If 2020 has taught us anything, it has been the vulnerability of our societies in the face of increasingly globalized events, both in terms of climate change and pandemics. But it also shows human resilience and ability to come together in the face of daily challenges. Never before has a vaccine been developed so quickly. Nor has technology changed more rapidly than digitalization, which has transformed work and relationships with people. Moreover, despite the adversity, it was a year rich in innovation in many other areas.
1. New tools in the fight against the pandemic
In addition to the great news that arrived at the end of 2020 with the announcement of several effective vaccines against coronavirus, we witnessed the development of new technologies that will help us meet the challenges of future viruses. Thus, we talked about an innovative algorithm that can identify voice patterns associated with disease. Or the many applications of blockchain technology that also help us better manage pandemic data. The versatility of 3D printing, which has already shown promise in prosthetics, has also played a role in the manufacture of ventilators and other medical components. Of course, there has been a proliferation of smartphone tracking apps that optimize infection tracking.
2. Circular economy and sustainability
Concepts such as the circular economy, which until now have been confined to theoretical debates, are gaining ground and gaining value for companies and research centres. Smaller initiatives like using eggshells to make batteries or orange peels for recycling are linked with more ambitious technology projects such as HISER, which aims to recycle construction materials. It was done. This philosophy is also behind initiatives aimed at emerging economies such as Trashpresso, a mobile recycling plant that uses solar energy to convert plastic waste into building materials.
3. New smart textiles
This year also saw some impressive progress when it comes to the clothes we’ll be wearing in the next decade. Fibertronics and recycling He worked on concepts such as memory materials derived from wool. We also talked about new materials for medical applications inspired by lotus leaves.
4. Biomimicry: Nature as a Teacher
Speaking of lotus leaves as a source of inspiration, we once again witnessed the power of biomimicry. In other words, the application of the natural principles of innovation. Thus, Mosquito taught us how to create a drone with collision detection. What’s more, underwater drones have found a lot to learn from one of the ocean’s toughest swimmers, Tuna.
5. Artificial intelligence has doubled its applications
AI and big data have long been at the heart of technological development. However, this year we have seen an explosion of applications. On the one hand, they pushed the development of new autopilot ships and mining machinery, but they were also behind archaeological and historical discoveries. I have confirmed that I have found the A new geoglyph was also confirmed in the Nazca Desert. Both findings confirmed that AI can help us face the future and better understand the past.
6. Robots handle recycling
But robotics has not only stuck to the design of self-driving cars, it has opened up new recycling possibilities. A robotic arm that can select and sort waste is one of the key advances.
7. Carbon dioxide from enemies to raw materials
The fight against climate change continued with new technology projects to convert carbon dioxide into useful raw materials. Thus, we have seen new technologies for converting CO2 into fertilizer and food. We also saw progress in artificial photosynthesis using devices that generate fuel from carbon dioxide. Likewise, the groundwork was laid for carbon dioxide to be used as a building material.
8. Wastewater treatment and desalination
Wastewater treatment is a major ecological challenge, as is desalination for growing drinking water needs. Finding ways to optimize these processes, both in terms of recycling waste and reducing energy consumption in processing, has been one of the cornerstones of the past year. We see that wastewater can be used to produce fertilizer and fish food, that some aquatic insects can inspire new desalination technologies, and that bacteria can be powerful allies in wastewater treatment. bottom. Some of these processes may also reach our homes with the emergence of new domestic processing plants such as Hydraloop.
9. New Generation Renewable Energy
In addition to the integration of traditional renewable energies such as wind and solar power, we are also witnessing the emergence of a new generation of renewable energies. Some, such as wave energy, harness the energy potential of the ocean. Others allow it to draw power from the ubiquitous Wi-Fi signal. Or even resort to the so-called shadow effect. We are also working on the use of triboelectricity in various applications such as wildfire prevention.
10. Sensory assistance technology
Finally, technology can help reduce the impact of physical and cognitive disabilities, from gloves designed to give people with speech disabilities a voice, to use in Indian schools to teach hygiene to students. We have demonstrated the potential of robot hands as tools for improving our habits.
Without a doubt, innovation has not stopped for a moment in the last 12 months. Fortunately, scientists and researchers have worked tirelessly to make the world a better and more sustainable place. To them in general, and to the medical research profession in particular, I would like to dedicate this annual summary.
