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The future is unfolding before our eyes. We are living in a time of extraordinary technological breakthroughs, and just when it seemed like technology had reached its limits, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) introduces even more of their remarkable inventions.
From robots that can learn and behave like humans to groundbreaking developments in fields that impact our daily lives, there's always something fascinating happening at MIT. And just when we start to get accustomed to these astonishing innovations, even more come into the spotlight. These latest inventions will spark your imagination while simultaneously making the world a better place.
10. A Robot That Follows Courtesy Rules
If you've ever navigated a densely crowded space, you're aware of the unspoken rules that help keep everyone calm. There's nothing worse than someone who disrupts the flow of people, causing delays. This new robot not only understands how to stay to the right in a packed hallway, but it also grasps many other subtle social cues.
The researchers managed to train the robot to think like a human by teaching it four essential skills: understanding the space it occupies and its position (localization), recognizing its surroundings (perception), selecting the most efficient path forward (motion planning), and being capable of executing the movement along that path (control).
The robot can smoothly pass slower pedestrians, let others go ahead, and even avoid collisions altogether. It may not be long before robots seamlessly integrate into our daily lives without drawing much attention!
9. A Robotic Brain Spy
This robotic arm combined with an automated computer algorithm allows researchers to observe neurons in the brain without the need for manual 'patch clamping.' Previously, doctors had to insert a pipette directly into the brain to collect the same data, a process that can now be done noninvasively.
This invention collects data about the tiny electrical synapses in the brain, providing doctors and scientists with valuable insights into what's happening inside a patient's mind. Not only does it perform this delicate task safely and consistently, but the potential impact on mental health technologies, medical treatments, and research is immense.
8. A Potential Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease affects 5.5 million families each year. It’s not just devastating for the patient, whose brain function gradually declines, but also for their loved ones who watch the progression.
With this recent breakthrough, researchers have managed to slow down memory loss, a revolutionary advancement. They pinpointed a specific enzyme, HDAC2, which, when blocked, enhances cognitive function. Could a cure be on the horizon?
7. A Massive Data Storage System Known as Flash Cache
That's right—thanks to the capabilities of flash memory, researchers can now store massive amounts of data more efficiently than ever before. These alternative storage solutions are also significantly cheaper compared to the commonly used DRAM (dynamic random-access memory).
While flash memory may have slower access times, the new system uses 20 times less energy and offers 100 times the storage density of DRAM.
6. An Innovative Blanket for Refugees
The number of displaced individuals worldwide (refugees) surpassed 60 million for the first time in recent years. Worse still, 24 people are displaced every minute. MIT researchers have created a blanket designed to offer some relief to those in need. It’s water-resistant for rain and flood-prone areas, durable, robust, and incredibly warm. The materials dry quickly and can transform into backpacks or even sleeping bags.
The blanket is double-sided, lightweight, and antimicrobial. Its strong nylon handles also double as a backpack. There’s a pocket to fold and secure it with Velcro. It even has a strip that glows in the dark. Despite all these high-tech features, the blanket is relatively affordable to produce.
5. Heat-Sensing Vehicles
These vehicles are equipped with radiometric cameras mounted on their roofs, capable of capturing heat images. Along with near-infrared cameras, they can detect heat patterns. The cars also use LiDAR technology to map the shapes of buildings under inspection. This setup allows them to quickly assess if homes or other structures are losing heat with simple thermal imaging. The technology works on businesses and other infrastructures as well. The heat images produced by these mobile devices are truly remarkable.
Once the data is gathered, specialized software compiles the information, merges the images, and eliminates unnecessary elements. In a single day, over three terabytes of data can be processed. The inventors also solved a major issue with the technology. The required cameras usually cost around $40,000, but they developed a low-cost alternative that only costs $1,000. These cameras are detachable and can be reattached to prevent damage. However, several modifications were required to ensure the cameras work in varying temperatures and maintain GPS accuracy under different weather conditions.
4. A Completely Unassuming Robot Servant
This humanoid robot can do nearly anything you ask, within reasonable limits! It can recall information you've shared with it before and even perform simple tasks like handing you a box of Cheez-Its. The robot combines both declarative and semantic memory, which means it can remember broad knowledge as well as specific events and details. This combination allows it to acquire new skills and handle increasingly complex tasks over time.
The future of smart robots and interactive AI is already here and has been for some time. Soon, you may rely on digital assistants to help with your daily tasks!
3. An Exceptionally Stylish Space Suit
This suit isn't just functional, it's optimized for safety, agility, and speed, all while boasting a sleek and futuristic design.
Designing a space suit on Earth is far more difficult than you might think. It's impossible to fully recreate space conditions for testing. To overcome this challenge, scientists have taken extreme measures, from submerging test subjects underwater to sending suited teddy bears into space for experiments.
The suit's design started with research focused on preparing astronauts for trips to Mars. It's far more flexible than the bulky gas-filled suits of the past, made from elastic fabric that can withstand the harsh demands of space travel. Even the smallest tear in earlier suits could endanger an astronaut's life, but this new suit is built to endure far more damage.
While space exploration is the primary goal, the technology behind the suit has broader applications. Researchers are looking to use it to assist children with various conditions like brain injuries or cerebral palsy. It could also benefit stroke survivors or others in need of mobility assistance, thanks to actuators and sensors embedded in the suit to aid movement.
One of the suit's remarkable features is that it is tailored for each wearer. The person who will wear it undergoes a laser scan to create a perfectly custom fit. The suit is expanded before being worn, then it shrinks around the wearer once they connect to a power source, ensuring a flawless fit.
To make this work perfectly, a very special material was required. While there are many shape-shifting materials, the best option was a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy. This alloy is coiled tightly, and these coils expand when heated, transforming into new and diverse shapes.
Shaping the thin fibers into coils was no easy task, so the researchers borrowed techniques used by others who had previously developed autonomous robotic worms. The coils can be 'taught' to return to a specific shape once they reach the right temperature. The metal behaves like carefully wound paper clips. To return to their original shape, the coils need to reach about 450 degrees Celsius (842 °F), and then they can be reshaped at room temperature. At around 60 degrees Celsius (140 °F), they spring back into their original form. This gives astronauts the flexibility they need to adjust the suit to their required shapes, resulting in an incredibly versatile space suit that allows for maximum mobility.
2. Metapianos
Researchers deconstructed and reassembled two old pianos into one-of-a-kind, unconventional musical experiences. A diverse group of participants with various backgrounds came together to combine their skills, resulting in the creation of two extraordinary and innovative inventions.
The first creation restructured the many detailed components of the piano into a completely new instrument capable of generating electroacoustic feedback, creating a purposeful sound loop that aids musicians. Aside from its usefulness, it also produces incredibly cool sounds.
The second invention was a complex and elaborate musical pinball machine. It's definitely not something you come across every day!
1. Origami Robots
These robots are just as charming as they are functional. Inspired by the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, the tiny robots can take on a variety of stunning shapes that you can customize yourself.
In traditional origami, artists craft intricate and beautiful designs using only folds, never relying on glue, cutting, pasting, or drawing on the paper. The true beauty of this art lies in the transformative power of a single sheet of paper when guided by creativity and imagination.
These tiny origami robots are capable of actions like walking, stepping, and even driving. In the future, they'll have the ability to fly as well.
