Technology Pick

The People’s Bank of China has showcased the latest advancement in digital payments: a new visual hard wallet for the digital yuan.

In a development that could be extremely beneficial to the mobile communications sector, engineers and researchers from the University of Glasgow claim to have developed an ultrathin 2D surface which utilizes the unique properties of metamaterials to manipulate and convert radio waves across the frequencies most commonly used by satellites.

Every year, around 80 tons of space debris re-enters Earth’s atmosphere. While most of this debris harmlessly disintegrates, the breakdown process can release chemicals that deplete ozone layers and contribute to atmospheric pollution.

In Germany's Moselle Valley, renowned for 2,000 years of winegrowing, the Smarter Weinberg project is transforming traditional practices through 5G technology.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering) have introduced PanoRadar, an advanced perception system that equips robots with the ability to see through harsh conditions such as smoke-filled buildings and foggy roads.

As of 2024, 70% of the world's total population now uses a mobile phone. This widespread use of wireless technology has led to investigations into the safety of mobile phones, particularly concerns about their potential link to brain cancer.

South Korean researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology have developed a transport drone, dubbed "Palletrone," featuring multiple flexible rotors that self-correct to maintain level flight. This drone acts as a "flying shopping cart," capable of carrying goods over uneven terrain, such as stairs.

Wildfires are escalating in frequency and severity, driven by factors such as climate change, drought, and land use changes. In the UK alone, over 44,000 wildfires were reported in 2022—a staggering 72% increase from the previous year. As these fires become more destructive, innovative solutions are critical for effective management and prevention. AI-powered drone swarms possess game-changing technology that is set to revolutionize wildfire response strategies.

According to the latest reports from major players in the sector, the general public’s interest in generative AI (GenAI) platforms is growing at a rapid pace.

Despite the failure of Google Glass in 2014, smart glasses are poised for a significant resurgence due to advancements in AI. Companies like Meta and Google are heavily investing in the next generation of smart glasses that seamlessly blend style with functionality.