June 2024 Part 2
As the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, I'm excited to share some of the latest advancements and trends in emerging technologies for June. In this special second part of our June newsletter, we'll delve into a range of breakthroughs that highlight the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and materials science.
From neuromorphic processors driving autonomous drones to AI-generated quantum circuits, the developments are not only fascinating but also have far-reaching implications across various industries. The integration of machine learning in developing synthetic bones and advanced sensing technologies showcases the transformative potential of AI in healthcare and security. Additionally, pioneering work in quantum navigation systems and new energy-efficient materials promises to enhance both our technological capabilities and sustainability efforts.
FOR A VISUAL REVIEW AND MORE DETAILS ABOUT THESE TECH SCOUTING ITEMS, CHECK OUT THE POST HERE: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/nathanburkholder_june-2024-part-2-activity-7207024164405145600-q4_p?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Animal Brain Inspired Neuromorphic Vision and Control of an Autonomous Flying Drone???
Using neuromorphic image processing and control inspired by how animal brains work, researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a drone that flies autonomously.
Science Robotics: https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.adi0591
AI Generates Quantum Circuits from Text
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a machine learning model that generates quantum circuits from text descriptions, tailored to the quantum hardware to be used.
Nature Machine Intelligence: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00831-9
AI-Designed Synthetic Bones Could Transform Orthopedic Surgery
Using machine learning and 3D printing, researchers have developed a synthetic stress modulating material as support in orthopedic restoration to reduce complications and improve healing.
Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47831-2
Detection of Pedestrians and Obstacles Faster by Bio-Inspired Cameras and AI
Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have combined a bio-inspired camera with AI that can detect obstacles around a car 100 times faster than current systems, using less power.
Global Air Pollution and Weather Forecasts in a Minute by Microsoft AI
An artificial intelligence (AI) model, called Aurora, developed by Microsoft can accurately forecast global weather and air pollution in less than a minute.
AIs Are Inhumanely Irrational
In testing advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to gauge their capacity for reasoning, researchers found that AIs are irrational, but not in the same way as humans.
Royal Society Open Science: https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.240255
ASSURED POSITIONING, NAVIGATION AND TIMING
Un-jammable Quantum Navigation System to Counter GPS Interference from Hostile Actors
The UK has successfully completed the first commercial flight trials of advanced quantum-based navigation systems that cannot be jammed or spoofed by hostile actors.
UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology,?UK Research and Innovation?: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/un-jammable-quantum-tech-takes-flight-to-boost-uks-resilience-against-hostile-actors
COUNTER? UAS
New Cost-effective Directed Energy Weapon Replaces Million-dollar Missiles
A new directed energy weapon has been developed for British defense capabilities to replace multi-million-dollar missiles that is just as effective, but less expensive at 13 cents a shot.
UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cutting-edge-drone-killer-radio-wave-weapon-developing-at-pace
CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS
Security Vulnerability Discovered in Wireless Backhaul 5G Networks
A Rice University research team discovered an eavesdropping security vulnerability in high-frequency and high-speed wireless backhaul links, employed in critical 5G applications.
2024 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (SP): https://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/SP54263.2024.00151
ELECTRONICS
New Microcapacitors Will Revolutionize Next-Gen Electronics
Developed by scientists at Berkeley National Laboratory, a microcapacitor with record energy and power densities could enhance energy storage capabilities on microchips in electronic devices.
Extracting Precious Metals from Tech Trash
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed sustainable methods for the extraction of noble metals from electronic waste, such as computers and solar panels.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202407147
Photocatalytic Doping of Organic Semiconductors
Researchers at Link?ping University in Sweden have developed a method using air and light to enhance the conductivity of organic semiconductors, with greater scalability and sustainability.
Newly Engineered Resonators Can Vibrate Indefinitely
Researchers from TU Delft and Brown University have engineered string-like resonators that can vibrate at ambient temperature longer than any previously known solid-state object.
Nature Communications: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48183-7
A High-performance Alternative to Traditional Ferroelectrics for Next-Gen Electronics
Researchers have identified that antiferroelectrics, when miniaturized, are a high-performance alternative to traditional ferroelectrics, leading to more powerful miniaturized electronic devices.
Nature Materials: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-024-01907-y
Global Study Finds 21 New Laser Materials
Utilizing distributed self-driving lab technology, six research teams from five global laboratories discovered 21 organic solid-state lasers materials, shortening the time from years to months.
INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE AND TARGETING
领英推荐
Targeted Hearing with AI Headphones
A team of University of Washington engineers have developed an AI system that allows a headphone wearing person to look at a speaker to hear just their voice in noisy environments.
ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems: https://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642057
Advanced X-ray Imaging Can Detect Hidden Threats
Researchers from University College London have combined multi-contrast x-ray imaging with machine learning to effectively distinguish threatening materials in complex scenarios.
NASA’s New Infrared Cameras Aid Earth and Space Exploration
Innovative infrared sensors developed by NASA have increased Earth and space image resolution, with the potential to advance environmental monitoring and planetary science.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center: https://scitechdaily.com/tag/nasa-goddard-space-flight-center/
New Night Vision Technology Transforms Everyday Eyewear
Australian researchers have created a lightweight infrared filter that, when integrated into everyday eyewear, enables vision in infrared and visible light, enhancing night-time safety and convenience.
Advanced Materials: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202402777
Thinnest Lens on Earth Is Only Three Atoms in Width
An international team of researchers have created a flat lens only three atoms thick that utilizes the quantum effects of excitons to bend and focus light, with potential for use in augmented reality.
Nano Letters: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00694
Electra’s Hybrid eSTOL Aircraft Achieved First Ultra-Short Takeoff and Landing
Electra has successfully demonstrated the first ultra-short flight operations of its piloted blown-lift hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing(eSTOL) demonstrator aircraft (EL-2 Goldfinch).
Electra: https://www.electra.aero/news/electras-test-aircraft-achieves-first-ultra-short-estol-flights
MATERIALS
Eco-Friendly Electronic Spider Silk Sensors
Cambridge researchers have developed lightweight, eco-friendly sensors that can be directly printed onto biological surfaces for diverse applications in health monitoring and virtual reality.
Nature Electronics: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-024-01174-4
Sunglasses for Windows for Smarter, Cooler Living Spaces
Researchers have developed an electrochromic film using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that controls light and heat transmission for adaptive technologies by rapidly switching colors.
ACS Energy Letters: https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2024/may/electrochromic-films-like-sunglasses-for-your-windows.html
New Hybrid Materials Show Unusual Properties
Scientists have successfully engineered materials that are both firm and effective at insulating against heat, potentially revolutionizing thermal insulation applications in electronics.
ACS Nano: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c12172
Cost-effective Method for Recycling Cement Produces Low Emission Concrete
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a method to produce very low emission concrete in a scalable, cost-effective way to meet global decarbonization demands.
Innovative Material Could Replace Glass Windows
Researchers at the Karlsruher Institute for Technology (KIT) have developed a transparent metamaterial for energy-efficient light and temperature regulation in buildings.
Nature Communications: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48150-2
MISSION COMMAND CAPABILITIES & COMPUTING PLATFORMS
First Metro-Area Quantum Network Demonstrated in Boston
Scientists from Harvard University have demonstrated the first metro-area quantum computer network, using an existing telecommunication fiber network in Boston.
New Filter for 6G and Beyond
Engineers have developed an adjustable filter for 6G and next-generation wireless networks that can successfully prevent interference in high-frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Nature Communications: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47822-3
ROBOTICS
Quickly Mastered Third Thumb Developed by Cambridge Scientists
Cambridge researchers have developed an easily controlled prosthetic extra thumb that people across different demographics can quickly learn to use for picking up and manipulating objects.
Science Robotics: https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.adk5183
TACTICAL AND DEPLOYED POWER
New Lightweight Structure for Lithium Batteries Enhances Ion Transport
Korean researchers have developed a new lightweight, three-dimensional polymeric structure that enhances lithium ion transport and battery performance, with potential for industrial application.
Advanced Science: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202402156
New Binders for Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium Ion Batteries
Researchers have improved the performance of hard-carbon electrodes in sodium-ion batteries using a new high-functional density polyfumaric acid binder, paving the way for commercialization.
Journal of Materials Chemistry A: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00285G
Efficient Harvesting of Electricity from Heat with Thermal Power Cell
In a major development to sustainable, grid-scale renewable energy storage, researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a heat-to-energy converter with record efficiency of 44%.
?