Lamborghini, renowned for its sonorous, multi-cylinder, naturally aspirated engines, has long epitomized the essence of high-performance motoring. While Ferrari ventured into turbocharging, Lamborghini’s engines remained larger-capacity powerhouses, emitting symphonic notes across their rev ranges. However, such engines are incongruent with Lamborghini’s ambitious emissions reduction goals: a 50% decrease in fleet emissions by 2025 and an 80% reduction by 2030. In response, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced plans to introduce hybrid versions of all its models.
“In our sixtieth anniversary year, we unveiled our inaugural plug-in hybrid, the Lamborghini Revuelto,” Winkelmann stated. “We showcased our LMDh race car in summer, set to compete in Doha this March and at Pebble Beach in August, alongside Lanzador—a preview of our first battery-electric vehicle slated for 2028.”
During our October visit to Lamborghini’s Italian headquarters, we discovered the marque’s commitment to sustainability. Initiatives such as increased rail freight usage, enhanced waste material recycling, and a biomass reactor powering factory operations underscore Lamborghini’s dedication to reducing both vehicle and production emissions—aiming for a 40% CO2 reduction by 2030.
The legendary V12 Aventador has yielded to the hybrid V12 Revuelto, entering production in 2023. This year, the Urus SUV will receive a hybrid powertrain upgrade. Furthermore, anticipation builds for the 2024 debut of Lamborghini’s successor to the mid-engined Hurácan, anticipated to feature an electric motor and traction battery. The forthcoming “entry-level” Lamborghini is poised to depart from its naturally aspirated V10 heritage, possibly adopting a smaller-displacement V8 twin-turbo setup.
The transition to a fully electric Lamborghini presents several challenges to the brand’s traditional recipe of super-sports cars. Achieving the right power-to-weight ratio is paramount, considering that lithium-ion batteries are bulky and heavy. Moreover, a Lamborghini must retain its dramatic sound, a defining characteristic of the brand. However, Lamborghini enjoys an advantage with its relatively young customer base, which may be more open to innovative changes compared to other brands like Ferrari.
“The biggest challenge is electrification, more so than digitalization, which may be more relevant for other brands but is the foremost concern for us,” explained Winkelmann. He highlighted the success of the Revuelto, which has sold out for the next few years, indicating that the brand’s customer base remains enthusiastic despite the shift towards hybridization.
Nevertheless, Lamborghini is committed to developing a full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), set to be unveiled in 2028. Winkelmann believes that being part of the Volkswagen Group offers distinct advantages in terms of development and production. Leveraging the group’s resources allows Lamborghini to internally source components like batteries, software, and other essential elements.
The upcoming BEV, slated for 2028, will be a 2+2 GT car, followed by a fully electric SUV to replace the Urus in 2029.
Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, emphasized the potential of electric motors to redefine dynamics and driving experiences. He expressed excitement about the dawn of a new era for super sports cars, where sustainability intertwines with the brand’s core values of emotional performance and driving enjoyment.
The construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift as 3D printing technology emerges as a transformative force. Once confined to the realm of prototyping and small-scale manufacturing, 3D printing is now poised to revolutionize the way we build homes, making them more affordable, efficient, and sustainable.
A Process of Precision and Innovation
3D printing for construction utilizes specialized printers that extrude layers of material, typically concrete or a combination of concrete and other composites, to form the walls and structures of buildings. This process offers several key advantages over traditional construction methods.
Speed and Efficiency: 3D printing can significantly accelerate the construction process, cutting down build times from months to days. This efficiency stems from the automated nature of printing, which eliminates the need for manual labor and reduces the number of construction stages.
Reduced Waste and Material Optimization: 3D printing eliminates waste by precisely extruding the required amount of material, minimizing overages and ensuring that each component is perfectly shaped. This optimization leads to a more efficient use of resources and a lower environmental impact.
Design Flexibility and Customization: 3D printing opens up new possibilities for architectural design, allowing for the creation of intricate shapes and complex structures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional methods. This flexibility enables architects to design homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally optimized.
Addressing Global Housing Challenges
The potential of 3D-printed homes is particularly significant in addressing the global housing crisis. With an estimated 2 billion people lacking adequate shelter, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that can provide affordable and sustainable housing options. 3D printing offers several advantages in tackling this challenge:
Drastically Reduced Construction Costs: The automation and efficiency of 3D printing can significantly reduce labor costs, which typically account for a substantial portion of the overall construction budget. This cost reduction can help make homes more accessible to individuals and communities with limited financial resources.
Scalable Production: 3D printing can be readily scaled up to meet the growing demand for housing. As technology advances and printing equipment becomes more affordable, the ability to produce multiple homes simultaneously further enhances its potential for mass production.
Adaptability to Different Environments: 3D printing can be deployed in various locations, including remote areas or regions with limited infrastructure, making it a versatile solution for addressing housing challenges across diverse geographical contexts.
Current Developments and Future Outlook
The field of 3D-printed housing is rapidly evolving, with numerous companies and research institutions exploring innovative applications and advancements.
Bio-based Materials: Scientists are investigating the use of bio-based materials such as mycelium, a natural building material derived from fungi, to create sustainable and eco-friendly 3D-printed structures.
Integrated Systems: Efforts are underway to integrate 3D printing with other construction technologies, such as robotic assembly and smart home systems, to create fully integrated and automated building processes.
Regulation and Standardization: As the technology matures, regulatory bodies and industry standards are being developed to ensure the safety, quality, and durability of 3D-printed homes.
The future of 3D-printed housing holds immense promise for transforming the construction industry and addressing the global housing shortage. With further advancements in technology, reduced costs, and regulatory support, 3D printing is poised to revolutionize the way we build our homes, making them more affordable, sustainable, and adaptable to the needs of society.
Ikea, a key player in the smart home industry, continues its commitment to democratizing the smart home with the introduction of three new Zigbee sensors. These sensors, Parasoll, Vallhorn, and Badring, aim to provide affordable options for users looking to enhance their home automation setups.They’ll all be priced less than $10 when they go on sale globally in the first half of next year.
Parasoll stands out as a versatile and discreet sensor designed for doors and windows, enabling smart home automations triggered by open/close events. What sets Parasoll apart is its seamless integration with Ikea light bulbs, allowing direct pairing without the need for an extra smart hub, emphasizing simplicity in setup. Priced affordably at €9.99 in Europe and poised to maintain global cost-effectiveness, Parasoll aligns with Ikea’s commitment to democratizing smart home technology.
It’s important to note that Parasoll, along with the Badring sensor, requires the newer Dirigera hub for compatibility, showcasing Ikea’s dedication to staying technologically current. With a staggered international release starting in January and a subsequent US launch in April, Parasoll demonstrates Ikea’s strategic approach to ensuring a smooth, accessible rollout of this innovative and budget-friendly smart sensor.
Vallhorn represents a dynamic addition to Ikea’s smart home lineup, functioning as a versatile motion sensor suitable for both indoor and outdoor use with IP44 splash protection. Capable of activating up to 10 Ikea smart bulbs out of the box, Vallhorn, priced at €7.99, offers an affordable solution with extended sensing capabilities compared to its smaller indoor-only counterpart.
Its design, powered by three AAA batteries, emphasizes practicality for users seeking efficient and cost-effective smart home solutions. While Vallhorn shares compatibility requirements with the Dirigera hub, reinforcing Ikea’s commitment to technological advancement, its global availability, starting in select countries in January 2024, underlines Ikea’s strategic approach to delivering accessible and innovative smart home products on a global scale.
Badring emerges as a crucial component in Ikea’s smart home arsenal, specifically designed to detect water leaks and prevent potential damages. Priced at €9.99, Badring not only includes a built-in siren for immediate alerts but also integrates with the Ikea Home smart app, providing mobile notifications for users with the Ikea Dirigera hub ($69.99) installed.
This proactive approach to water damage prevention aligns with Ikea’s commitment to practical and affordable solutions for homeowners. It’s essential to note that, like Parasoll, Badring requires the newer Dirigera hub for compatibility. Scheduled to commence retail sales in April in select countries and arriving in the US in July, Badring’s staggered release underscores Ikea’s commitment to a methodical and globally accessible deployment of its innovative and cost-effective smart sensors.
Augmented reality will happen in a big way, and we will wonder when it does, how we ever lived without it. Like we wonder how we lived without our phone today
Tim Cook, CEO, Apple Inc.
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, the retail industry has witnessed a monumental shift in consumer behaviors and expectations. With the advent of technology, businesses have been keen on incorporating innovative solutions to enhance customer experiences. One such technology that has captured the imagination of retailers and consumers is Augmented Reality (AR). It has the potential to reshape the way we shop, both in physical stores and through digital channels.
AR, a technology that overlays virtual elements on the real world, has become a game-changer for the retail sector. It has made traditional shopping more interactive, engaging, and personalized, transforming the way consumers shop. From trying on clothes without stepping into a fitting room to visualizing furniture in their own homes, AR has revolutionized the way retailers connect with their customers.
ENHANCING THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
A major benefit of augmented reality (AR) in the retail sector is its capacity to seamlessly integrate the physical and digital shopping experiences. This technology enables shoppers to combine the ease of online purchasing with the tangible aspects of shopping at a physical store. Using their smartphones or devices equipped with AR, consumers can preview products, evaluate how well they fit their needs, and make purchases effortlessly.
FASHION INDSTRY
Within the fashion industry, augmented reality (AR) has greatly transformed the trying-on process. Shoppers can now use virtual fitting rooms to experiment with clothes in a digital format, bypassing the necessity for actual changing rooms. This not only saves time but also reduces the frustration of trying on multiple outfits. It enables customers to visualize how different apparel choices fit and appear on them, thus diminishing the likelihood of buying items that don’t fit well or don’t meet their expectations.
ZALANDO: TRY ON
Zalando, the online fashion retailer, introduced a new virtual dressing app called “Try On” In a dedicated campaign, customers can create a 3D avatar by entering their height, weight, and gender. They can see how different sizes from various brands fit them, with an indication where the item sits tight or loose on the avatar they created.
FURNITURE INDUSTRY
Home furnishing retailers have also benefited greatly from AR technology. Previously, picturing how furniture would look in a space was challenging, frequently resulting in unsatisfactory buying choices. Now, thanks to AR, customers have the ability to virtually position furniture items in their own rooms, seeing how well they harmonize with their current decor.
IKEA PLACE APP
IKEA Place simplifies the decision-making process, enabling users to visualize a variety of products, styles, and colors in their own spaces with just a swipe. Developed using Apple’s ARKit technology, IKEA Place represents a significant step in IKEA’s digital transformation altering the future landscape of furniture shopping.
ENHANCED CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT
AR empowers customers to customize their shopping experiences. With AR-enabled apps or devices, they can visualize products in various colors, styles, and configurations. It also allows retailers to offer targeted recommendations and promotions based on individual customer preferences and behaviors. By analyzing customer data and AR interactions, retailers can provide personalized suggestions and offers that are tailored to specific needs and interests. This personalized approach fosters a deeper connection between the customer and the brand, ultimately leading to increased customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Additionally, AR can facilitate social sharing and user-generated content. Customers enjoy sharing their AR experiences with friends and family on social media platforms, creating a buzz around the brand and its products. User-generated content, such as photos of customers virtually trying on clothes or testing out AR furniture placement, not only provides free advertising for retailers but also creates a sense of community and encourages others to engage with the brand as well.
DRAWBACKS OF AR IN RETAIL
While Augmented Reality (AR) has numerous benefits for the retail industry, there are also some potential drawbacks and challenges that businesses need to consider.
IMPLEMENTATION COSTS
Integrating Augmented Reality technology into retail operations holds undeniable promise, but it comes at a price. The initial investment in AR hardware and software can be substantial, often posing a significant barrier to entry for smaller and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets. Beyond the initial capital outlay, ongoing expenses such as maintenance, software updates, and technical support must be factored in.
For smaller retailers, these costs can be prohibitive, leaving them unable to harness the full potential of AR. The result is a potential gap in access to this innovative technology, favoring larger corporations with deeper pockets. Thus, the challenge is not only implementing AR but ensuring that it remains economically viable and accessible to a wider range of retailers.
TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS
The effectiveness of AR in retail is directly linked to the devices and applications that support it. To fully participate in AR-powered retail experiences, customers must possess or have access to compatible devices such as smartphones or smart glasses. However, this compatibility requirement poses a significant limitation on the widespread adoption of AR.
Furthermore, the quality of AR experiences can vary considerably depending on the capabilities of the device being used. While a modern and advanced smartphone can deliver a seamless and immersive AR encounter, older models may struggle to provide the same level of immersion and functionality. This inconsistency in the AR experience can lead to customer frustration and creates a hurdle for retailers striving to provide a uniform and captivating shopping experience across a diverse range of devices.
PRIVACY CONCERNS
As retailers adopt AR technology to offer personalized shopping experiences, a crucial issue arises: customer privacy. AR frequently involves the collection and examination of customer data to customize recommendations and interactions. While personalization can enhance the overall customer journey, it must be carefully balanced with robust data privacy measures.
Customers today are increasingly cautious about the usage of their personal information. Any mishandling of data or lack of transparency in its utilization can erode trust and damage a retailer’s reputation. To address privacy concerns effectively, retailers must not only comply with relevant privacy regulations but also implement clear consent mechanisms that empower customers to control how their data is leveraged. Additionally, implementing strong data security measures is imperative to protect sensitive customer information from potential breaches.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the path to using the full potential of AR in retail requires a balanced approach. Retailers must carefully weigh the benefits against the challenges, trying to make AR economically viable and accessible to a broader spectrum of businesses. Addressing issues of compatibility and data privacy is vital to ensuring a seamless and secure AR experience for customers.
As AR continues to evolve and consumers become increasingly comfortable with this technology, it is clear that AR will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of retail. The question is not whether AR will become a standard in retail but rather how retailers will navigate these challenges to create a shopping experience that truly leverages the transformative power of augmented reality.
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, Artificial Intelligence is an innovation, reshaping the industry and redefining patient care. The integration of AI technologies has ushered in a new era, promising improved outcomes, enhanced diagnostics, and a patient experience like never before. Let’s explore the remarkable impact AI is making in various areas of medicine while delving into its benefits and acknowledging the challenges it presents.
AI IN MEDICINE: REVOLUTIONIZING PATIENT CARE
DIAGNOSIS
AI-driven diagnostic tools are the vanguard of medical innovation, analyzing vast amounts of medical data swiftly and accurately. These tools enhance the speed and precision of disease identification, providing healthcare professionals with valuable insights for prompt intervention and treatment.
An example of such innovation is AlphaMissense, a new model from Google, which analyzes the effects of DNA mutations and will accelerate research into rare diseases. The model can predict the likelihood of them causing a disease with 90 percent accuracy. AlphaMissense helps researchers accelerate the slow process of matching genetic mutations to diseases.
DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT
The traditional approach is complex and time-consuming. It typically commences with the identification of a biological target, often a disease-causing protein. The processes can involve thousands of iterations and years of effort before a candidate is even ready for human testing. Furthermore, many of these candidates may fail due to their interactions with the entire human body.
AI provides an enticing shortcut. By processing vast volumes of data such as the effectiveness of existing drugs, generative AI models can create drugs that are precisely designed for the intended purpose. The designed drug molecules can then be synthesized according to specifications.
Companies like Atomwise leverage AI to repurpose existing drugs, demonstrating its potential in addressing urgent medical needs, such as treating Ebola.
TELEMEDICINE
The rise of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants has revolutionized patient engagement. These virtual healthcare companions provide patients with vital health information, schedule appointments, and offer continuous support, enhancing accessibility to medical advice and services. AI can also help monitor a patient, provide feedback to them and alert to early warning signs of disease progression.
MEDICAL IMAGING
AI’s prowess in medical imaging has reached unprecedented heights. Algorithms developed by Google’s DeepMind, for instance, can detect diabetic retinopathy from retinal scans, preventing blindness in diabetic patients. Such breakthroughs exemplify the transformative potential of AI in the field of medical imaging.
BENEFITS OF AI IN HEALTHCARE
ENHANCED DIAGNOSTICS
It enables healthcare professionals to make diagnoses with unprecedented accuracy, offering several benefits, including improved patient outcomes and increased survival rates. AI-based diagnostic tools use advanced algorithms to analyze complex medical data quickly and effectively. For example, in the field of medical imaging, AI has demonstrated exceptional prowess in identifying and characterizing abnormalities in radiological scans.
EFFICIENCY
By automating administrative tasks, AI enables healthcare professionals to focus on what truly matters – patient care. This streamlined approach reduces administrative problems, enabling a more efficient healthcare system.
DRAWBACKS AND CHALLENGES
DATA PRIVACY
The utilization of sensitive patient data raises valid concerns about data privacy and security breaches. To fully harness the advantages of telemedicine technology, healthcare providers must first establish a secure platform for sharing personal health information. Healthcare institutions are prime targets for cyberattacks due to the wealth of valuable data stored in their networks.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS
AI algorithms, while powerful, must navigate complex ethical questions, especially concerning life-altering decisions about patient care and treatment. Striking the right balance between human judgment and AI-driven recommendations is crucial.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, AI in medicine is more than just a technological advancement; it represents a pivotal shift in healthcare that has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance efficiency, and redefine patient care. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, harnessing the full potential of AI will require addressing its challenges proactively while upholding the principles of patient-centered and ethical care. The future of healthcare, with AI at its core, holds the promise of a healthier and more accessible tomorrow.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements seem to know no bounds, it is always remarkable to witness how innovations can still surprise us. Microsoft, a renowned tech giant, has once again piqued our interest with the unveiling of their latest AI tool.
As Windows 11 is set to launch on November 1st, the spotlight is on the new features and innovations that Microsoft promises to bring to the table. Among the most anticipated additions to the operating system is the Capilot AI Assistant. Capilot has been in the spotlight ever since its earlier pre-version release on September 26. In this article, we will delve deeper into the potential impact of Capilot and find out whether it can help Microsoft surpass Apple.
Capilot AI Assistant: A Game-Changer or a Liability?
Capilot is Microsoft’s answer to the growing demand for AI-powered virtual assistants. With the success of Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant, Microsoft has been striving to create a better multi-functional AI assistant that can cater to the needs of Windows users.
Reviews and Early Impressions
To assess the potential of Capilot, it is crucial that we examine the early reviews from users who had been using the Capilot pre-version.
“Of course, many Windows users will want to stick with the old way of doing things. But they’ll be missing out on many opportunities. In less than three days with Copilot, I find myself frequently turning to it for answers. The feature will be a boon to students and anyone who needs to compose text or create images, both of which it excels at. Copilot has plenty of room for improvement, though, particularly when it comes to changing settings, opening apps, and opening web pages.” – said Michael Muchmore in PC Magazine.
We see that the author has mostly found Copilot to be highly useful in a short span of time, indicating its practical value and leaving a quite positive review, though mentioning some inconveniences. But we should also take into consideration that he was using only the pre-version, so the full extent of Copilot’s capabilities may yet to be fully realized.
Potential for Success
Enhanced Integration with Windows Ecosystem
Capilot’s ability to seamlessly integrate with Windows 11 is a key strength. Users can expect it to excel in performing OS-related tasks and navigating the Windows environment effectively. This deep integration sets it apart from standalone AI assistants.
Continuous Improvement
Microsoft’s track record of refining its products over time suggests that Capilot could evolve into a formidable competitor. Regular updates and refinements can help address initial limitations and enhance the user experience.
Potential for a Fall
Competition
The AI assistant market is crowded, with established players like Apple and Google. To gain an edge, Capilot needs to not only match but surpass the capabilities of its competitors. Its success depends on Microsoft’s ability to close the gap effectively.
Privacy Concerns
As with all AI assistants, privacy and data security are paramount. Any mishandling of user data or security breaches could severely damage Capilot’s reputation.
My opinion about whether Capilot can help Microsoft beat Apple?
The question of whether Capilot can help Microsoft surpass Apple is a complex one. Apple’s Siri has a strong foothold in the mobile and smart home ecosystem, which may be challenging for Microsoft to match. However, the integration of Capilot with Windows 11 and the potential for cross-device functionality could prove enticing to users deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Of course people will not abandon Apple easily, as I myself would definitely not, but if it will really made a difference and make AI usage easier and more comfortable then ever before maybe then all people gradually will start switching to the Microsoft. In the end, I think Capilot’s success will largely depend on how effectively Microsoft addresses Capilot’s limitations and leverages its strengths. At the beginning, it may not necessarily need to surpass Apple but carve out its niche within the Windows ecosystem, continue to evolve and meet user expectations. If it will happen, then Capilot will have the potential to change the way we interact with not only Windows devices but all devices overall and, of course this way beat Apple. But it probably will not happen in the near future.
In the coming months, as Windows 11 is officially released, users will have a clearer picture of Capilot’s capabilities and its impact on Microsoft’s future. Whether it’s a game-changer or a liability remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Capilot will play a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft’s trajectory in the AI assistant market.
But what do you think about the upcoming launch of Capilot? Will it be successful?
Bing is an updated Microsoft search service based on artificial intelligence. It’s based on the OpenAI GPT language model, but Bing is newer than ChatGPT 3.5. Microsoft says it’s not just an updated search engine, but a new artificial intelligence-based search channel with a new chat interface that offers better searches, more complete answers and more relevant search results, so readers can spend less time on the page. Artificial intelligence will revolutionize every category of software, including the largest category — search. Bing can also create content and inspire creativity. Microsoft said: “The new Bing can generate useful content. Create a 5-day itinerary for your dream vacation to Hawaii, including links to write emails, book travel and accommodation, prepare for interviews and create quiz questions to help you The new Bing also cites all sources so you can see links to the web content you link to.”
Microsoft has also announced changes to Edge. Artificial intelligence has been added to Edge to help people do more with search and the internet. As for the new Bing search and the new Edge browser, Microsoft highlights some key features:
The best search. The new Bing offers an improved version of familiar search, providing more relevant results for simple things like sports scores, promotions and weather, as well as more complete when you need it. It also provides a new sidebar for displaying responses.
Full answer. Bing searches the web for results to find and summarize the answers you are looking for. For example, you can get step-by-step instructions on how to replace eggs with another ingredient in your current cake without looking at multiple results.
New chat. For more complex searches, such as planning a detailed travel itinerary or choosing a TV to buy, the new Bing offers a new interactive chat. Chat allows you to narrow down your search until you get the full answer you are looking for, asking for details, clarity and ideas. Links are available, so decisions can be made immediately.
New Microsoft Edge interface. We have updated the Edge browser with new artificial intelligence features, a new look and added two new features: chat and messaging. Use the Edge sidebar to request summaries of long financial reports to get the main conclusions, use the chat function to request comparisons with competitors’ financial reports, and automatically place them in a spreadsheet. You can also ask Edge to help you create content, such as posts for LinkedIn. Then you can get help updating the tone, format and length of your message. Edge can understand the web pages you are viewing and adapt accordingly.
However, Google issued a warning to its departments, and even the founders and shareholders of the tech giants Larry Page and Sergey Brin stepped up. On Monday, the company introduced its own alternative to ChatGPT called Bard. Google CEO Sundar Pichai called the software an “experimental artificial intelligence service” that is still being tested by a limited number of users and employees of the company and will be released to the general public in the coming weeks.
Thus, Bing have been developed to facilitate research and increase their reliability. Starting with the chat mode, you can ask literally any question using an interface very similar to GPT chat, and the answer will be sent in seconds.
Interestingly, when searching for information in real time on the Internet, responses are sent directly from various thematic sites. The source of information for constructing the answer is shown as a footnote, but the user is redirected to the main page of the site in question, and not to the page with the text.
3D printing is quickly becoming a mature manufacturing technology. It’s useful for prototypes and offers significant benefits for small and medium-sized production runs. Using additive manufacturing, which refers to the production of three-dimensional parts formed layer by layer by using a metal powder that is melted with a metal source, 3D printers create high-quality products. These revolutionary machines have been used in different areas. With the level of constant development, the device is going to make a greater impact in the future.
Specialists argue that in the next 20 years 3D printers would be able to print large-scale houses. The device would print the building layer by layer using jets of concrete and would be able to create a two-story building just within a day. Some people however criticize this idea. They argue that such houses will not be reliable or solid and would easily collapse. In my opinion, this is a revolutionary innovation and as long as they use all the required materials and equipment to create the houses, I think the structure would be solid enough and of course after a thorough inspection. This 3D printer would make things simpler for constructors and multiple buildings would be constructed within a day.
Another aspect in which 3D printing devices and equipment would serve a greater purpose in the future is in the area of medicine. There are predictions that in years to come, 3D printers would be able to print bones or even organs, which may be the only way to save a patient’s life. There are arguments if this can be effective and if it would not cause harm or endangerment to the patient rather than help. I’m not fully convinced about this idea, because it may be odd to have a printed organ in your system or body.
Therefore, there are multiple areas in which 3D printing could serve a greater purpose in the future. There are also other aspects in which 3D printing would serve as help that were not mentioned in this blog, such as in engineering, aerospace, rail or robotics. What do you think? Is the idea of 3D printing revolutionary?
Marvel Studios is one of the largest film and television production companies with very popular superhero movies. Marvel is a Subsidiary of Walt Studios and it is responsible for the production of Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and series that are based on the characters from Marvel Comics. The company makes up artificial intelligence gadgets used by the fictional characters, such as their suits, weapons, systems, and even the characters themselves. There were some cases in which a technology used in a Marvel movie became a real thing, which makes people wonder if such advanced artificial intelligence made up by creative minds is possible. With Marvel illustrating where modern technology is today and where it can potentially go, a lot of people wonder if Marvel is predicting the future of AI and technology.
As I said earlier, there have been cases in which technology used in Marvel movies became a real thing! An example of this is the technology used in the ‘Iron Man’ movie. In 2016, the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg built an AI assistant inspired by JARVIS (Just A Rather Very Intelligent System) from the movie ‘Iron Man’. JARVIS is an advanced AI system, that assisted Tony Stark and controlled, managed, and even created advanced technology. Zuckerberg’s version of Jarvis isn’t nearly as advanced but can control his home, including lights, temperature, appliances, music, and security. It also learns tastes and patterns, new words, and concepts. Another technology inspired by Avenger’s billionaire, genius, and philanthropist character, Tony Stark is the exoskeleton, which was introduced by the US Special Operations Command.
The question now is if the technologies that don’t exist yet created in Marvel movies can exist in the future. A lot of people argue that they are nearly impossible to create and have no chance of existing. However, I think most of the AI gadgets used in the MCU can become real, just not anytime soon, maybe in the next century. It would be cool to have an Iron Man suit, the holograms used by the superheroes to communicate or have meetings, or even the device used by Peter Parker (Spider-Man) to create his suit, which was a highly advanced technology. The only thing I think is impossible for technology to create is superhero powers (obviously), which of course is only a part of the fiction in the Marvel movies. Therefore can these fictional AI be replicated? Is Marvel actually predicting the future of technology?
Nowadays aviation has a reputation for being not eco-friendly. And that’s actually right. It is the major factor of green hose gases emission which are causing climate changes. And now when a situation is becoming critical more and more people are looking for more sustainable ways of transport. That’s why aviation is also changing to address this trend.
Changes are coming
Luckily for us there are some big changes in the development process. Hopefully in next few decades we will see aviation become more eco-friendly. Here are some ways how to deal with that problem:
1.Hydrogen fuel
There is no doubt that planes are one of the biggest factor of air pollution. According to some data aviation is currently responsible for 3.6% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why engineers are working on making air travel more eco-friendly. It seems that the best solution would be to change kerosene so called jet-A1 fuel to hydrogen. Researchers show that this way of propulsion would have three times higher energy-per-unit that the traditional way. That means that planes using hydrogen would be able to carry hundreds more passengers per flight than traditional ones without polluting any CO2 to the atmosphere.
However there are some major issues to overcome. In order for Europe to fully achieve the benefits of hydrogen powered planes the production of clen hydrogen needs to be significantly increased. There is also absolutely no infrastructure on airports to store and mange this fuel. What’s more there are no planes that are adapted to this technology. Even though airbus states that around 2035 they will introduce the first zero emission plane.
2. Changes in the plane design
In addition to hydrogen fuel engineers are working o a new so called wing blended design. It combines the wing and the fuselage into a single unit, so the entire aircraft provides the lift for the flight. So that it will use according to same data 20% less fuel. It would also work perfectly with the hydrogen because of larger fuselage space. This has a particular relevance these days when aircraft manufactures are considering potential switch to hydrogen, which needs to be stored somewhere for long-haul flights.
There are already some proposals from aircraft manufactures and airlines how such planes might look like. One such proposal is from KLM which are working with the Delft university on a flying-V project. It would be a long-haul, high-capacity aircraft. With its blended design, it would be shorter than the airbus A350 but have a similar wingspan which is important for airport operations.
3.Pilot’s importance in going green
You might think that making flying more sustainable depends only on introducing new technologies such as hydrogen, mentioned above. But that’s not true. Even now pilots can do small things to save on fuel therefore also on C02 emission which even after introduction of flying-V or Hydrogen will have a good impact on reducing carbon emission. Here are some ways how pilots can improve their performance:
better flight preparation – that means taking less fuel for the route of course in safety limits
taxi with one engine – which obviously means to use one engine during both taxi in and taxi out to save up on fuel as well as on maintenance cost.
Minimizing APU use on ground – that means using the available ground infrastructure instead of the APU to prepare the cabin
Video
To sum up, making flying more eco-friendly is very important for our earth. In my opinion switching to hydrogen will be a massive game changer in the aviation industry. If we really want to change something we should introduce all ways mentioned above and as a result we will slow down climate changes and improve the condition of our planet.
Below you have two videos illustrating two concepts how the future zero emission planes might look like. Let me know in the comments if you would like to board such a plane.