IN SPOTLIGHT

Four scenarios on the future of circular economy

The circular economy holds the promise of a zero-waste future, yet formidable challenges in technology, finances, and regulation persist. How will governments and businesses overcome these obstacles to achieve true sustainability?

 
 

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Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen

A Revolution of Tiny Robots

Much has been said about how industrial and non-industrial robots are changing the world. When we think of robots, most of us think of industrial robotic arms, military robots, or anthropomorphic service robots. In other words, big robots. Few think of those robots that are rarely visible to the naked eye: microrobots.

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Future Trends Marianna Mäki-Teeri Future Trends Marianna Mäki-Teeri

Self-Healing Electronics

A group of scientists from the University of California, Riverside, got inspired by Wolverine, a comic character from the X-Men, who has self-healing abilities. As a result, they created transparent, self-repairing and highly stretchable material that can be electrically activated. Therefore, it’s especially suitable for improving the performance of smartphones, robots and other electronic devices.

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Future Trends Tapio Mäkelä Future Trends Tapio Mäkelä

OctopusGribber

Festo presents OctopusGribber, a robotic “hand” which mimics the multi suction cup tentacle of the octopus. How Industrial robots grab objects with “pliers” or single suction cups has prevented them from replacing human hands some tasks on production lines. Biomimicry in engineering may bring forward new innovations that enable robots to bypass manual touch.

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Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen

Gaining Super Powers

Exoskeletons exist all around us. Animals such as grasshoppers, cockroaches, and lobsters all have them. For them, exoskeletons provide protection and support, among serving other functions. What if we could allow human beings to experience the same benefits, while at the same time increasing their strength, precision, and power?

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