the co-creator and Executive Producer of the program series.  The team focuses on breakthrough innovation news. Here's a link to listen to some of the renewable energy innovations highlighted:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XTQK5M4 Free Audible Codes We have been provided by ACX free codes for the US, UK and international readers to get a copy of the audiobook for free....

New Autonomous Roofers in Town Source:   University of Michigan Autonomous Roofers University of Michigan engineers and roboticists have invented a drone that can put a new roof on your house and do it autonomously.  The drone nails shingle to a rooftop and decides in flight where to target the nails.  The aerial vehicle is autonomous, positions the nail gun on a nailing point, places the nail and then moves on to the next point without any human intervention.  It's a cutting edge example of drones being capable of what can be dangerous construction work for humans. Octocopter The drone is a DJI S1000 octocopter equipped with a standard nail gun.  The drone uses a system of cameras and markers to cover test roofs with asphalt shingles.  The roofs have a range of slopes. Machine Vs. Human Right now, the University of Michigan team says the drone is less effective than a human roofer.  But they think the system will be improve...

Important Innovations Collection: Robotics.  New Audiobook on Latest & Most Impressive Robots Free Codes for Audible, ACX, iTunes Journalists Edward Kane and Maryanne Kane are pleased to announce that their second Audiobook "Important Innovations Collection:  Robotics" has just been published by ACX and is being distributed by Audible, iTunes and ACX.  Ed and Maryanne are national television and radio broadcast journalists.  The book is narrated by Maryanne, who is the host of CEO Global Foresight on PBS.  Ed is the co-creator and Executive Producer of the program series.  The team focuses on breakthrough innovation news. Here's a link to listen to the Intro:  https://www.audible.com/pd/B07XLNYJ29/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-164311&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_164311_rh_us Free Audible Codes We have been provided by ACX free codes for the US, UK and international readers to get a copy of the audiobook for free.  Se...

Ocean Wave-Solar Renewable Energy System Source:  EcoWave Power World's 1st Grid Connected Wave Energy Array The EcoWave Power is a world first.  The Swedish invention converts both wave and solar power into green renewable energy on the same device.  It's deployed in the port city of Jaffa, Israel and is connected to the city's electric grid.  This is the world's only grid connected wave energy array.  The device is now also topped with solar panels to generate more energy.  The innovative tech consists of floaters on coastal water attached to existing man-made structures.  This makes the system accessible and simple to install and maintain. The additional solar panel component is now being deployed and tested in Jaffa. Wave+Solar Power Generation Provides Many Benefits The system converts the rise and fall of coastal water into electricity and has worked effectively for several years. To increase efficiency, the Swedish team ad...

Tunabot - Fast as Tuna, Next G Underwater Vehicle Propulsion Source:  University of Virginia Prototype for Next G Underwater Vehicle Propulsion The tuna is one of the fastest fish in the sea.  A mechanical engineering team from University of Virginia in collaboration with biologists from Harvard University have invented a robofish that can swim as fast as a yellowfin tuna.  The team says it's not about the robot.  It's about inventing a new, faster and more efficient underwater propulsion system for manned and unmanned underwater vehicles. Physics of Fish Propulsion At Harvard and UVA, Tunabot is tethered in a large flow tank with a green laser to measure fluid motion as it swims.  Yellowfin tuna grow to 7 feet.  The Tunabot is 10 inches long.  The purpose of this research is to better understand the physics of fish propulsion to develop the next generation of underwater vehicles with fish like propulsion system.  The team says the ult...

More Effective Than 400 Trees Source:  Hypergiant Industries  Converts CO2 into Biofuel This is breakthrough new energy innovation to combat Climate Change.  The Eos Bioreactor pulls carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with greater efficiency than 400 trees.  The footprint is only 3x3x7 feet.  The creator is Hypergiant Industries of Texas. Algae & Tubes The machine is filled with tubes that contain algae.  The algae type chlorella vulgaris is able to absorb more CO2 than any other plant.  The algae consumes the CO2 and converts it into biofuels that can be harvested.  There's a great deal of intelligence behind the process. Artificial and Machine Intelligence Hypergiant Industries say their Eos Bioreactor is more efficient than trees - 400 times more effective in pulling out CO2 from the air in the same unit area.  They use artificial and machine intelligence to constantly monitor and manage air flow, amount, type of light, t...

New Emergency Device Hand Cranked to Generate Power for Key Gadgets Light Saber: Innovative Outdoor Survival Tool The Light Saber outdoor survival technology tool was invented by the Innovation Factory, a US based company that's been making tough tools since 2001.  Their Light Saber delivers limitless power supply to essential gadgets like cell phones by hand cranking it. It's limited only by your muscle power.  It's a portable device that can deliver enough power to charge a cell phone with three minutes worth of hand cranking.  It's designed to help adventurers survive in the outdoors and wilderness areas.  It has an onboard battery that you can charge for the road. Lots of Emergency Tech Included This emergency device has a lot of new tech loaded in. It has a USB generator, emergency strobe lights and sirens, a UV water purifier and a plasma fire starter.  The company calls it an inexhaustible power supply for wilderness survival.  It's ...

Important Innovations Collection: Energy.  New Audiobook on Latest & Most Impressive Energy Innovations Free Codes for Audible, ACX, iTunes Journalists Edward Kane and Maryanne Kane are pleased to announce that their third Audiobook "Important Innovations Collection:  Energy Innovation" has just been published by ACX and is being distributed by Audible, iTunes and ACX.  Ed and Maryanne are national television and radio broadcast journalists.  The book is narrated by Maryanne, who is the host of CEO Global Foresight on PBS.  Ed is the co-creator and Executive Producer of the program series.  The team focuses on breakthrough innovation news, including new innovations in green, renewable energy sources. Free Audible Codes We have been provided by ACX free codes for the US, UK and international listeners to get a copy of the audiobook for free.  Send me an email at mdkane26@gmail.com if you'd like to get a free copy....

Important Innovations Collection: Robotics.  New Audiobook on Latest & Most Impressive Robots Free Codes for Audible, ACX, iTunes Journalists Edward Kane and Maryanne Kane are pleased to announce that their second Audiobook "Important Innovations Collection:  Robotic Innovation" has just been published by ACX and is being distributed by Audible, iTunes and ACX.  Ed and Maryanne are national television and radio broadcast journalists.  The book is narrated by Maryanne, who is the host of CEO Global Foresight on PBS.  Ed is the co-creator and Executive Producer of the program series.  The team focuses on breakthrough innovation news. Free Audible Codes We have been provided by ACX free codes for the US, UK and international readers to get a copy of the audiobook for free.  Send me an email at  mdkane26@gmail.com if you'd like to get a free copy.  This audiobook  is part of our series Innovation Changing Your Life.  The a...

Charges Devices by Spinning its Wheels Source:  ROLLOGO Charging Your Gadgets on the Go ROLLOGO is the world's first self-charging luggage, that has wheels with a suspension system.  It's a remarkable combination of engineering, style and design.  Designed by well known innovator/designer Frederic Gooris of Brussels, it's a very smart gadget to keep your smart gadgets charged when you're on the go.  Importantly, this charging suitcase is TSA approved, according to ROLLOGO, so there's no problem at airport check-ins. Spinning its Wheels The ROLLOGO Escape S suitcase charges its power bank by spinning its wheels.  The company calls it a new way to travel smarter and more sophisticated.  Ten minutes of rolling wheels can create enough power to talk on your smartphone for an hour.  The suitcase contains an 8000 mAh lithium polymer power bank, that's recharged by the company's patented power generating wheel system.  The fully charged power...

Pan European Effort to Push Back Asian Battery Dominance Source:  CATL of China Pilot Battery Cell Plant in France To Start France and Germany are joining forces to produce batteries for electric cars.  France will host a pilot plant. There are plans to build plants in both Germany and France.  This is part of a Pan European project to defeat Asian dominance of the battery cell industry for electric vehicles.  The European nations want to cut dependence on Asian batteries.  China's CATL plans to start battery cell operations in a plant in Germany in 2022. Germany and France also want to protect domestic jobs that are being lost to the shift away from combustion engines.  The details on what is the first, cross border, battery cell consortium in Europe are expected to be announced on Thursday, September 19th. Battery Production Capacity Constricting Electric Vehicle Market in Europe In Europe, mass production of electric cars is being constricted ...

New, Transformative Device to Generate Power from Night Sky Source:   UCLA Renewable and Complements Solar Power This new, inexpensive thermoelectric device may be transformative in energy generation.  It harvests the coldness of space during the night to generate electricity - enough right now to power a LED light at nighttime, but the inventors say it's very scalable.  The device is a significant new innovation from engineers at UCLA and Stanford University.  The gadget works at night when solar systems don't.  The inventors say it's a new approach to power generation when power at night is needed.  It complements solar power that doesn't work at night, giving a 24/7 approach to green, renewable energy. Phenomenon Like Frost Formation The device takes advantage of radiative cooling, the process by which frost forms on grass during above freezing temperatures at night.  The sky facing surface of the technology passes heat to the atmosphere...

GymCam Source:  Carnegie Mellon University New Smart Camera, New Algorithm, New Exercise Tracking Carnegie Mellon University engineers have developed a smart fitness tracker for the gym and for your home exercise area.  The GymCam system scans the crowds in a gym to automatically identify exercises and count the number of repetitions. All that's needed is a stationary camera with the new algorithm in a gym to detect exercise, the type of exercise and reliably count the number of repetitions. In your home for personal use, it can do the same functions.  It works with a smartphone for a person to record and track their workouts at home.  CMU says a number of companies are expressing interest in the system for in-home exercise. Vision Based System with New Algorithm This is a vision based system that employs a new algorithm to detect repetitive motion.  The CMU inventors say it goes beyond wearable sensors like smart watches, which they say don't track al...

Banks on Voyage's Autonomous Technology Source:  Voyage Funding to Commercialize Luxury automotive maker Jaguar Land Rover, headquartered in Coventry, England, is investing in autonomous vehicle startup Voyage.  Voyage is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area.  They say their cars are equipped with state of the art, advanced sensors, giving a 360 degree picture of the world hundreds of  meters around the car.  They're also using machine learning to develop state of the art perception models. To Introduce G3 Self-Driving Vehicle The fresh funding will be used to bring Voyage's technology into commercialization, expand production of its fleet of G2 self-driving vehicles and introduce its G3 autonomous vehicle.  This is a follow-on investment by Jaguar Land Rover's VC arm InMotion Ventures.  The round of fundraising is being led by Franklin Templeton with $52 million raised so far. Voyage Will Roll-out Its Community Vehicles First Voya...

US Congress May Ban Chinese Maker of Subway Trains for National Security Source:  CRRC Subway Cars for Boston's MBTA China's Highly Advanced Surveillance Technology China's state owned subway car maker CRRC has a new $100 million plant in Chicago and a deal to provide Chicago with 846 cars.  It has similar deals with Boston's MBTA and with Los Angeles' Metro system.  CRRC, which is the world's largest train manufacturer, hopes to win contracts from big cities across the US.  But, business for the company in the US may be coming to a screeching halt. National Security and Economic Concerns The US Congress is expected to ban the company from bidding on any more contracts.  The reason is China's highly advanced surveillance technology and the concern that the spy tech could be embedded in the subway cars to spy on Americans.  Some are calling the Chinese subway cars "Spy Trains".  The proposal has bipartisan support and is attached to a mil...

New Polaroid Lab Device Source:  Polaroid Lab From the Cloud to the Real World Polaroid Lab has invented a device that enables you to turn digital images from your smartphone to instant Polaroid photos. These are hard copy photos from digital images that you can put in a photo album or place on your fridge to remind you of the "Polaroid moment". Elegantly Simple The new device is simple to use.  You select an image from your phone using a companion app.  Then, you place the phone with the selected digital image face down on the Polaroid device.  You push a button and with a combination of light, mirrors and Polaroid "chemistry" the system gives you an instant photo copy of the digital image.  This takes your digital photos from the Cloud back to the real world as tangible photos. It's full circle technology.

MB Targets: 50% of Lineup Electric by 2030 Source:  Daimler Mercedes Benz Vision EQS Concept Unveiled in Frankfurt At the world's largest auto show, this week in Frankfurt, Mercedes Benz unveiled the stylishly green Vision EQS Concept electric S-class sedan.  The company is calling it the "Mercedes of Mercedes" at the vanguard of innovation.  The concept has two electric motors, a radical new design and a maximum range of 435 miles.  This is another example of Mercedes' commitment to have 50% of its car lineup electric by 2030. "Sculptural" New Design The Vision EQS has an elegantly simple, melted car smooth design.  There are no visible door handles.  The next phase in the design is to make the car "sculptural", meaning you don't see any lines.  Of special note is the lighting on the car.  There's a blue light belt that illuminates around the entire body of the car.  And, the headlights are digital, using holographic lens modules...