TREND REPORTS
(Paper) Stanford Makes Giant Soft Robot From Inflatable Tubes
[Tech]
2020/03/22 09:09
This large-scale isoperimetric soft robot can safely change size and shape without tethers or pumps.As much as we love soft robots (and we really love soft robots), the vast majority of them operate pneumatically (or hydraulically) at larger scales, especially when they need to exert significant amounts of force. This causes complications, because pneumatics and hydraulics generally require a p...
Coronavirus Crash Not (Yet) as Bad as Previous Downturns
[Investing]
2020/03/22 09:08
Considering the carnage we’ve seen over the past three weeks, it’s hard to believe that the U.S. stock market was at an all-time high just one month ago. On February 19, the S&P 500 closed at 3,386 points, yet another record, and the coronavirus outbreak was largely confined to China, a mere side note in the constant stream of news we’re all exposed to. Just a couple of days later, as ne...
Siemens Powers Up UK's First 'Electric Avenue'
[Business]
2020/03/22 09:07
Siemens unveils the first street in the UK that has been completely converted for charging electric vehicles. The Sutherland Avenue in London is over half a mile long and was renamed Electric Avenue, W9.The project, carried out jointly with Ubitricity and Westminster City Council, converted 24 street lamps into charging stations for electric vehicles using the existing urban infrastructure. Two...
(PDF) Mckinsey - Adapting Workplace Learning in the Time of Coronavirus
[Business]
2020/03/22 09:06
Managers can’t push the pause button on capability building, so the moment belongs to virtual learning. Some tactics and strategies can help.As businesses around the world postpone and cancel in-person meetings in response to the novel coronavirus (or SARS-CoV-2), which causes the COVID-19 disease, workplace learning is emerging as one of the earliest and hardest-hit business activities. Based...
(Video) The Future of Neuromorphic Computing : How a Computer Chip Can Smell without a Nose
[Tech]
2020/03/22 09:05
The chips are "neuromorphic" and mimic the components of brain cells. Intel said it's Loihi chips have learned and recognized 10 odors. The technology could help detect smells associated with disease, explosives and environmental gases.[Intel Labs’ Nabil Imam holds a Loihi neuromorphic test chip in his Santa Clara, California, neuromorphic computing lab. He and a research team from Cornell Uni...
Coronavirus Sales Boost at Wholesale Clubs Started Weeks Ago
[Business]
2020/03/22 09:04
Now that the coronavirus has entered the United States and been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the public response is expected to have far reaching effects across U.S. consumer industries, from grocery stores to luxury travel. Across the country, recent panic buying has led to long lines, overflowing carts, and empty shelves. But transaction data reveals that the buying f...
'Social Distancing Aids' Made from 4 Collapsible Plastic Rings
[Design]
2020/03/22 09:03
As coronavirus (COVID-19) makes headlines across the globe, designers and artists are picking up their drawing tools to come up with innovative ideas to alleviate the situation. With the need for varying degrees of social isolation advised by health experts, los-angeles based architect michael jantzen has thrown his hat into the ring with his ‘social distancing aids’ photo art project, which...
(Patent) Apple Wins Patent for a Future Magic Mouse with a Shape Changing Body
[Tech]
2020/03/19 09:10
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 71 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. In this particular report we cover Apple's patent relating to a new Apple Mouse design with a shape changing body. Beyond specific features that Apple has in mind for the mouse, the new shape shifting design could in theory provide users with different size hands with the ability to mod...
COVID-19 Concerns Are a Likely Tipping Point for Local Brand Growth
[Consumer]
2020/03/19 09:09
Never mind national pride, opting for locally produced products may fast become a necessity for retailers and consumers concerned about products originating from countries where novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread. Local products and brands have been gaining popularity across the globe over the past couple of years. Consumers have typically closely associated products of local origin with s...
