DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF 

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane

ROBOTIC PLANE TO MAP ANTARCTIC MYSTERIES

                      Source: British Antarctic Society & Stock

• A team of British scientists and engineers are testing a robotic plane in the Antarctic to reach previously unreachable parts of the region and measure and forecast the impact of Climate Change.  Here's what we know:
• Robotic plane developed by the British Antarctic Society and UK company Windracer
• First experiment will be surveying a mountain under an ice sheet to predict how quickly the ice could melt and contribute to the rise in global sea levels
• Will also map areas of the Antarctic that have been inaccessible until now with the new drone-plane
• Route is programmed and an engineer monitors it by computer on the ground
• Instruments onboard include radar and cameras on the back and wings of the drone
• Data collected is analyzed by the British Antarctic Society in Cambridge, UK
• Can carry 200 lbs. of cargo for a range of 620 miles
• Drone is very rugged to endure the harsh weather conditions and uses significantly less fuel - 10 barrels vs. 200 barrels by a normal plane on such a research flight
• Will be deployed in a few weeks and is expected to provide valuable, new science on the Antarctic and Climate Change.

ENGINEER CREATES FLYING UMBRELLA THAT COVERS YOU IN THE RAIN

                                                            Source:  I Build Stuff

• No pesky handles on this handle-less umbrella.  It does the work for you.  Here's what we know about this new innovation:
• It's an umbrella-drone hybrid with propellers
• 3-D printed
• Invented by "I Build Stuff" and it took months for the engineer to create
• Loaded with electronics that enable it to hover and zip through the air above you so you don't get wet in the rain 
• Has flight controller, electric stability control circuit, GPS
• It follows the user around in the rain
• User controls umbrella with 2-handed remote to ensure it stays over head
• Until the flying umbrella, umbrellas haven't changed for 4,000 years
• Made of carbon fiber, it's strong but light
• Under development and needs to clear drone regulations in public places
• Very cool, new invention that eliminates the need to jostle with your umbrella while walking in the rain
• Mary Poppins may be eating her heart out.

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 "Daily Innovation Brief"© By Edward Kane