The term Augmented Reality was first used in 1990 with the first commercial uses being in television and the military. Since then, AR technology has evolved considerably as we see it being used in Augmented Reality applications across every industry. The Augmented Reality market showed record growth in 2018 and according to Markets and Markets, the industry will be worth $61.39 billion by 2023.
The robotics industry has advanced tremendously in recent years with several cutting edge developments. Now, researchers have created a hydrogel-based, light-powered robot that swims in response to a direct light source.
This particular robot, the OsciBot, is attracted to and only powered by a constant visible light source. It doesn’t require a battery pack or power tether of any kind. This type of technology could revolutionise the maritime industry in terms of energy harvesting and propulsion in the future.
With growing concerns around global warming and the increased usage of sustainable energy resources, hybrid aircraft could play a bigger role in the future. The aerospace sector has undoubtedly made impressive strides since the 1950s in terms of increased power and efficiency of engines. However, more recent studies indicate that engine technology could reach thermodynamic limits.
This means a more reasonable investment in the amount of energy we can extract from carbon-based fuel. More air travel and more aircraft in the sky will lead to increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions unless we find a suitable fossil fuel substitute.
Common techniques for joining two materials include fastening, stitching and glueing but there’s no denying that welding provides the best results. More specifically, one of the most modern methods is ultrasonic welding. Compared to other joining methods, welds create stronger bonds that last remarkably longer and a much better finish.
Image Credit: Airbus
Animals have long-inspired innovative engineering designs as they’ve evolved perfectly, as nature intended. This provides the ideal solution to environmental challenges, something European manufacturer, Airbus, hopes to achieve as they revealed a brand new concept hybrid-electric aircraft.
Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade, unveiled the “Bird of Prey” concept at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show last month. At first glance, it is evident that this new hybrid-electric aircraft got its inspiration eagles, hawks and other aerial predators. Airbus revealed this new concept aircraft with the intention of inspiring the next-generation of aeronautical engineers.
Considering the rapid advancements in technology, it’s easy to forget some of the revolutionary inventions of the 20th century. Some of these inventions have resulted in products or services we take for granted today.
Many emerging technologies can be attributed to one, or several, earlier inventions. A prime example of an obsolete technology that has transformed the modern world is cathode ray tube monitors. While it was prominent in earlier years, they were quickly replaced when LCD and plasma screens were invented.
Aviation connects the world by continuously transporting people and goods across the globe in no time at all. While it may appear efficient, climate change has become a clear topic of debate in society due to a concern over plane emissions.
Large manufacturers in aerospace and aviation are investing more in sustainability as emission targets are increasing. A bold move by Rolls-Royce buying the electric aerospace arm of Siemens clearly shows this intent. In fact, this acquisition could speed up electrification in the aviation sector.
Img credit: Faradair
Considered as the world’s first real hybrid airplane, the Faradair BEHA (Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft) is a “triple box-wing design concept”. It’s a clever combination of electric motors and a bio-diesel engine fitted with several energy saving and recovery technologies. This includes solar panels on all flight surfaces and high-lift, low-speed flight capabilities.
The concept was first realised back in 2014 when UK firm, Faradair, proposed a Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft (BEHA). They have now announced that their plans are in place for a small BEHA airliner. The hybrid aircraft could be ready to take flight in 2025 as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly airplanes.
Considering the exponential growth in technology across various sectors and the adoption of digital technologies, is the world ready for another radical change? This digital transformation of industries is already happening and many believe this is the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
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