Trying on outfits with an avatar
The e-commerce platform YOOX has launched a feature for its app called YOOXMIRROR that can be used as a tool for discovering new looks with the help of a virtual avatar called Daisy. Daisy presents a range of outfits that users can put together with the feature. Daisy's skin tone and hair colour can also be chosen by users. What's more, YOOX has allowed the "digital influencer" Daisy take over the brand's Instagram channel to facilitate direct contact with followers and customers.
Synthetic meat from a 3D printer
"Nova Meat" from the Italian researcher Giuseppe Scionti is a method for developing a vegetarian meat substitute made from protein powder in combination with a 3D printer. The powder consists of a mixture of rice and peas as well as special algae components. Using a 3D printer developed at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and special CAD software, the protein mass is injected into a micro filament to create an approx. 125g vegetarian steak in under an hour.
LOHC stores hydrogen cheaply
Hydrogenious Technologies GmbH has found a way to store and transport hydrogen without cooling or compression. Storage for regenerative energies is produced by electrolysing water using wind or solar power. The energy is recovered using fuel cells. As an alternative to current storage methods, the carrier substance "Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier" (LOHC) binds hydrogen to the organic carrier dibenzyltoluene. This method allows the existing infrastructure to continue to be used.
Prosthetics networks with the cloud
The US prosthetics and orthotics manufacturer Hanger has partnered with the communications giant AT&T to develop the first concept for a device that networks prosthetics with cloud applications. The resulting prototype can be attached to prosthetics and continuously syncs with the cloud via the AT&T network. This automatic data feed makes it possible to offer patient care in almost real time. At the same time, the wearer can view personal details via an app and monitor their daily progress.
Remote-controlled medical research in space
The Swiss start-up SpacePharma has developed modular mini-laboratories that will make it possible to remotely perform medical experiments in zero gravity. The mini-laboratory is equipped with the necessary liquids and analysis tools before being launched from small satellites into space. The samples are then continuously monitored by a satellite facility in Jura. When a relevant discovery is made from experiments, SpacePharma receives a share of future licensing fees.