One of the most difficult challenges for artificial intelligence systems is predicting the weather – with an almost infinite number of variables to assess and model. But Google says its AI is making progress in the accuracy of its “nowcasts.” Nowcasting is forecasting the weather in the very short term, over the next one or two hours. While a quick […]
“Nowcast Weather”
Lightweight Exoskeleton For Seniors
While some powered exoskeletons give able-bodied users “superstrength,” others are designed simply to let physically-challenged people move about normally. A new version of the latter is said to be much lighter and more user-responsive than others on the market. Currently in prototype form, the lower-body device is being developed via a collaboration between The City University of New York, City […]
Bolawrap A New Non-Lethal Method To Subdue Suspects
Although Tasers are an effective alternative to the use of lethal force by police officers, getting shot by one is still quite a painful and potentially harmful experience. That’s where the BolaWrap 100 comes in – when fired at a “difficult” suspect, it simply ties them up. Made by Arizona-based Wrap Technologies, the BolaWrap is a battery-powered electric razor-sized device, […]
Flexible Modularity At Heart Of E-Skateboard Design
Many boarders will have swapped out truck sets or replaced worn grip tape, but Globe International’s electric dot boards offer a good deal more configuration and tweaking options. Founded by Australians Matt, Peter and Stephen Hill in 1985, Globe International now sells skateboards, fashion and gear in more than 100 countries. The company’s latest board lineup is offered as three […]
Metrosnap Pod Can Be Post Office
Swiss automotive design shop Rinspeed has readied a forward-focused vehicle concept that can be split into two for next month’s CES. The modular Rinspeed MetroSnap builds on similar concepts from previous years and places a big emphasis on convenience, with the ability to become a corner store, a local postal office or really anything its owners might care to imagine. […]
Edible Fluro Tag Lights Up To Ensure Safety
Manufacturing counterfeit drugs is a sinister money-making exercise, but the problems don’t end at the profits. Counterfeit opioids, for example, have led to deaths in 46 states across the US, according to scientists at Purdue University, who have come up with an edible security tag that can be integrated into medicine to guarantee its safety and authenticity. While prescription medications […]
Electric Fire Truck To Hit Streets Of Amsterdam Soon
As part of a vision for clearer air in the city center, Amsterdam’s fire department is moving ahead with testing of a plug-in hybrid fire truck. Produced by Austrian firm Rosenbauer, the truck is designed primarily to make use of its electric drivetrain, with a diesel-powered generator also on board should operators need to call on extra firepower. Called the […]
In Car System Alert Drivers To Sirens
It can certainly be a rattling experience for drivers, when they suddenly realize that the sound of an emergency vehicle’s siren is coming from someplace nearby. Cerence’s EVD system is designed to help, by hearing sirens before drivers do. Standing for Emergency Vehicle Detection, EVD reportedly doesn’t require the installation of any additional hardware within the car. Instead, it utilizes […]
Five Outdoor Tools Into One Device
When most people think of multi-tools, they tend to picture little gadgets that can be stuffed in a pocket. The fact is, though, some tasks require larger implements, and Adventure Mate’s new AM-V2 serves as five of the things. At the heart of the Australian-designed/American-made device is a carbon fiber-reinforced nylon handle with a rubber grip. A two-stage cam-lever locking […]
Predicting Place & Time Of Lighting Strikes
Given how deadly and destructive lightning can be, it would certainly be good to know in advance where and when it was going to strike. A new artificial intelligence-based system could help, utilizing nothing but standard weather-station data. Developed by a team from the Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory at Switzerland’s EPFL research institute, the system was “trained” using a database of […]