Table of contents for v9.4 in Innovation & Tech Today

In 2024, home tech is reaching new heights, and smart furniture is leading the charge. This new generation of furniture combines modern design with cutting-edge features, offering unprecedented comfort and convenience. Explore the latest innovations in smart furniture, its uses across different rooms, and tips for selecting the perfect pieces for your home. Examples of Smart Furniture – Smart Beds – Smart Sofas– Smart Desks – Smart Tables– Smart Mirrors– Smart Wardrobes– Smart Appliances…and so much more! Key Innovations in Smart Furniture Wireless Charging: Sofas, coffee tables, and nightstands now offer built-in wireless charging capabilities. This feature means no more tangled cables and easy and fast charging. Voice-Activated Adjustments: With the sound of your voice, smart furniture adjusts itself with ease. Voice-activated adjustments are perfect for those moments when you…

From the heart of McHenry, Illinois, Limitless Innovations is pushing the boundaries of consumer tech with products that blend innovation, convenience, and quality with trends that closely match what consumers crave. As a close-knit family company passionate about innovation and problem-solving, Limitless Innovations has always been about providing solutions for everyday consumers and doing it with old-school customer service. With the company beginning with cable storage solutions and moving into new tech categories, don’t be surprised if Limitless Innovations becomes the next big thing in consumer electronics, or they already are. Rock Smeja, the Principal at Limitless Innovations, is no stranger to entrepreneurship and innovation. Coming from a long lineage of inventors and businesspeople, it only made sense for him to lead the company into a new era of breakthroughs…

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, where the demands on nursing and care professionals continue to intensify, a transformative wave is starting to have a decidedly positive impact on the industry through cutting-edge wearable technology. The evolution towards adopting wearable exoskeletons, traditionally associated with industries, like logistics and manufacturing is beginning to redefine the work environments of nursing and other care workers, enriching both well-being and operational efficiency. The healthcare sector, renowned for its challenges, is witnessing the positive effects of the introduction of exoskeletons in the daily routines of nursing and care professionals. These people, who bear the physical strain of patient mobilization and the associated heavy lifting, are obtaining relief through implementing innovative technologies designed to support their critical roles. A significant breakthrough lies in active—or powered—exoskeletons. While…

National Geographic released its nature series, QUEENS, narrated by Angela Bassett and crafted exclusively through a female lens, showcasing the remarkable stories of animal queens from six remote locations across the globe. Powerful leaders in the animal kingdom, from sisters to single mothers and grandmothers, show their resilience, love, and strength for their family’s survival. The last episode of the series pays tribute to the dedicated women who went the distance to document and safeguard these marvelous animal monarchs. Innovation & Tech Today spoke with cinematographer Erin one of the brilliant minds behind the ground-breaking series. We explored the transformative dynamic of an all-women filmmaking crew and how this female perspective influenced the creative choices made throughout the series and more. Innovation & Tech Today: How did the all-women filmmaking…

Delivery bots are on the rise, literally. These robots are growing not just in technological savvy but also in physical size. Traditionally, delivery robots have been small, nimble machines, primarily navigating sidewalks to complete tasks. But now, innovation in the field has brought about larger, more advanced robots capable of sharing public roads with traditional vehicles. One notable example is Clevon, which has been actively operating and delivering on public roads for over three years in six different countries. While the image of autonomous vehicles is often associated with robotaxis for human passengers, Clevon diverges from this path, focusing solely on logistics and delivery. Their latest creation, CLEVON 1, is a driverless, electric-powered platform-based robot designed for versatility and efficiency on public roads. The benefits of using such driverless delivery…

Mesa, Arizona, has emerged as a destination for cutting-edge technology companies, making it ideal for businesses seeking an innovative environment. Mesa hosts high-tech industries like aerospace, semiconductors, healthcare, electric vehicles, climate tech, and advanced manufacturing, creating a dynamic ecosystem for innovation. Aerospace Innovations Mesa’s aerospace sector is a testament to the city’s forward-thinking approach. Companies like Virgin Galactic, Rosotics, and Boeing are driving space and aviation innovation. Virgin Galactic’s new manufacturing facility in Mesa will soon be assembling spaceships for private space travel. Rosotics is revolutionizing aerospace manufacturing with its advanced 3D printing technology, enabling the production of large structures like rocket tanks. Boeing continues to innovate with projects such as its new composite fabrication center for nextgeneration aircraft. Semiconductor Boom Companies like JX Metals, Benchmark, Pentagon, FUJIFILM, Mitsubishi, and…

What’s so special about Albuquerque’s Sandia Science & Technology Park? In a word, the neighbors. Immediately adjacent to the Park are the unparalleled facilities of Sandia National Laboratories and the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the thousands of distinguished scientists, engineers, researchers, and technicians who populate them. What’s really special: the companies that reside on the 340 acres of the Park—known as SS&TP—collaborate with these top labs on a broad range of technologies, products, and services. Working daily with world-class scientists and engineers can’t be easily duplicated elsewhere. It is the Park’s unique selling proposition. There is an unequaled synergy between SS&TP businesses and their lab neighbors. Many are strategic suppliers and work with the national laboratories on Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and licensing agreements. These relationships are…

The extraordinary adventures of the natural world are celebrated in the National Geographic series Incredible Animal Journeys. Hosted by Jeremy Renner, the show captures animals going on epic migrations that are dangerous but necessary. From the icy terrains of the Antarctic to the deep Pacific Ocean, Incredible Animal Journeys illustrates the strength and determination of diverse species on our planet. Innovation & Tech Today had the opportunity to speak with Kim Jeffries, the cinematographer and underwater camera person whose work is in the “Ocean Odysseys” episode of the upcoming series. This specific episode partly follows the fascinating journey of a humpback mom leading her newborn calf across the Pacific, risking it all for the next generation. Innovation & Tech Today: How has tech evolved in wildlife filmmaking, and what role…

Man’s best friend is more than just a pet to people across the world. Often, many consider dogs part of the family, making their way into portraits, playdates, and public functions. So, what can you do when you have to leave your cuddle buddy at home while you work? That’s where the Furbo 360° comes into the picture. Seeing my dog’s sad puppy eyes as I walked out the door each morning prompted me to find a compromise that would ease my worry and my pet’s separation anxiety. The Furbo 360° is the best-selling Wi-Fi dog camera in the market today. This product is much more than just a digital camera for seeing your beloved pet. Animal lovers can see and talk to their dogs through the device while dispensing…

Undoubtedly, you have seen them swirling around high up in the sky—these little flying machines called drones! They have become part of our lives for some time now and impact many major industries. The sports and media industry is no exception. For starters, they have significantly revolutionized sports footage and will continue to do so in the future, providing new and innovative perspectives for fans, analysts, and, of course, athletes and their coaches. But not only that! Because of the enormous advances in technology, drone capabilities have significantly improved. Drones Give Sports Footage a New Dimension Originally, sports video material and footage were recorded by fixed cameras, while later on, tools like the Goodyear blimp and floating or non-floating skycams added to the spectrum. With the arrival of drones, a…

In the sci-fi Netflix film Spaceman, Director John Renck takes the audience on an exploration of solitude, love, and the mysteries of our solar system. As Jakub, played by Adam Sandler, embarks on a research mission completely alone, the film captures his failing connection with his wife, Lenka (Carey Mulligan), and the true meaning of life. While on the spaceship, Jakub finds a new friend within Hanuš, a mysterious creature voiced by Paul Dano, with origins from the beginning of time. In this exclusive interview with Renck, we explore his inspiration for taking on the directorial role, his creative process in crafting the space environment, and the challenges and triumphs he faced in bringing the intricate relationships and cutting-edge tech of Spaceman to life on the big screen. Innovation &…

In the domain of luxury living, technology has transitioned from a convenience to a necessity. The pivotal role of technology in our homes is increasingly recognized by architects, interior designers, and builders. Clients’ needs for sophisticated home technologies are causing industry professionals to seek guidance from home technology integrators in the early stages of design. Despite this slowly growing trend, there is a pressing need to promote the need for early design of home technology systems, even before the involvement of framing contractors or electricians. This is a trend I hope that kicks into high gear in 2024 and beyond. Networks and Prewire: Building the Digital Backbone With the increasing complexity of luxury home technology, a robust and high-speed network infrastructure is vital to ensure seamless operation. High-quality, reliable home…

From Robby, the Robot in Forbidden Planet, to the infamous C-3P0 from Star Wars, the use of robots for space exploration has always intrigued us. However, the concept of robots in space are is no longer confined to the silver screen—it has become a reality today: Fast-paced technological evolution has dramatically transformed the landscape of space exploration. At the heart of this discovery lies a blend of science, limitless possibilities, and innovation that robotics provides. Forget just landing on the moon—we can explore even the unchartered realms and venture into the solar system far beyond with robotic tech. Over the past decades, cuttingedge technology has played an integral role in fueling successful space missions—and robotics is rapidly emerging as a crucial component. The Journey From Earth to Space As long…

The cult of Tesla is a classic car tale for the modern age. Not since the ‘Pony Wars’ in the 1960s, which generated the rebellious Mustang and the Camaro, has there been such hero worship of a car. But now, it seems the electric vehicle (EV) bubble has burst. Ford’s electric truck, the Lightning—which is its counterpart to the gas-guzzling Ford F-150 pickup—has slashed its production by half due to lack of demand. EV sales in the United States rose to a record high of more than 300,000 for the first time in the third quarter of 2023, but industry leader Tesla’s market share slipped to the lowest on record and vies with chief EV rival, Rivian. Tesla’s monopoly is dwindling with even budget car companies such as Kia offering…

While New Mexico may be best known for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it’s also long been a growing hub for technology and innovation across various industries. This is thanks to the state’s ideal location, extensive research and development assets, robust technical and skilled trade talent pipeline, and business-friendly policies that support a strong ecosystem of public and private companies on the cutting edge of tech and innovation. Located in the Southwestern United States, New Mexico offers three interstate highways, an extensive rail network, international airports, foreign trade zones, and an international border with Mexico that provides easy access to customers, partners, and suppliers across the U.S. and around the globe. This centralized location provides ideal infrastructure for the state’s three national labs, four military installations, and four…

Known as the astronomy capital of the world, the Tucson area boasts the world’s largest collection of research telescopes and is home to the University of Arizona, the world’s leading university for space science. In 2022, the University of Arizona ranked in the top 20 in research expenditures among all public universities, according to the National Science Foundation. In fiscal year 2023, the university reached $954 million in annual research activity, placing it among the top 4% of public universities in the nation. The University of Arizona also made history with the OSIRIS-Rex mission. Led by researchers in the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, OSIRIS-Rex is the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid and return it to Earth for study. Launching Sept. 8, 2016,…

The exciting series Arctic Ascent With Alex Honnold, which captures legendary Alex Honnold and a team of world-class climbers braving uncharted peaks of Greenland, premiered on National Geographic. The goal of the expedition is to summit the 3,750-foot rock formation Ingmikortilaq. Beyond the thrill of climbing, this journey is a ground-breaking exploration to discover the impact of climate change in remote areas. The expedition’s safety and logistics lead, Aldo Kane, joined forces with Honnold while making the series. As a former Royal Marines Commando sniper and seasoned explorer, Kane navigated the treacherous terrain with precision and expertise. In an exclusive interview with Innovation & Tech Today, Kane shares details of this daring mission, such as the cutting-edge technology used for climbing and how the series contributes to climate change awareness.…

OpenAI Makes Deal With Time Magazine Time magazine has entered into a multi-year content agreement with OpenAI, granting the maker of ChatGPT access to its archive of news content. In response to user queries, the chatbot will cite and link back to the original source on Time.com, according to a joint statement. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. WhatsApp Announces New AI Tools Meta has launched its first AIdriven ad targeting program for businesses on WhatsApp, aiming to generate revenue from the popular chat service, the company announced at a conference in Brazil. CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the new tools in a video presented during the event. This marks a significant shift for WhatsApp, an encrypted messaging service known for its strong privacy credentials, which has previously…

Have you ever imagined how wonderful it would be to go inside your body’s 3D model with your doctor during a video call right from your home? No, it is not a scene out of a Hollywood movie or a sci-fi novel. With technologies like augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) integrated with telemedicine, it is entirely possible today. Jointly called Extended Reality (XR) technology, these immersive technologies can create virtual environments and combine them with reality. VR immerses users in a virtual world, while AR overlays virtual elements onto the real world for improved context. The future of healthcare is arriving through our screens, and it’s highly immersive and transformative. It allows doctors to conduct consultations, examinations, and even surgeries remotely. The introduction of AR and VR into…

So, what about the future of smart homes? It involves nothing better than merely turning the lights on and off with the help of your voice or waiting until the light bulb can understand your habits and naturally switch on and off. The future of smart home integration with smart home devices is extremely astonishing, as it comes with endless scope, which is why many Americans today have started to invest in smart houses. Reportedly, the global market size for the smart home market will grow from $101.7 billion in 2023 to $163.7 billion by 2029, growing 10% between 2023 and 2028. Socio-economic and geopolitical challenges are building additional tailwinds to grow the market for smart homes. The notable leap into technology is also facilitating the market. So, let us…

In recent years, awareness of the role of robotics in industry and services has significantly increased. Robotics has become a necessity and scored a stable position in the industrial market. For many businesses, the most significant barrier hindering the decision to invest in robotics is the complex implementation process coupled with a lack of qualified personnel to operate the robots. Fortunately, the development of cobots—collaborative robots—has brought about a revolution, effectively lowering the entry level into robotics. The keyword in the definition of a cobot is “collaboration” – behind this, strong pillars are paving the way for the development of robotics in an entirely different direction. Traditional industrial robots, which are heavy, complicated, and strongly enclosed in safety cages, are starting to be replaced by smaller, user-friendly, and barrier-free collaborative…

There’s an energy in Lea County, and we’re not just talking about the most prolific oil basin in the world—the Permian Basin. Best known as the EnergyPlex, this southeastern New Mexico county has been a major player in the world of energy—whether solar, wind, oil, gas, or nuclear. Since 1928, oil and gas pioneers have combined their innovative and entrepreneurial efforts to develop a world-class energy hub in southeastern New Mexico. Today, Lea County is the number one oil-producing county in the United States, leading the way in innovation and technology to access the resources within layers of rock once thought impermeable. “Lea County’s Delaware Basin, a concentrated sub-area within the western Permian Basin, may have more oil per square mile than anywhere else on the planet,” said Jennifer Grassham,…

Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, the Disney+ Original series by National Geographic, A Real Bug’s Life, takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through nine micro bug worlds across the globe. With the help of cutting-edge filming technology, the series shows the mindblowing behaviors of bugs both near and far. The family-friendly series, narrated by Awkwafina, premiered exclusively on Disney+. Innovation & Tech Today spoke with producer Bill Markham and director of photography Nathan Small, who both had pivotal roles in making the new series. In addition to digging into the process of making A Real Bug’s Life, we explored the special tech used to capture film, unexpected challenges while filming in microenvironments, and the importance of teaching the next generation about these tiny creatures. Innovation & Tech…

BELLROY VENTURE READY PACK — The Venture Ready Pack 26L from Australian carry brand Bellroy is a clever all-rounder backpack designed to feel at home in almost any environment. A quick-access top pocket with plenty of organization keeps smaller items within easy reach, while the spacious main compartment securely stows the rest of your gear. Inside, there’s storage for a 16” laptop and documents, plus mesh zip pockets for smaller bits. The full-length zip allows you to have as much or as little access to the interior as you need. A large water bottle pocket on the outside can double as a tripod holder thanks to a removable webbing strap. Dual-density foam in the back panel and shoulder straps gives you stability and impressive softness while the ventilation channel keeps…