Technology is constantly evolving, some of it is weird and wonderful, some thoroughly useful and capable of changing our lives for the better.
We’ve been on the lookout for some of the most interesting gadgets and gizmos from around the world. The tech we’ve found just scratches the surface of how incredible things can get.
Come with us on a journey of technological discovery and marvel at what’s on offer.
A plastic eating robot fish
Researchers at Sichuan University in China have beenworking on a fish-like robotwhich can absorb microplastics while it swims through water.
The plan is to use this sort of fish-bot to capture plastic pollutants in the ocean and transport them to a place they could be properly disposed of.
The bot can swim like a real fish and can even self-repair when damaged too. Perhaps in future, we’ll see schools of these fish cleaning up our planet’s oceans.
Warning lights for smartphone addicts
Smartphone addictionis a real thing and if you look there areplenty of examples of people getting hurtwhile not looking where they’re going because they’re too busy on theirsmartphone.
In Germany Stadtwerke Augsburg, a public works provider is fittingexperimental warning lightsto the floor near pedestrian crossings. These lights are meant to catch the attention of smartphone users and potentially save their lives. A brilliant idea, but really something we shouldn’t need.
Sweat powered electricity
Engineers at theUniversity of California San Diegohave been working on a wearable device that uses sweat from your fingertip to generate small levels of electricity.
This tech is designed even to work when users are asleep. Touching your fingers on things also helps make more juice. So the engineers say that typing, texting or even playing the piano could help generate more energy.
Apparently, 10 hours of sleep wearing the device is enough to generate 400 millijoules of energy which in turn could power an electronic wristwatch for 24 hours.
Hip’Safe fall protection airbags for seniors
As people get old and frail in later years, they often become prone to falls and tumbles that could potentially result in serious injuries.
Hip’Safeis a wearable airbag that’s designed to inflate when a fall is detected - resulting in protective air cushions softening the impact before the wearer hits the ground. A brilliant solution that could easily save lives and help keep the elderly safe across the world.
See the video here.
Seabin ocean pollution removal
Pollution of our oceans with plastic waste is anever-growing problem. There are several different technologies being designed to help combat this issue by cleaning waste from the seas,Seabinis one such solution.
This simple bit of tech works like a drain, collecting rubbish as it washes over the rim of the bin. Similar, larger scale systems have been developed to cover bigger parts of the ocean and remove waste, but this is a brilliantly simple example that we love.
See it in action in the video.
Touch hear text recognition
This technology actually dates back a few years now, but we liked it for the potential applications.Touch-heartext recognition reads words to you as you run your finger over them in a book.
Not sure how to pronounce a word? Need a translation? Need to find out more about a phrase on a page? The possible applications for this device are incredible. It could also theoretically improve lives for the visually impaired too.
Landmine removal drones
It is estimated that there are around 110,000,000 landmines deployed around the world in around 65 countries. These mines are left over from decades of wars and conflict. They cause over 6,000 casualties a year and it is thought that it will take nearly 1,000 years to clear them all with current methods.
That’s whereMine Kafoncomes in. These are landmine removal drones designed to remove dangerous mines without putting people into harm’s way. Numerous drones have been built to help clear areas while keeping costs down - both financial and human. Making a better world for people in the regions and saving lives at the same time.
Umbrella tie
This gadget might be slightly more amusing, but still useful.
This invention from Japan is a simple tie for the humble businessman that just so happens to double up as a portable umbrella. Could come in handy when winter is on its way.
Luminous roads
In Singapore, pedestrian safety is being improved through the use of glow-in-the-dark paths.
These areas are created using a mixture of materials including gravel, grass, concrete and non-toxic UV-absorbing minerals.
The result is a path that absorbs light during the daytime and uses the UV rays to emit a safe glow at night. Simple safety for the masses - something everyone can appreciate.
A toy to help autistic children socialise
People with autism often suffer from issues in social situations struggling with normal emotional responses, but also interactions with others.
Difficulties include problems understanding gestures, facial expressions, simple directions and more. This can lead to issues with social skills that can make it hard for kids to make friends.
In stepsLeka, a small interactive and multi-sensory toy built to engage with children and help them learn autonomy and life skills through interactive play. It’s also customisable and capable of being adapted to a child’s specific needs too.
