From Marty Hardin, SVP, Director of Emerging Media and Technology, Palio
1. HAL Robot Suit – pre-release beta in international testing (Japan and Denmark)
http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/03/21/video-newest-version-of-cyberdynes-robot-suit-hal-up-and-close/
Categories: Technology, Medical Devices, Assistive Technologies
What it is: A robotic suit that can help paralyzed persons walk (and lift heavy objects) by transforming brain signals sensed through the skin into motion
Why it matters: Soon, devices will require less and less direct input, but will become aware of desire driven by neurological impulses. The human to machine interface will recede from our awareness, making devices more intuitive. Think and do – not – think, interface, wait, think, adjust, interface, etc.
2. Microsoft 3D Phone app – alpha 2.0
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/37021/
Categories: R&D, User Experience, Mobile, Apps
What it is: A mobile app that converts a series of still images into a scrollable 3D object
Why it matters: If this were just a computer program, it wouldn’t be that amazing, but this is sophisticated image processing on a CELL PHONE. As processors get faster, and code gets lighter, the limitations of mobile apps will fade away, allowing us to create robust applications that would have tied us to a home or office computer. While the image processing takes place on a remote server, it is a pretty remarkable beginning.
3. Kinect Surgical Device Hacks – alpha 1.0
http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2011/02/kinect_3d_gaming_camera_used_to_control_da_vinci_surgical_robot.html
http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/03/23/kinect-lets-surgeons-navigate-medical-data-in-the-or/
Categories: R&D, User Experience, Gaming, Hacks, Kinect
What it is: A new system that uses Microsoft’s Kinect to allow surgeons to browse through diagnostic images without having to physically touch any controls
Why it matters: Now the world of hackers and healthcare are starting to collide in new and exciting ways.4. The first plastic computer processor – alpha 1.0
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/37126/?ref=rss
Categories: Technology, Devices, R&D
What it is: The first working, non-silcon based computer processor
Why it matters: Currently estimated to at 1/10th the cost of a traditional silicon processor. It is flexible and thin. This opens the door to making disposable smart devices. As on of the development team said: “… imagine an organic gas sensor wrapped around a gas pipe to report on any leaks…” Take that a step further: smart patient ID bands in hospitals; drug packaging with digital PI’s; thermometers with readouts of temperature, BP and pulse… You get the idea.
5. Paranga – alpha 2.0
http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/03/23/video-tactile-feedback-device-for-e-readers/
Categories: Technology, User Experience, Dynamic Feedback
What it is: Tactile feedback device for E-Readers
Why it matters: Okay, so this isn’t earth shaking, but natural feedback and gestures let users focus on their task and not the device. While touch devices have created analogs to physical actions (squeeze, tap, swipe, etc.), this takes observed human actions and makes the device behave in an expected way – not in an adapted way.
Stories worth noting:
Post-Jeopardy, Computer Watson Is Taking on Medicine
http://mashable.com/2011/03/21/watson-medicine/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Mashable+(Mashable) The computer that defeated humanity’s finest Jeopardy players in February isn’t stopping at game show domination. Its creators have been busy retrofitting the computer to help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
Fake tweets by ‘socialbot’ fools hundreds of followers http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20928045.100-fake-tweets-by-socialbot-fool-hundreds-of-followers.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=tech Three anonymous teams have let loose software that pretends to be human, and used it to manipulate a group of Twitter users. And, it worked.
Mechanical “thinking machine” built from scraps
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/turing-machine-built-from-wood-scrap-metal-and-magnets-geek/
It’s not code driving this machine. It’s a purely mechanical device capable of simulating and solving algorithms. It would take “months to add two numbers together,” but all good things start off humbly.
Happy exploring!
Palio is a full-spectrum global pharmaceutical and consumer advertising, marketing, and communications agency that excels in brand creation and specializes in brand strategy, product launches, global marketing, and digital and integrated media.
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