Exciting new innovations and advancements are continually being introduced to us by the ever-changing technological landscape. Among the most recent tech-related stories covered in this monthly roundup are an innovative approach to 3D printing for robots and a fresh proposal for US space regulation.
A Revolution in Robotics: The 3D-Printing Revolution
Thanks to the latest innovation in 3D printing, robotics has taken a giant leap forward. Printing out a robotic hand with polymer bones, ligaments, and tendons was a success for researchers at ETH Zurich. A novel laser method allowed for this success.
Rigid materials, like metal, have traditionally been used to construct robots. But there are a number of benefits to robots constructed from pliable materials.
Robots that can interact with people securely and manage fragile objects with greater ease are now within reach, thanks to the ability to incorporate flexible, elastic, and rigid materials into robotic structures. A number of sectors stand to benefit from this innovation, including logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
A Novel Approach to U.S. Space Regulation
The rising demand for oversight of private-sector space activities has prompted the United States administration to announce a new proposal for space regulation. Expanding the responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Commerce in supervising critical areas, the proposed legislation would divide regulatory powers between the transportation and commerce departments.
Both crewed and uncrewed space activities would be added to the FAA’s purview under the proposed legislation. The Department of Commerce, however, would hold more power over a variety of unmanned spacecraft, including those that service spacecraft while in orbit.
This proposal is in reaction to an international agreement that mandates the authorization and oversight of non-governmental organizations’ space operations by member states. The United States intends to uphold its international responsibilities and guarantee the safe and responsible expansion of the private space sector by strengthening regulatory oversight.
Extraordinary Tech Tales
There are a number of other noteworthy technological stories to mention alongside these ground-breaking innovations:
1. Carbon Dioxide Fuel
A novel method for producing fuel from carbon dioxide (CO2) has been devised by scientists at MIT. This novel method produces formate from carbon dioxide, a solid fuel with possible uses in heating homes and industries. This new discovery provides a viable option for meeting the challenge of lowering CO2 emissions without sacrificing the production of a valuable energy source.
2. Desalination by Wave Power
A novel method for desalinizing saltwater without using fossil fuels has been developed: a floating desalination machine that is propelled solely by waves. This device provides an eco-friendly and long-term answer to the problem of water scarcity on a global scale. A game-changer in desalination could be this cutting-edge technology that uses waves to its advantage.
3. Ariane 6 Rocket Succeeds at Crucial Rehearsal
Airbus and Safran’s Ariane 6 rocket has passed a critical rehearsal, according to the European Space Agency. The rocket is now one step closer to its debut flight, which is set for next year, thanks to this milestone. Future missions may rely heavily on the Ariane 6 rocket, which is a huge step forward in space exploration.
4. The Expansion of the Smartphone Market and Mobile Data Traffic
Mobile data traffic in Europe is projected to triple in the next five years, according to industry group GSMA. This indicates a growing demand for connectivity. The widespread availability of smartphones and other new technologies are two of the main causes of this dramatic increase in mobile data consumption.
For the first time since the middle of 2021, the worldwide smartphone market saw year-on-year growth in October. The smartphone market appeared to be on the mend, despite difficulties like component shortages. The industry’s resiliency and the persistent demand for cutting-edge mobile devices are demonstrated by this growth.
5. A Japanese Manufacturer of Chip Materials Ramps Up Research and Development
A research and development center is set to be established in Silicon Valley, USA, by the Japanese chip materials producer Resonac. The expansion serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to semiconductor industry research and development. Resonac plans to use the knowledge and resources in Silicon Valley to propel innovation and maintain its position as a semiconductor industry leader by setting up shop in one of the world’s most prominent tech hubs.
Technological Projection and Its Consequences
It is essential to keep up with the most recent developments in technology and their possible consequences since technology is changing at a rapid pace. An era of tremendous change, fueled by lightning-fast technological advancements, is about to begin: the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Artificial intelligence, driverless cars, blockchain, and the internet of things are some of the new technologies that are defining this revolution.
Addressing the possibilities and threats posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been a top priority for the World Economic Forum. In order to govern new and emerging technologies, the Forum is working with partners from different sectors to co-design and test agile frameworks through its Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network. These structures are put in place to make sure that technology progress helps people and doesn’t hurt them.
It is critical to think about the social, legal, and ethical consequences of new technology as we move through this revolutionary age. To maintain equity, privacy, and security while keeping up with innovation, new rules, standards, and regulations are required. The future of technology can be shaped for the betterment of all people if the government, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society work together.
See first source: WEForum
FAQ
1. What recent innovation in 3D printing has impacted robotics?
Researchers at ETH Zurich have achieved success by 3D printing a robotic hand with polymer bones, ligaments, and tendons using a novel laser method. This innovation enables the use of pliable materials in robotics.
2. What are the benefits of constructing robots from pliable materials?
Robots made from pliable materials can interact with people securely and handle fragile objects with greater ease. This innovation has potential applications in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
3. What is the new proposal for U.S. space regulation, and who is involved?
The U.S. administration has proposed expanding the responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Commerce in supervising space activities. Crewed and uncrewed space activities would fall under the FAA’s purview, while the Department of Commerce would oversee unmanned spacecraft, including those servicing other spacecraft in orbit.
4. Why is the U.S. proposing this new space regulation?
This proposal is in response to an international agreement that mandates the authorization and oversight of non-governmental organizations’ space operations. The U.S. aims to strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure safe and responsible growth of the private space sector.
5. What are some other noteworthy technological stories mentioned in the article?
Some other technological stories include advancements in producing fuel from carbon dioxide (CO2), eco-friendly desalination powered by waves, the success of the Ariane 6 rocket, the growth of the smartphone market, and a Japanese chip materials producer’s expansion into Silicon Valley for research and development.
6. What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and why is it significant?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, driverless cars, blockchain, and the internet of things. It is significant as it brings about tremendous change and requires addressing its possibilities and threats, including social, legal, and ethical consequences.
7. How is the World Economic Forum addressing the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The World Economic Forum is working with partners from various sectors to co-design and test agile frameworks through its Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network. These frameworks aim to govern new and emerging technologies to ensure they benefit people and do not harm them.
8. What is the importance of considering social, legal, and ethical consequences in the age of rapid technological change?
Considering these consequences is crucial to maintain equity, privacy, and security while keeping up with technological innovation. It requires the establishment of new rules, standards, and regulations, with collaboration among government, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society to shape the future of technology for the betterment of all.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by NASA; Unsplash – Thank you!
