The wonderful, wild and wacky tech @ CES 2020
Las Vegas hosted its annual Consumer Electronics Show last week, where tech giants and start-ups showcased their latest wares, like the futuristic VISION AVTR concept car featured above.
Mercedes-Benz says its ‘zero impact’ VISION AVTR (inspired by — wait for it — Avatar) will use a 100% recyclable ‘organic’ battery that fully charges in under 15 minutes, with a range of 700 kms.
The AVTR can identify its owner by their heart rate and breathing, is controlled through a centre console (no steering wheel), can move sideways in a crab-like motion, and has 33 reptilian ‘bionic flaps’ — integrated solar plates that power its neuromorphic hardware.
This and other CES 2020 innovations are examples of the emerging trend of ambient computing, which involves the integration of electronics, touchscreens, and A.I. into our everyday environments.
You won’t have to go far on Google to find plenty of ‘best of CES’ articles — here are some of the other interesting developments that caught my eye:
Atmos, an app-connected ‘face wear’ respirator mask that uses fans, air filters and pressure sensors to purify the air you’re breathing.
Withings ScanWatch, a ‘health wearable’ with a built-in ECG and sleep apnoea detection.
Skiin, ‘connected underwear’ embedded with ‘textile computing’ sensors to monitor heart rate, stress levels, temperature, sleep, exercise, etc.
Guardian XO, a powered full-body exoskeleton (currently being trialled by Delta airlines), which allows workers to safely lift objects weighing up to 90 kgs for extended periods.
Segway’s S-Pod, a WALL-E inspired armchair ‘vehicle’ that rolls on two self-balancing wheels.
Inupathy, a wearable that analyses a dog’s feelings based on its heart rate.
Ambassador, a headphone that can translate real-time conversations in 20 languages and 42 dialects.
EnvisionBody, an augmented reality app that shows you what you’d look like if you were slimmer, or jacked.
Bocco emo robot, an ‘emotional support’ robot that nods its head in agreement while listening to its owner’s problems.
Trifo’s Lucy, a robot vacuum that doubles as an autonomous home security bot.
This was a brief snapshot of the new tech showcased at CES 2020 — if you’d like to learn more, you can check out related coverage here.
About the author:
Aamer Fattah is a scientist, innovation leader and deep tech expert.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer or company.
