When we, as human beings interact face-to-face, it's on the basis of both intellectual and emotional engagement. Sole Machines in New Zealand are building life-like Digital Humans which can connect with us in a human way by analyzing reactions and learning in real time. They have a virtual central nervous system so they can recognize emotional expressions then respond appropriately and interactively in real time. This allows a personalised experience at scale. Presented at the Financial Review BHP Business Summit 2018. www.soulmachines.com
FluroSat is a data analytics platform for farmers which combines drone and satellite imagery with algorithms to assess plant health, diagnose problems and direct fertiliser application. The easiest way to imagine it is as an X-ray for plants. When taking an X-ray you can separate tissues from bones. When you take a camera that has very high spectral resolution, you can see every wavelength of light being separated into different layers of information, just like bones and muscles.The system highlights the hot spots which are inconsistent with the rest of the field. Farmers use this map to identify where crops need more fertiliser. www.Flurosat.com
Sand is a major ingredient of mortar, plaster, concrete, and asphalt. Businesses often collect beach sand in bulk as a result hence beaches are retreating. DB has created machines, for use in bars and restaurants, that recycle empty beer bottles. You push the container through a bottle-shaped hole, then watch as a vacuum system removes silica dust and plastic labels, leaving behind pure glass sand. Each bottle produces 200 grams of powder substitute in about five seconds. DB Export Beer Bottle Sand will be distributed for roading projects, commercial and residential construction, even golf bunkers. www.geek.com/tech/machine-crushes-beer-bottles-into-sand-to-save-new-zealand-beaches-1690917/
Ministry of Supply makes 3D Print-Knit garments that move with your body because they are engineered in multiple dimensions with a pattern that takes into account your joints, plus the areas you put the most strain on during your day. As well as greater comfort, this printing process creates almost no waste, unlike the 35% that's usually left over when using traditional fabrics and techniques. It will also last you longer. Traditional garments are most vulnerable to wear and tear at their weakest points - the seams. These knits have no seams. www.ministryofsupply.com
