A news highlight about what’s new with the tech industry, smart cities and smart mobility in the past week.
IBM claims breakthrough with 2nm chip
IBM has created a 2nm chip in its test lab, claiming it is a breakthrough due to the chip’s ability to improve performance by 45% and use 75% less energy. Read more here.
New robot has ability to comb hair
A team of scientists from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Harvard University’s Soft Math Lab have created a robotic arm that comes equipped with cameras and sensors and can assess the type of hair in order to provide appropriate hair care. Read more here.
Austrian company develops smart shoe for blind and visually impaired people
Tec-Innovation, an Austrian company, has developed InnoMake, which are smart shoes designed to help blind and visually impaired people get around and avoid obstacles. The shoes come equipped with waterproof ultrasonic sensors that send vibrations or will make noises to signal obstacles. Read more here.
Researchers from the Netherlands create artificial leaves from 3D printing
Researchers from the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands have designed a way to create algae-based artificial leaves from 3D printing, which may be used to produce oxygen in space. Read more here.
AutoX’s autonomous taxis 100 consecutive days in operation
Alibaba-backed autonomous vehicle firm AutoX has reached 100 consecutive days of operating a driverless taxi service in Shenzhen, the most populated city in China, and the company claims the taxis have been well-received. Read more here.
Gurugram announces WhatsApp COVID19 helpline
Gurugram in India has partnered up with WhatsApp to create a COVID19 helpline chat box to provide citizens with information about beds, care centres, online doctor consultations and other resources. Read more here.
First safe landing by SpaceX Starship rocket prototype
Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has achieved the first safe landing of its Starship rocket prototype during the most recent test flight with the liftoff from the company’s starship facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The four previous landing attempts resulted in explosions. Read more here.
Largest fuel pipeline in US hit by cyber-attack
The Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline in the United States that carries 2.5 million barrels a day, was hit by a ransomware cyber-attack. The US government has issued emergency legislation. Read more here.
