DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

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 DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF

                                                                      

                 By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane


VW's ELECTRIFIED, NEW VW BUS



                                            Source:  VW


  • Called the ID Buzz, the new, retro VW Bus is electric, faster, longer, roomier than the iconic original and has a 3rd row of seats
  • Just unveiled, this version of the ID Buzz is specifically made for customers in North America, whom VW executives say "need more room"
  • A 2-row version and a commercial van version are available in Europe only
  • ID Buzz specifically emulates the 60's version known as the VW bus and associated with hippies
  • Comes in 2 versions: rear wheel drive with electric motor in back, pumping out 282 hp, top speed of 90 mph
  • 2d version: All-Wheel-Drive, 2 electric motors front & back with 330 hp and top speed of 99 mph
  • EVs come with 13" center touchscreen on dash and removable storage console
  • Data band across dash suggesting actions like a turn or urgent braking
  • Priced at $40,000 & expected to be available in 2024.

UNITED's AIR TAXIS READY FOR TAKEOFF



                                        Source:  Archer Aviation


  • United Airlines has ordered 200 Archer Aviation Midnight air taxis, totaling $1 billion
  • The eVTOLs are designed for short-hop flights between major cities and their airports, saving time and operating costs
  • Commercial flights should start in 2025, one year later than expected because the FAA has changed eVTOLs  certification category to "power-lift" which requires a new set of regulations
  • California based Archer is a leader in the urban air mobility industry and says just Los Angeles would provide it the potential of 5 million customers a day
  • eVTOL Midnight tech specs:  6 pairs of battery powered propellers on top of the wings, 12 motors, 100-times quieter than a helicopter, zero emissions
  • Passenger cost:  $100 per seat
  • Time savings:  5-to-10-minute flight vs. 1-to-2-hour drive
  • First routes:  Newark International Airport to Manhattan &  Chicago to O'Hare International Airport.

ROBOT BUTLER DOES ALL YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHORES


                                                        
                                        


                                            Source:  Stock & Prosper Robotics
                        
  • A phenomenal new household robot is being developed to do all your household chores by London-based Prosper Robotics
  • It runs on wheels and has two arms that go up & down to do a multitude of tasks
  • The owner can be alerted by app on their phone about what the robot is accomplishing while they're away from home
  • One issue is pricing for such a multitasking home robot to make it realistic for families to bring home
  • Prosper is targeting the $6,000 to $12,000 range for the robot along with a monthly fee for maintenance & insurance
  • Initial setup:  humans in the house will have to demonstrate the task, like vacuuming, to teach the robot to do it
  • Next step:  robot will be alpha-tested in homes in about 8 months and go to market in next few years.

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