You can now install 4 tracks on a vehicle in 15 minutes, while keeping the tires on, without any modifications of the vehicle. This innovation will make it much easier to get through snowy country. http://trucktracks.com/en/
Vertical farming allows for food production using a tiny fraction of the water and land of conventional agriculture and without the use of pesticides or fertilisers. San Francisco-headquartered Plenty, with funding from Amazon?s Jeff Bezos, is building enormous indoor farms to grow fresh produce ? mainly greens at this point ? close to or inside cities where they will be eaten, which cuts down on the CO2 required to transport food. https://www.plenty.ag/
Mountain View-based startup Willow has developed a discreet, battery-powered breast pump that follows the shape of the breast and is small enough to be slipped into a bra. The milk is sucked into freezer-safe bags that fit into the cups. Because it?s so much quieter, it allows the wearer to continue with her day while pumping, whether at work or leisure. An accompanying smartphone app keeps track of milk volume, pumping time and past pumping sessions. The device is currently in beta testing, but will be available to purchase in 2018. https://www.willowpump.com/
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have built Alyx, a robot that teaches autistic people to recognise social cues. Learning to identify and process these facial expressions is critical to workplace interactions. The team plans to turn the Alyx prototype into a full-bodied, autonomous version, operating in a mock workplace, with clinical trials then planned. http://www.straitstimes.com/world/social-robot-could-help-autistic-adults-find-work
Homeshare has the potential to combat loneliness and change the face of social care, starting in the UK. How? Homeshare enables two unrelated people to share a home for mutual benefit. The Homesharer benefits from low cost accommodation, while the Householder receives companionship and practical help in and around their home. https://homeshareuk.org/
