Important Innovations

  Plana's eVTOLs For Regional Commuting                                                  Source:  Plana Target:  Intercity Travel South Korean startup Plana is developing a 7-seat hybrid-electric, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) for intercity, regional commuter flights.  The company, founded by the executive who ran Hyundai's early eVTOL operations, plans to put their flying taxis into service in 2028.  The technology is specifically designed for longer haul, intercity flights such as Boston to New York City.  The vehicle has a 350-mile range on a charge and can travel at speeds up to 217 mph. Thus far, the company has raised nearly $10 million in investment funding.  Tech Specs The design of Plana's flying taxi is unique.  The fuselage is long and thin and flows into an upper main wing. The eVTOL is powered and propelled by 6, five-blade tilting electric propellers.  There also is a canard, which is a small winglike projection attached in front of the main win

Northwestern's HARP: Full Size Structures in Two Hours Source:  Northwestern University Future of Manufacturing On-Demand A team at Northwestern University have invented a 3D printer that provides rapid, on-demand manufacturing of large objects in a few hours.  It can be used to make parts for planes, cars, medical devices and more.  The HARP (high area rapid printing) device prints 100 times faster than other 3D printers.  It can create an object the size of a human in 2 hours. Record Breaking Throughput Northwestern University says this type of rapid manufacturing on-demand is the future of manufacturing that could put an end to molds and warehouses. The new printer will be commercially available within a year and a half.  It prints both hard, durable parts and elastic objects.  The throughput is record breaking and enables it to manufacture parts on demand. Non-sticky Liquid & Ultraviolet Light The printer itself is large:  13 feet tall with a 2.5 sq. foot prin