Applied Technology Review : News

Living technology is a promising new direction in air cleaning, harnessing nature's power to enhance indoor air quality. Based on nature's power, this sustainable solution offers a healthier and more ecologically sensitive future by reducing pollution and improving our quality of life.  Air is purified using living technology, which uses fungi, bacteria, and plants. The natural systems inspire this idea of a place for purifying and cleansing our air. For example, plants have long been recognized for their capacity to use photosynthesis to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. However, new studies have shown their effectiveness in eliminating dangerous indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One of the key advantages of living technology lies in its sustainability. Unlike traditional air purifiers that rely on mechanical filters or chemical processes, living systems use natural processes requiring minimal energy input. By harnessing the inherent capabilities of living organisms, these technologies offer a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional air purification methods. Moreover, they contribute to indoor greening efforts, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spaces and improving air quality. Biofilters, which use a combination of microbes and plant roots to remove pollutants from the air, are an example of living technology in action. These biofilters offer scalable solutions for various indoor situations, from homes and workplaces to schools and hospitals. They can be installed as standalone units or incorporated into already-existing HVAC systems. Biofilters produce cleaner and fresher indoor air, efficiently breaking down pollutants and transforming them into innocuous byproducts through the symbiotic relationship between plants and microbes. Living technology has positively impacted human health and well-being. Research shows that indoor plants can improve mood, stress levels, and cognitive performance. Living technology promotes comfort and productivity by making interior spaces healthier and more enjoyable, making them a priceless tool for household and business settings. Furthermore, vegetation helps lessen the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a disorder linked to poor indoor air quality that can cause exhaustion, headaches, and respiratory problems. As society grapples with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, the need for sustainable solutions to environmental issues becomes increasingly urgent. Living technology offers a holistic approach to air purification that aligns with our growing emphasis on sustainability and green living. By leveraging the power of nature's mechanisms, we can create healthier indoor environments while minimizing our ecological footprint. Moreover, the integration of living technology into building designs and urban planning strategies holds the potential to transform cities into healthier and more livable spaces for all.   ...Read more

Nearly 9 out of 10 drivers of cars with lane departure warning and prevention systems keep them turned on, while 7 out of 10 drivers of cars that flash a warning when they go above the speed limit likewise keep the feature turned on. These results were announced in a new study recently by a nonprofit organization, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, supported by the insurance sector. According to the Institute’s President David Harkey, the results indicate a growing awareness of the safety benefits of crash avoidance technologies and highlight the success of automakers in increasing usage rates. Technology for lane departure warning and prevention systems is thought to be useful in lowering auto accidents, but it only functions when turned on. However, until recently, the technology had little effect because lane departure systems only addressed a small percentage of crashes and many drivers turned off lane departure alerts because they were bothersome, at least in the beginning. According to the latest study, automakers have mostly resolved that issue. 87 percent of the vehicles analyzed had lane departure warning and prevention systems turned on, compared to 51 percent in a 2017 study titled "Drivers' use of front crash prevention, lane departure warning and prevention and speed warning systems." As more features are now engaged and deactivated via the in-vehicle settings menu rather than physical buttons, as was previously the case, there is a greater use of in-vehicle systems. Higher activation rates and increased acceptance of these systems have also been attributed to a move away from audio signals, which drivers frequently find bothersome and toward haptic alerts, such vibrations in the seat or steering wheel. According to a recent study, activation rates for the two automakers that currently rely on visual and auditory alerts are significantly lower than those of the other four automakers, which either mainly used haptic alerts or let drivers select their preferred alert method. The new designs, according to the researchers, are less annoying for drivers and more difficult to disable. High activation rates for visual anti-speeding alerts are a feature of Intelligent Speed Assistance. Cars with ISA systems, uses a GPS with a speed limit database, a camera to scan posted signs or both to determine the speed limit on the road when the car is on. As speeding is the contributing factor in more than 25 percent of the U.S fatalities, the European Union now demands that all new cars have ISA systems, which must have haptic or cascading audio warnings in addition to at least visual alarms. ...Read more

A wearable bioelectronics lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology at Northwestern University is developing innovative haptic patches, termed epidermal VR, to help people with neurological conditions, especially those with early-onset vision impairments. These patches use sensors to transmit information to haptic devices, much like VR goggles replicate visual experiences. The patches utilize actuators that operate at frequencies between 50 and 200 Hz, where the skin is most sensitive. These actuators can vibrate and apply pressure, requiring more force than typical vibration mechanisms. This small, battery-powered device achieves both functions using bistable magnetic materials and the skin's natural spring-like properties, making it more efficient than traditional, energy-heavy tethered devices. The bistable mechanism flips between states with a small burst of energy, similar to a light switch. The actuator uses a combination of vibration, pressing and rotation to convey information to the skin. Researchers are exploring the optimal designs for these channels. For instance, in a visual sensory replacement system, indentation patterns created by the actuators can alert users to the presence of objects, warn of potential collisions and indicate the distance to obstacles, helping them navigate their surroundings. By integrating LiDAR systems and related APIs that identify objects like chairs, walls and doors, vibration can also guide users toward specific locations. This epidermal VR system maps the environment and detects obstructions using LiDAR technology found in smartphones. This information is transmitted via Bluetooth to the haptic device for non-visual perception. Utilizing Apple's LiDAR APIs simplifies app development, with the phone handling image categorization and 3D reconstruction. Cloud processing may be incorporated to enhance the system's capabilities. A key innovation is using kirigami, a Japanese paper-cutting technique, to convert the actuator's linear and rotational motions. This allows for creating intricate mechanical stimuli on the skin, like sub-pixels, by positioning multiple actuators near each other. This enables the delivery of more complex tactile information. The research team is also exploring using neuromorphic computers and edge computing to further enhance the device's capabilities in the future. Currently, it uses a commercial System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with an ARM processor, Bluetooth stack and communication antenna. The lab makes the stimuli intuitive by linking them to natural sensory experiences. This lets users quickly learn the system, often within a couple of hours, by associating specific stimuli with visual locations. With practice, users can automatically identify an object's location based solely on the sensation. The lab aims to aid individuals who have lost sensation in their feet due to neurological conditions like stroke or spinal cord injuries. The haptic patches could assist gait and balance by enhancing sensory feedback, making walking easier and safer. This is achieved by delivering precise tactile cues to the feet, helping users regain awareness of their foot placement and improve their balance. ...Read more