Category: ScienceTech

Listening to music while walking down the street, travelling on long distance trains, camping on a hilltop/forest… wireless technology has dramatically changed the way we record and consume music.

With Wi-Fi acoustic technology continuously evolving – Bluetooth, noise-cancellation, surround sound… we are witnessing a paradigm shift from the earlier ‘rich and clear’ audio experience to a ‘high-quality and blissful’ one whereby consumers are demanding high sound quality in their headphones and speakers.

So here are some technologies to look forward to:

 Bone Conduction

This technology makes it possible for one to enjoy music privately while keeping an ear on the world around them at the same time. A headphone like band goes around the back of the head and ends rest on the bones of the skull, thus freeing your ear.

This technology uses transducers that emit sound waves at a frequency that helps it travel through the bones of the skull and onto the inner ear. So you can hear high quality sound without using the outer ear.

3D Soundscape

While the eyes can only see up to 200 degrees at a time, the ears listen in 3D, and it can distinguish sounds from different angles. This technology allows sound designers and composers to create a fully immersive 3D audio environment by placing and moving sound anywhere. It tries to replicate the way our brain perceives sounds in space as it allows one to program distance, height and orientation. So the volume of an audio piece between the left and right ears will change depending on movement of sound track.

Nuraphone

Each one of us is different, our construction of body and sense organs are unique – we hear differently. So instead of using the ‘one size fits all’ earphones, Nuraphone uses its self-learning technology to measure a person’s hearing and fine-tunes the audio to optimise it to a person’s ear. It splits the melodic sounds to an in-ear speaker and the bass sounds to an over-ear tactile speaker that delivers the sound through the person’s skin as if he was hearing it live.

Mindset – Smart Headphones These headphones can read your mind while playing the music of choice. The small EEG electrode on the headphone continuously measure electrical signals emitted by the head and learns from the emotions. They can track your interest, concentration and reactions and likewise adjust the sound quality.

Moreover, as one wears them regularly, they get to know more about the peaks and troughs, adapting likewise to enhance the ultimate experience

-Manoj Mahanta

Team ScienceNow

In the 1973 blockbuster ‘Enter the Dragon, the legendary Bruce Lee is seen competing in a martial arts championship fighting against crime-lord Han who is armed with razor-sharp prosthetic arm. A decade later, in Terminator we see a cyborg assassin played by Arnold Schwarzenegger repair his robotic arm, and later in the climax is seen in his partly burnt robotic skeletal arms and face….

This on-screen Hollywood fictional journey from ‘metallic’ arm to ‘robotic’ arm in many ways is also the journey of the modern day, bionic technology. A journey that started centuries ago with artificial ‘wooden’ implants seems to be closer to its climax of ‘bio-mechanical’ ones.

Centuries ago…
In fact, the term ‘prosthetic’ has been derived from ancient Greek word prosthesis, which denoted an addition, application or attachment that is used to replace a missing body part. Not only the term, even the concept of using ‘prosthetic body parts’ is centuries old. Archeologists have found a wide range of crude body implants – wooden peg legs, strap-on toes, metallic limbs with hinged joints… though are primitive in nature, nevertheless are impressive attempts.

Modern day story….
Specialist prosthesist have donned the herculean task of precisely fitting a prosthetic part on the amputee’s stump, nonetheless even a job well done may not guarantee success as the stump can slip the surface owing to sweat or mere body pressure. While the most advanced prostheses have some degree of mental control, but expecting in-built sensory feedback mechanism – the wait could be just about a long one.

Future Challenges
One of the biggest challenges that modern-day bionic engineers are faced with is to match ‘nature’. To develop devices/tools that are able to perform exactly the same functions as a natural body part does, in a real-life scenario. Thus we use this technology to replace a missing body part. The two major challenges that every engineer is likely to face whilst developing a prosthetic that is closer to nature are: complex mechanics and multi-dimensional interface. In the first case, he has to design a mechanical limb using a range of miniaturized electric motors and advance computing power, and in the second try establishing an interface between these small machines and also the amputee’s body.

Journey Ahead
Owing to rapid advancements in modern science and computation technology, today it’s possible to think about moving a ‘bionic’ prosthetic arm or leg in perfectly synchronized manner using just brain power. We may be even getting closer to nature in the near future, as use of sophisticated bio-sensors coupled with new-age bionics will allow us to mimic the hand’s original sense of touch. Moreover, using the ‘Osseointegration’ technique it is now possible to graft some metal system onto the skeleton. Thereafter the metal system attached to the shaft of a bone activates the body’s innate healing process allowing the bone to grow directly onto and into the metal. Later, using 3D printing technology it is possible to cover the metal system using customized textures in accordance to the shape suited for bone tissue to look real.

In Conclusion
In future, bionic prosthetics directly attached to the skeleton would have several advantages. For instance, as they are fixed there would be a lower risk of slippages and there would be no incidences of sores being developed on the skin of the stump. The stress of movement would be directly passed onto the skeleton, reducing future complications. Also, neural connection already established through use of implants similar to cochlear implants, the system’s movements would be more sturdy and coherent.

Definitely, the sensory inputs from a synthetic system may not match the richness of a natural neural system, but the fact that the mind would be able to ‘send’ and ‘receive’ information to a bionic prosthetic would make an amputee function just about normal.

The terminator robot straight out of the sci-fi movie is no more a pipe-dream, we may be closer than we all think!

-Noel Fernandes

Future is AI

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing everything from manufacturing to transportation to healthcare, and as these technologies develop further, they will have wide–ranging effect on our work, our lives, society and policymaking….

AI

To mark its 24th anniversary, Denver International Airport in Colorado installed a new talking gargoyle that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to interact with passengers.

Close to us we have Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and other such devices that uses AI to keep us updated on latest news, sports, weather or any other information.

UAE becomes the first country to have an AI minister.

These are just few examples of how AI will change the way we see things in the future. Many people believe that AI is yet to come, but they’re not aware it is already present in today’s world. The new iPhones use AI for its feature ‘facial recognition’; many video games available in the market today use AI extensively; both Netflix and YouTube use AI to recommend movies and videos. In plain words, AI is already a common component in a number of technologies we use today.

So what is AI?

Today’s machines like supercomputers can see things into the future like dark matter, universe, ailments and diseases, etc. which are far beyond the imagination of human beings. Supercomputers are already powering blackhole research and working on a number of unproven theories which humans were unable to answer for so many years.

A case in study is the IBM’s Supercomputer ‘Watson’ which is able to detect cancer much better than the veteran doctors, and algorithms are helping companies to know about their products and how it is faring online. In fact these are just some of the examples how technology or AI have come into our life which we hardly paid attention to.

In short, AI refers to machines that can learn, think, and act accordingly. When faced with new situations these machines can make their own decisions, similarly to that of humans. AI revolutionizing industries

Let’s look at the advances of Artificial Intelligence in major industries:

Agriculture –

According to the latest UN report, by 2050, there will be 2 billion more people on our planet and feeding these additional mouths will definitely pose a challenge for the governments. This is where the farmers are turning to Artificial Intelligence to produce more food using less resources. This includes using the right kind of crops that will yield returns, detecting pests, applying autonomous machinery for faster sowing and harvesting, monitoring soil and crop health, forecasting weather changes and environmental impacts.

Healthcare –

Of late we have seen many digital technology companies like Apple, IBM, Google and Microsoft who have entered into the healthcare industry. Their aim is to provide better and faster health services through mining medical records, thereby transforming the industry. A simple example is the IBM ‘Watson’ which has revolutionized the way doctors can diagnose and give treatment to a patient; working just like a human doctor.

Automobile –

With the evolution of latest technological advancements like GPS, radar, hi-tech camera, AI etc. the concept of driverless cars is slowly turning into reality! Auto giant BMW is optimistic that their driverless car called ‘i-Next’ will hit the roads in the next 2 years. Toyota’s autonomous car named ‘Yui’ will have a number of features like driving habits, roads travelled and even gauge emotional experience of the driver during the ride. Interestingly, other companies like Tesla, Google, Mercedes-Benz, Ford… are also investing huge amount of money in developing autonomous cars.

Manufacturing –

AI will have the biggest impact on the manufacturing industry. Robots have already made their presence felt in manufacturing automation. A simple case is the China-based mobile phone company that earlier had over 600 human workers. But after the recent AI automation, the company now employs only 50 workers who work in tandem with 50 robot arms and this has led to cent percent increase in productivity and over 80% drop in defects – thanks to AI automation.

Limitless future

Modern society is all set for transformation – thanks to the emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, advanced robotics, supercomputers that are revolutionizing everything from manufacturing to transportation to health care. And as these technologies develop, they will have wide– ranging effect on our work, our lives, society and policymaking. And if we are ready to fully accept these technologies in our lives, then we need to be think about how to use these technologies best to our benefits, while limiting the risks to humanity as we go along.

–Noel Fernandez

SMART DUST  – The Future of Surveillance

With technology ruling our lives, we have become dependable on a variety of systems to function through the day. More so, virtual assistants like Google Home or Alexa help us wake up, keep us updated, remind us of our schedules and even entertain us.

So the minute we step out, motion sensors detect our every move with apps suggesting either a faster route to our commute or a nearby restaurant for a quick bite. In a way, sensors, sense our every move!

All thanks to Smart dust – the technology that connects us with everything….

What is Smart dust?

Smart dust are tiny computers that are designed to function together as a wireless sensor network. These tiny computers are smaller than grains of sands and are spread across a selected area to perform tasks. The sensors use radio-frequency for identification purposes and draws energy from air.

Technically, Smartdust is a system of tiny microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that can detect light, temperature, vibration, magnetism or chemicals. Smart dust uses GPS receivers to track movements as they float in air.

Does Smart dust indicate Artificial Intelligence?

We are surrounded by sensor mechanisms all through the day. These sensors are connected via radio-frequency to everything around us. With these sensors floating in the air, it could easily get access and monitor anything and everything, from movements, temperature, velocity, position, sound and even brainwaves. These Smart Dust sensors thus monitor real world happenings, without disturbing the natural order. This makes Smart Dust a very powerful tool of artificial intelligence.

How can Smart dust be a technology revolution?

Smart Dust transforms the way the environment is monitored. When used in tandem with related technologies, it could bring a change in the way things, places, people, etc. are monitored. To collect continuous, accurate and real-time data, it can be positioned anywhere and everywhere by enabling the monitoring and controlling environment. Also, these self-powered sensors transmit information to a central computer or cloud where the collected data is studied through systems.

What makes Smart dust an effective technology?

Smart dust is majorly used in industries to improve safety and efficiency. It helps reduce the costs of systems and set-up as it is based on wireless network, thereby increasing its efficiency. Smart dust is primarily used for military purpose to monitor activities in unreachable areas, helping soldiers track enemy movements or even alert them about dangerous biological matter, poisonous gas or radioactivity in the environment.

Smart dust plays a crucial role in monitoring purposes for factories and offices, where data could be collected through a computerized network. This would eliminate wired routers, thereby replacing them with smart dust chips which could manage hardware and software functions more efficiently. Smart dust can also be used to monitor crops and help increase its productivity.

How does Smart dust make surveillance a threat?

From human spies to digital bugs, surveillance through smart technology is just a beginning. Smart dust was originally developed for military applications. But today most upcoming devices are created with sensors.

A prime example of this evolution would be Amazon Echo – a brand of smart speakers launched by the world’s largest retailer. The device could actually act like a spy sitting right in your living room, sensing your every move and communication without any clue

-Noel Fernandez

 

Whether it be glass knives or arrowheads used in the Bronze Age or jewellery and tableware in late Bronze Age or inexpensive windowpanes and pottery in the Iron Age or exotic stained glass artwork used in Churches through the Middle Ages or transparent solar panels in the Modern times, breakthrough glass manufacturing technologies continue to ‘transform’ and ‘mould’ human civilisation….

“Why pay hefty electric bill every month? Generate your own electricity at home.”

Don’t be surprised if you happen to see this ad coming up shortly in any newspaper or digital media. Because harvesting solar energy directly from transparent glass windows, rooftops, building walls, smartphones, car roofs… is going to be soon possible. Heliatek GmbH, a German company, has developed partially transparent solar panels which absorbs 60% of the sunlight it receives, and converts it into electricity. The company claims that these panels achieve 7.2% energy efficiency as compared to 12% efficiency delivered by most conventional solar photovoltaic panels. As researchers continue to look for solutions to increase ‘energy efficiency’ and ‘transparency’ of these glass panels, what’s really exciting is the fact that transparent solar panels could soon be mass produced at the cost of regular glass sheets.

If ever we begin to harness this ‘green energy’ on a large scale in the near future, it wouldn’t be the first time that the wonder substance ‘glass’ would have helped usher in a new revolutionary transformation. Looking back into history, one realises that centuries-after-centuries if there was one substance on earth that has ‘transformed’ and ‘moulded’ the growth and advancement of human civilisation, it was ‘glass’. Ever since mankind accidentally discovered glass some 3600 years ago in Mesopotamia (i.e. coastal north Syria) in the form of glass beads (i.e. a slag by-product during metal work), it has continued to amaze us all through its sheer ‘adaptability’ and ‘versatility’.

In the Bronze Age…

Since 30^th century BC, the Egyptians obsession for glass led to some rapid growth in glassmaking technology. Coloured glass had grown into a craze and prized possession of the elite class were glass vessels, coloured and shaped glass items, hardglass carvings, ubiquitous beads, etc. This civilisation perfected the art of extracting glass from the ashes (i.e. soda ash) of many seashore plants. Several communities in Western Asia closely guarded their unique manufacturing techniques. Commonly used for production of knives, arrowheads, jewellery and money, by the 15^th century BC, glass making grew into being an established industry across Western Asia and Egypt.

In the late Bronze Age…

It was around the 9^th century (late Bronze Age), the technique of making colourless glass was discovered and craftsmen started using glass to make artistic tableware. By the 6^th century the glass making industry started use of moulds for inlays to shape glass and the first glass making ‘manual’ known to mankind dates back to 650 BC.

In the Iron Age…

Somewhere in the 4^th – 5^th century BC, a Roman merchant happened to rediscover a translucent liquid oozing out of the sand while preparing meals on the beach. This led to the discovery of a new manufacturing technique of producing glass using white silica sand. This new source of raw material led to development of the revolutionary ‘glass blowing’ manufacturing technique during the first century BC. Glass vessels were now inexpensive compared to pottery vessels, and it is said that glass became the Roman plastic being used by masses.

In the Classic Middle Age…

It was the Romans (around 100AD) who began to use glass for architectural purpose, and cast glass windows of poor opacity appeared in the most important buildings in Rome. Over the next 1000 years, glass making flourished in the Roman Empire and spread from Italy to all countries across Europe. Throughout Europe the churches and cathedral saw the fine art of making stained glass achieve miraculous height till about 14^th Century. The first glass factory in the United States was built in Jamestown, Virginia in 1608.

India was also at the forefront of the glass technology in South Asia since 16^th Century. Indian artisans who were masters in glass moulding, decorating and colouring techniques, benefited tremendously from the new manufacturing techniques developed in Western Asia and Europe owing to its Greco-Roman connect.

Make-up of Transparent Solar Glass Panel

While the transparent photovoltaic glass allows the visible light to pass through, it captures Ultraviolet (UV) and Near-infrared (NIR) light to generate energy. A series of thin layered photovoltaic coating is deposited on glass or other transparent substrate. These UV and NIR layers absorb the energy which causes current to flow via the two transparent electrodes completing the circuit.

–Dr Shobha Tawade