Elon Musk said humanoid robots could make Tesla worth as much as a quarter of today’s global GDP. Tesla boss said he is “pathologically optimistic.” He has promised everything from armadas of autonomous taxis to rapidly overtaking Toyota Motor’s, production levels. More prosaically, he has been too sunny about the timeline to produce cheap, long-range or bigger electric cars.

Luckily for Musk, investors don't grade him straight line. According to Visible Alpha, Tesla is trading at 76 times projected earnings for the upcoming 12 months compared to Ford Motor’s. It's obvious that his business entails more than just manufacturing cars.

Speaking to a crowd consisting mostly of fawning fanboys in an auditorium at the Gigafactory, Musk promised Tesla would move into “limited production” of Optimus in 2025 and test out humanoid robots in its own factories next year.

Related Elon Musk’s Neuralink Raises $280 Million

Musk also said that Tesla is not just a car company. He said, “Tesla also writes a lot of software that helps what like we call the Tesla operating system internally. That is Head and Shoulder above what any other company has I think. The Tesla internal software is just way better. So…yeah it’s just far more than what people normally think of as a car company.”

But his most recent formula is a true puzzler. Last week, Elon Musk made a prediction stating that 10% of the market will be occupied by Tesla's Optimus and that eventually, 10 billion people on Earth would desire at least one robot, with 1 billion being produced annually. According to his theorem, charging $20,000 would result in $10,000 in profit per person, or $1 trillion yearly, reports Reuters.

For a product this commoditized, the margin would be substantial. Musk did, at least, lower his target valuation to 20 times, but even so, it still amounts to $20 trillion in market value from robots, not to mention an additional $5 trillion estimated worth for self-driving taxis. The International Monetary Fund estimates that Tesla's profits from robotics alone accounted for 1% of the global economy last year, while Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, is expected to make up just 0.1% of this year's total.

Musk's practice in multiplication resulted in subtraction. The day following his address at the annual meeting, Tesla's market value dropped by two percent. There is a pattern: every time he updates the market on Optimus, the stock either declines or hardly moves.

He said that, when it comes to humanoid robots, other companies, including tech startups, are going after the market. Competitors include Boston Dynamics, Agility, Neura and Apptronik.

“What really matters is, can we be much faster than everyone else and our product be done a few years before theirs and be better,” Musk said.

There are many medical wearable innovations every month, but this one stands out. Voice disorders are common in all age and demographic groups, research has shown that almost 30% of people will experience at least one such disorder in their lifetime. Jun Hen, an assistant professor of bioengineering, and his colleagues at University of California Los Angeles Engineering have invented a thin, flexible device that attaches to the skin outside the throat and translates the muscle movements of the larynx into audible speech. This device could help people with voice disorders, including those with pathological voice disorders or those recovering from laryngeal cancer surgery or generally all people who lost the ability to speak. The device is trained through machine learning to recognize which muscle in your throat moves with which word. These signals are then translated into audible speech with an accuracy of around 95%.

About UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

The university was founded in 1945, with the goal to bring together the disciplines of medicine and engineering and bridge the gap between university and industry, focusing on the discovery of useful technologies and tools to improve the quality of the nation's healthcare.

Leading global sporting goods and fitness companies have united to address the alarming rise in physical inactivity, revealed by new data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings show that 31% of adults are inactive, with projections indicating this could rise to 35% by 2030. Additionally, 81% of adolescents are not meeting the necessary activity levels for good health. The economic impact of this inactivity could exceed $300 billion by 2030 due to preventable health conditions such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes and even cancer.

In response, major companies including adidas, Amer Sports, ANTA, arena, ASICS, Cycleurope, Decathlon, Li-Ning, New Balance, Nike, On, Orbea, Pentland Brands, PUMA, Restube, Shimano, SHRED., Specialized, SRAM, Tecnica Group, Under Armour, Wearable Technologies and Yonex, have joined forces under the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI). This coalition aims to leverage the industry's collective power to promote active lifestyles.

WFSGI Chair Andy Rubin emphasized, “Despite being competitors, we are coming together to share our expertise and engage people in community sports and physical activity.” Fiona Bull, Head of WHO's Physical Activity Unit added, “They have a wealth of knowledge that can be used as a global good; they understand consumers and have insights into behaviour change. We expect this MOU to help mobilize the sporting industry to show-case good practice, and provide opportunities for a valuable exchange that will help WHO support countries to increase physical activity levels.“

Industry Commitments:

1. Raise Awareness: Increase media and government attention on physical inactivity.
2. Support Active Lifestyles: Promote physical activity through marketing and community engagement.
3. Leverage Major Events: Use sporting events to highlight the importance of physical activity.
4. Create Partnerships: Collaborate to foster active workplace environments and healthy lifestyles.
   ‍

To the WHO press release
To the WFSGI press release

TDK Corporation successfully developed a material for CeraCharge, a next-generation solid-state battery with an energy density of 1,000 Wh/L, approximately 100 times greater than the energy density of TDK’s conventional solid-state battery.

TDK’s technology is aimed at a solution that can be utilized in various wearable devices, such as wireless earphones, hearing aids and even smartwatches, with the goal of replacing existing coin cell batteries, the company said in a press release.

Utilizing TDK’s proprietary material technology, TDK has managed to develop a material for the new solid-state battery with a significantly higher energy density than TDK’s conventional mass-produced solid-state batteries (Type: CeraCharge) due to the use of oxide-based solid electrolyte and lithium alloy anodes. The use of oxide-based solid electrolyte makes batteries extremely safe. It is intended for use in wearable and other devices that come in direct contact with the human body.

The battery can be applied for replacing coin cell primary batteries in compliance with EU battery regulations, which require them to be replaced by rechargeable batteries, which is expected to contribute to the reduction of environmental impact.

Related Sound-Powered Sensors Could Eliminate Battery Usage

TDK will strive to develop the battery cells and package structure design and advance toward mass production, targeting the development of its new product, the solid-state battery. Moreover, TDK aims to enhance the capacity of the batteries through multi-layer lamination technology and expand its operating temperature range by applying the production engineering technology TDK has accumulated in the electronic components business.

Main applications

• Various wearable devices such as wireless earphones, hearing aids and smartwatches
• Environmental sensors
• Replacement of coin cell batteries

Main features and benefits

• The use of oxide-based solid electrolyte makes battery extremely safe
• Smaller size and higher capacitance contribute to smaller device size and longer operating time

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK‘s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2024, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.6 billion and employed about 101,000 people worldwide.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a new method that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and computer simulations to train robotic exoskeletons to autonomously help users save energy while walking, running and climbing stairs.

“This work proposes and demonstrates a new machine-learning framework that bridges the gap between simulation and reality to autonomously control wearable robots to improve mobility and health of humans,” says Hao Su, corresponding author of a paper on the work which will be published June 12 in the journal Nature.

“Exoskeletons have enormous potential to improve human locomotive performance,” says Su, who is an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at North Carolina State University. “However, their development and broad dissemination are limited by the requirement for lengthy human tests and handcrafted control laws.

“The key idea here is that the embodied AI in a portable exoskeleton is learning how to help people walk, run or climb in a computer simulation, without requiring any experiments,” says Su.

Related Universal Exoskeletons for Everyone

Specifically, the researchers focused on improving autonomous control of embodied AI systems – which are systems where an AI program is integrated into a physical robot technology. This work focused on teaching robotic exoskeletons how to assist able-bodied people with various movements. Normally, users have to spend hours “training” an exoskeleton so that the technology knows how much force is needed – and when to apply that force – to help users walk, run or climb stairs. The new method allows users to utilize the exoskeletons immediately, reports North Carolina State University.

“This work is essentially making science fiction reality – allowing people to burn less energy while conducting a variety of tasks,” says Su.

“We have developed a way to train and control wearable robots to directly benefit humans,” says Shuzhen Luo, first author of the paper and a former postdoctoral researcher at NC State. Luo is now an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

For example, in testing with human subjects, the researchers found that study participants used 24.3% less metabolic energy when walking in the robotic exoskeleton than without the exoskeleton. Participants used 13.1% less energy when running in the exoskeleton, and 15.4% less energy when climbing stairs.

“It’s important to note that these energy reductions are comparing the performance of the robotic exoskeleton to that of a user who is not wearing an exoskeleton,” Su says. “That means it’s a true measure of how much energy the exoskeleton saves.”

While this study focused on the researchers’ work with able-bodied people, the new method also applies to robotic exoskeleton applications aimed at helping people with mobility impairments.

“Our framework may offer a generalizable and scalable strategy for the rapid development and widespread adoption of a variety of assistive robots for both able-bodied and mobility-impaired individuals,” Su says.

“We are in the early stages of testing the new method’s performance in robotic exoskeletons being used by older adults and people with neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy. And we are also interested in exploring how the method could improve the performance of robotic prosthetic devices for amputee populations.”

In an attempt to win the European Championship, England manager Gareth Southgate and his team have resorted to titanium health rings worn by some of the world's biggest celebrities.

Oura Rings have been provided to Southgate, the players, and the England staff for them to wear throughout the Euros so that their heart health, stress levels, and sleep patterns can be tracked in Germany.

"We're beaming with pride when we see these elite athletes choose Oura, that's really cool," said Dorothy Kilroy, the company's chief commercial officer, to Sky News.

England defender John Stones already wore an Oura Ring before the Euros. Speaking last year, Stones said: “The first thing I do once I’m out of bed is check my Oura Ring to see how I’ve slept – it’s addictive.

“It tells me how long it took me to fall asleep, how much REM [rapid eye movement] and deep sleep I managed, how many times I woke up…it’s mad.”

Related Oura Ring Launches Period Prediction and Educational Content

Will Oura Ring Give England squad the upper hand?

Although the men's team has never won a title at the Euros, England is already the clear favorite to win. Anything that will enable them to bring some silverware home is what they'll be searching for.

Dave Thomas is the lead on "future technology" at the UK Sports Institute, where he works with Olympic and Paralympic athletes from England.

According to him, the ring might provide the sports scientists for the England team with an alternative viewpoint on how their players are performing throughout the competition.

Are health trackers the future of healthcare?

Although there has been a surge in the market for health trackers recently, they have been available since the 1960s.

Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry, and Gwyneth Paltrow are among the celebrities who have embraced the trend, wearing Oura rings, which can cost anywhere from $300 and $449.

CrewNerd, the innovative and most established on-the-water app for rowers and paddlers, has enabled compatibility with ActiveLook “Light AR” technology from MICROOLED, the European leader in the manufacture of OLED micro-displays. This integration will allow for a more interactive and safe experience for rowers, enabling them to access real-time data in their field of view without interrupting their focus or performance. ActiveLook is a heads-up display technology for connected eyewear combining low weight, low energy consumption and a very long battery life.

With this integration, CrewNerd is the first rowing or paddling app to provide real-time performance metrics. The athlete's experience is transformed in the way how they interact with their metrics, allowing them to look directly in front of them instead of looking down at a screen, reports ActiveLook.

Key metrics such as speed, distance, stroke rate, heart rate will be projected directly onto the glasses' lenses in the user’s field of view. When pairing ActiveLook glasses with an iPhone, Apple Watch or Android Smartphone, the metrics will be shown directly in the user's field of view. This will create a more immersive and productive training experience without them having to disrupt their activity. This technology will enhance the safety of the users by allowing them to keep their eyes on their path but also optimize their performance by providing real-time feedback.

Related Archinisis Unveils Rowing Performance Analysis System

This compatibility with ActiveLook is a great option for rowers that can now have their metrics much more accessible than on a screen that might be hard is hard to read in bright sunlight. The displays with ActiveLook have several brightness modes, allowing rowers to read the data with greater ease.

For Eric Marcellin-Dibon, CEO of MICROOLED: “This new partnership with CrewNerd allows us to provide heads-up display solutions to rowers that we haven’t yet touched. This will enhance their experience as rower or coxswain providing athletes to maximize their potential.”

Tony Andrews, founder of CrewNerd commented, "We first launched CrewNerd 15 years ago. Since then we've continued to innovate and push the boundaries of how rowers and paddlers interact with their performance data and metrics. By partnering with ActiveLook Light AR technology, we are further enhancing the experience of rowers, coxswains, and paddlers."

Coxswains will benefit tremendously from a heads-up display since it will allow them to turn their head to look in any direction without having to turn back to see critical information about their crew’s performance or progress through a race. Apple Watch users using CrewNerd in “watch only” mode face the challenge of looking at their wrist while rowing or paddling to check their pace or stroke rate. With ActiveLook, they can see all of their critical data without sacrificing good posture or disrupting their flow.

MICROOLED has developed a specific and free interface that promotes an entire ecosystem around glasses. The software is patented and is based on a Bluetooth LE (BLE) layer. This software makes it possible to transmit intelligence and information with a very low impact on consumption.

About CrewNerd

CrewNerd is your ultimate rowing and paddling companion. As the most established on-the-water app, CrewNerd has been the performance monitor of choice for rowers and paddlers worldwide. It serves as a SpeedCoach at a fraction of the cost of SpeedCoaches.

About MICROOLED

MICROOLED specializes in the design, production and marketing of OLED micro-displays for near-eye applications (outdoor optical equipment, night vision glasses, ocular equipment for medical devices, augmented reality glasses, etc.). MICROOLED is a key partner of the world's top technology integrators with a unique technology that combines high resolution, high brightness and low energy consumption.

Since 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), which entails a newborn and caregiver making skin-to-skin contact on the chest, for low-birth-weight (LBW) infants, including those who are full-term and preterm. According to the WHO's 2023 report, it has been demonstrated to lower neonatal death by 32%, and as a result, it has become the global standard of care for newborns with low birth weights.

Even while most mothers are content to carry their babies close to their chest for extended periods of time, mothers who practice KMC might still question whether they should be holding on for longer. Here's where Joey enters the picture.

Developed by Assoc. Prof. Xia Zhou and colleagues at Columbia University, the device is worn like a necklace by the mother. She places a tiny piece of electrically conductive fabric between the infant's bare chest and her own bare chest, reports NewAtlas.

The two electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors in that patch, one on each side, track the electrical activity of the mother's and the baby's hearts, respectively. The mother's back has an electronics module hardwired to it, which evaluates and wirelessly sends the ECG data to a nearby smartphone app.

The software recognizes the presence of an effective KMC session as long as it is able to monitor ECG readings from both users, which is what the Joey does. The app notifies the mother if it finds that additional KMC time is needed.

The device can also distinguish between the mother's and the infant's ECG signals in addition to filtering out background "noise" caused by body movements. This implies that it can keep an ongoing eye on the baby's heart rate and breathing rate. Once more, the app notifies the mother if either of these deviate from normal ranges.

Read more Wellysis ECG Patch Hits US, Indian Markets

The Joey demonstrated an average accuracy of 96% in measuring KMC duration when tested on 35 caregivers and their infants. Additionally, it offered vital-sign readings with an accuracy deemed clinically acceptable.

"I am very excited about our findings because they demonstrate the promising potential of physiological sensing using everyday conductive fabrics, a ubiquitous and natural sensing medium," said PhD student Shao Qijia Shao, lead author of a paper on the study. "The comfort and ease of wear of these soft, sensing materials offer a significant advantage over rigid, adhesive sensors, which have been the mainstream methods for physiological sensing."

DexCom, the global leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, announced today that the Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System now connects directly to Apple Watch in the United States. Dexcom G7 is the first and only CGM available with Direct to Apple Watch, offering users the freedom and convenience of real-time glucose readings on their wrist even when their iPhone isn’t with them.

“At Dexcom, our users are at the heart of everything we do. Direct to Apple Watch has been one of our most requested features and we’re thrilled to roll it out to Dexcom G7 users in the U.S. and around the world,” said Jake Leach, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Dexcom. “We’ve long believed that people with diabetes should be able to view their CGM data where and how they choose. Direct to Apple Watch is a testament to that, allowing people with diabetes flexibility and choice in how they manage their health.”

Using its own dedicated Bluetooth connection, Dexcom G7 sends glucose information and personalized alerts right to a user’s Apple Watch, allowing them to go for a run, enjoy a dinner out, and feel confident leaving their iPhone behind. Dexcom G7 is the only CGM system that can display glucose on multiple devices simultaneously and independently, including on a smartphone, smart watch, receiver or connected automated insulin delivery system.

In addition to the benefits of using Direct to Apple Watch with Dexcom G7, people with diabetes can track other key health metrics that can impact glucose levels using Apple’s Activity, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, and other health features on Apple Watch, iPhone and iPad. All of this data is stored securely in the Health app, where it can be viewed alongside Dexcom G7 data users choose to store in the Health app so all of their diabetes health information is accessible in one place. Apple products are built with strong privacy protections and users have control over their data in the Health app.

Related Ultrahuman’s CGM Hits US Market

"Having used Direct to Apple Watch with Dexcom G7 for the last few months, being able to glance at my wrist and see my glucose levels in real-time has been a game changer," said Dexcom Warrior Beth McDaniel of Northern Ireland. "For the first time since being diagnosed, I can leave my phone at home without worrying and enjoy my daily activities with the confidence that I have the information I need to help keep my diabetes under control."

Direct to Apple Watch is now available to Dexcom G7 users in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, with additional markets launching later this month. To use Direct to Apple Watch, users must have the Dexcom G7 app version 2.1, Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 10 or later, and an iPhone running iOS 17 or later. To learn more about Direct to Apple Watch and see a list of compatible devices, visit www.Dexcom.com/G7.

About DexCom

DexCom, Inc. empowers people to take real-time control of health through innovative continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., and with operations across Europe and select parts of Asia/Oceania, Dexcom has emerged as a leader of diabetes care technology. By listening to the needs of users, caregivers, and providers, Dexcom works to simplify and improve diabetes management around the world.

Vuzix announced that it has been selected by AFWERX for a Smart Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I contract focused on the development of augmented reality head mounted displays (HMDs) using waveguide technologies to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Under this DAF funded program, Vuzix will begin developing and supplying innovative waveguide and HMD capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

"We are thrilled to directly engage with the U.S. Government via this Department of the Air Force development contract award," said Paul Travers, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vuzix. "Our waveguides, which are proudly designed and manufactured in our New York State facility, can be paired with our leading-edge projector technologies typically used by DOD. This innovative combination of our optical solutions promises a new level of functionality and performance to what may ultimately become part of a broad range of solutions for DOD aircraft, vehicles, and personnel use cases across various military US DOD branches."  

Related World’s First Binocular Waveguide AR Glasses

About Vuzix Corporation

Vuzix is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise, medical, defense and consumer markets. The Company's products include head-mounted smart personal display and wearable computing devices that offer users a portable high-quality viewing experience, provide solutions for mobility, wearable displays and augmented reality, as well OEM waveguide optical components and display engines. Vuzix holds more than 375 patents and patents pending and numerous IP licenses in the fields of optics, head-mounted displays, and augmented reality Video Eyewear field. Moviynt, an SAP Certified ERP SaaS logistics solution provider, is a Vuzix wholly owned subsidiary. The Company has won Consumer Electronics Show (or CES) awards for innovation for the years 2005 to 2024 and several wireless technology innovation awards among others. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company with offices in: Rochester, NY; Munich, Germany; and Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan.

About Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 325 military, civilian and contractor personnel at six hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 4,697 contracts worth more than $2.6 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.

Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully developed a new, controllable prosthetic extra thumb designed to enhance productivity. They say the robotic thumb can help expand the capacity of the human hand, from carrying multiple beverage glasses and shuffling playing cards to performing surgery.

"We are also really excited about potential opportunities of using the thumb to enhance productivity in work settings, especially those that are relying on their hand's manual dexterity in order to accomplish their work,” said Tamar Makin, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Cambridge.

“This can be anywhere between manual laborers that are trying to solder a complicated kit or even surgeons that have to negotiate between many instruments at the same time," she added.

Related Smart Prosthetic Lets Man Feel Hot and Cold

A few years ago, a London-based designer named Dani Clode introduced the world to the Third Thumb. A team of neuroscientists working in The Plasticity Lab at University College London saw the Third Thumb on the news and immediately contacted Clode. They were studying how the human brain adapts to operate augmentative technology, and the Third Thumb was a perfect device to incorporate into their research.

In 2022, the third thumb was showcased at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition where nearly 600 members of the public tested the device.

The results, published in Science Robotics, showed that “98 per cent of participants were able to successfully manipulate objects using the extra thumb during the first minute of use, with no significant influences of gender, handedness, or affinity for hobbies involving the hands”.

According to the study team, a pressure sensor positioned beneath each big toe or foot controls the third thumb.

The third thumb is pulled across the hand by the pressure on the right toe, and the thumb is pulled up toward the fingers by the pressure on the left toe.

The pressure exerted determines how far the third thumb can move.

Researchers hope that with further testing, the third thumb could redefine human capabilities.

Researchers from TMOS, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems, have made significant progress in their journey to deliver a new approach to night vision technology, creating an infrared filter that is thinner than a piece of cling wrap, and that could one day be placed on everyday eyewear, allowing the user to view the infrared and visible light spectrum at the same time.

Night vision devices have primarily been used by the military, hunting enthusiasts willing to lug around multipurpose binoculars, or photographers happy to carry around heavy lenses. This is due to the weight and bulk of the technology. The average person is not going for a night-time run with an additional kilo strapped to their forehead.

Miniaturizing night vision could lead to widespread adoption. Creating night vision filters that weigh less than a gram and can sit as a film across a pair of traditional spectacles opens up new, everyday applications. Consumer night vision glasses that allow the user to see the visible and infrared spectrum at the same time could result in safer driving in the dark, safer night time walks, and less hassle working in low-light conditions that currently require bulky and often uncomfortable headlamps, reports ANU College of Science.

In research published in Advanced Materials, TMOS researchers from the Australian National University demonstrate enhanced infrared vision non-linear upconversion technology using a non-local lithium niobate metasurface.

Traditional night vision technology requires infrared photons to pass through a lens, then encounter a photocathode that transforms these photons into electrons, which then go through a microchannel plate to increase the number of electrons generated. These electrons which travel through a phosphor screen to be reconverted back to photons, producing an intensified visible image that can be seen by eye (figure 1.1). These elements require cryogenic cooling to prevent thermal noise from also being intensified. A high-quality night vision system, like the one described above, is heavy and bulky. In addition, these systems often block the visible light.

The metasurface-based upconversion technology requires fewer elements, drastically reducing its footprint. Photons pass through a single resonant metasurface where they are mixed with a pump beam (figure 1.2). The resonant metasurface enhances the energy of the photons, drawing them into the visible light spectrum—no conversion of electrons needed. It also works at room temperature, eliminating the need for bulky and heavy cooling systems.

Read more Smart Glasses Use Eye Tracking Via Sonar

In addition, traditional infrared and visible imaging systems cannot produce identical images, as they capture images from each spectrum side-by-side. By using up-conversion technology, imaging systems can capture both the visible and non-visible in one image.

The work is an improvement on the researchers’ original technology, which featured a gallium arsenide metasurface. Their new metasurface is made from lithium niobate, which is fully transparent in the visible range, making it far more efficient. In addition, the photon beam is spread over a wider surface area, limiting angular loss of data.

Lead author Laura Valencia Molina says, “People have said that high efficiency up-conversion of infrared to visible is impossible because of the amount of information not collected due to the angular loss that is inherent in non-local metasurfaces. We overcome these limitations and experimentally demonstrate high efficiency image up-conversion.”

Author Rocio Camacho Morales says, “This is the first demonstration of high resolution up-conversion imaging from 1550 nm infrared to visible 550 nm light in a non-local metasurface. We choose these wavelengths because 1550 nm, an infrared light, is commonly used for telecommunications, and 550 nm is visible light to which human eyes are highly sensitive. Future research will include expanding the range of wavelengths the device is sensitive to, aiming to obtain broadband IR imaging, as well as exploring image processing, including edge detection.”

Chief Investigator Dragomir Neshev says, “These results promise significant opportunities for the surveillance, autonomous navigation, and biological imaging industries, amongst others. Decreasing the size weight and power requirements of night vision technology is an example of how meta-optics, and the work TMOS is doing, is crucial to Industry 4.0 and the future extreme miniaturization of technology.”

According to a study published today in Nature, an international team of researchers from Rice University and Hanyang University developed the material by embedding clusters of highly dielectric ceramic nanoparticles into an elastic polymer. The material was reverse-engineered to not only mimic skin elasticity and motion types, but also to adjust its dielectric properties to counter the disruptive effects of motion on interfacing electronics, minimize energy loss and dissipate heat.

“Our team was able to combine simulations and experiments to understand how to design a material that can seamlessly deform like skin and change the way electrical charges distribute inside it when it is stretched so as to stabilize radio-frequency communication,” said Raudel Avila , assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Rice and a lead author on the study. “In a way, we are carefully engineering an electrical response to a mechanical event.”

Avila, who was responsible for conducting simulations to help identify the right choice of materials and design, explained that electronic devices use radio frequency (RF) elements like antennas to send and receive electromagnetic waves, reports Rice University.

“If you have ever been in a place with poor cellular reception or a very spotty Wi-Fi signal, you probably understand the frustration of weak signals,” Avila said. “When we’re trying to communicate information, we work at specific frequencies: Two antennas communicating with each other do so at a given frequency. So we need to ensure that that frequency does not change so that communication remains stable. The challenge of achieving this in systems designed to be mobile and flexible is that any change or transformation in the shape of those RF components causes a frequency shift, which means you’ll experience signal disruption.”

The nanoparticles embedded in the substrate served to counteract these disruptions, with a key design element being the intentional pattern of their distribution. Both the distance between the particles and the shape of their clusters played a critical role in stabilizing the electrical properties and resonant frequency of the RF components.

“The clustering strategy is very important, and it would take a lot longer to figure out how to go about it through experimental observations alone,” Avila said.

Sun Hong Kim, a former research associate from Hanyang and now a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University, pointed out that the research team took a creative approach to solving the problem of RF signal stability in stretchable electronics.

“Unlike previous studies that focused on electrode materials or design, we focused on the design of a high-dielectric nanocomposite for the substrate where the wireless device is located,” Kim said, highlighting the importance of collaboration across three different fields of expertise for developing “such a multidimensional solution to a complex problem.”

“We believe that our technology can be applied to various fields such as wearable medical devices, soft robotics and thin and light high-performance antennas,” said Abdul Basir, a former research associate from Hanyang and now a postdoctoral researcher at Tampere University in Finland.
Wearable technologies are having a profound impact on health care, enabling new forms of individual monitoring, diagnosis and care. Smart wear market predictions reflect the transformative potential of these technologies with health and fitness owning the largest share in terms of end use.

“Wireless skin-integrated stretchable electronics play a key role in health emergencies, e-health care and assistive technologies,” Basir added.

To test whether the material could support the development of effective wearable technologies, the researchers built several stretchable wireless devices, including an antenna, a coil and a transmission line, and evaluated their performance both on the substrate they developed and on a standard elastomer without the added ceramic nanoparticles.

“When we put the electronics on the substrate and then we stretch or bend it, we see that the resonant frequency of our system remains stable,” Avila said. “We showed that our system supports stable wireless communication at a distance of up to 30 meters (~98 feet) even under strain. With a standard substrate, the system completely loses connectivity.”

The wireless working distance of the far-field communication system exceeds that of any other similar skin-interfaced system. Moreover, the new material could be used to enhance wireless connectivity performance in a variety of wearable platforms designed to fit various body parts in a wide range of sizes.

For instance, the researchers developed wearable bionic bands to be worn on the head, knee, arm or wrist to monitor health data across the body, including electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) activity, knee motion and body temperature. The headband, which was shown could stretch up to 30% when worn on the head of a toddler and up to 50% on the head of an adult, successfully transmitted real-time EEG measurements at a wireless distance of 30 meters.

“Skin-interfaced stretchable RF devices that can seamlessly conform to skin morphology and monitor key physiological signals require critical design of the individual material layouts and the electronic components to yield mechanical and electrical properties and performance that do not disrupt a user’s experience,” Avila said. “As wearables continue to evolve and influence the way society interacts with technology, particularly in the context of medical technology, the design and development of highly efficient stretchable electronics become critical for stable wireless connectivity.”

In the ever-evolving world of wearable technologies, there is one technology that stands out, the S1 by FLOWBIO. Good hydration is essential to perform well in sports. To prevent cramps and collapses, the company FLOWBIO has launched its hydration sensor S1, which can measure your hydration in real-time.

FLOWBIO's S1 is a must for every athlete. Monitoring sweat loss prevents dehydration and helps with recovery so that the best performance can be achieved. The S1 gives you an understanding of how to hydrate your body. It measures in real-time how many electrolytes and water you are losing. With the help of patented algorithms, the sensor can also predict how you need to hydrate in your next sessions to achieve the best results. The app also provides recommendations on what you should be drinking before, during and after each session and race. Additionally, you can connect all your favorite fitness apps and devices, including Garmin, Wahoo, Zwift, and TrainingPeaks. The S1 communicates via ANT+ and Bluetooth.

About FLOWBIO

FLOWBIO was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in London. The company's mission is to create the world's most accurate hydration sensor to help athletes achieve their goals and protect them from dehydration.

Scientists at the Carnegie Mellon University have created a four-legged bio-inspired robot that climbs like no other. It clings to rough vertical surfaces utilizing a unique mechanism that is highly effective, yet at the same time relatively simple.

While some experimental robots are able to climb smooth surfaces using suction-based gripping mechanisms, this technology is unable to build a seal on rough surfaces like granite, reports Ben Coxworth in NewAtlas.

Utilizing what are referred to as microspine grippers is one substitute. These have a variety of tiny, sharp hooks that catch tiny crevices and nooks in the surface being ascended. When the gripper is taken off to proceed to the next level up, the hooks are removed from that surface.

Certain microspine grippers are passive, meaning they cling to objects by using their body weight. This kind does well on comparatively smooth walls but has trouble on more uneven surfaces, like cliff faces, where a more diverse climbing technique is needed.

In order to overcome this limitation, active microspine grippers use electric actuators that deliberately bury a ring of the hooks into the surface, preserving a motorized hold that functions in either direction. However, these are typically large, energy-consuming, and technically intricate, and they also have a somewhat slow ascending speed.

That's where the LORIS quadruped robot comes in.

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The device, called "Lightweight Observation Robot for Irregular Slopes" after a climbing marsupial, was developed by Paul Nadan, Spencer Backus, Aaron M. Johnson, and associates at Carnegie Mellon University's Robomechanics Lab.

A splayed microspine gripper, with two groups of spines oriented at a right angle to one another, is located at the end of each of the bot's four legs. A passive wrist joint connects the gripper to the leg. In essence, this means that the gripper just flops around in reaction to the leg's movements.

The robot moves its legs strategically such that when the gripper on one leg grabs hold of the climbing surface, the gripper on the other leg, at the opposite end of the body, does the same. This is accomplished by using an onboard depth-sensing camera and CPU.

Those two diagonally opposed legs' grippers remain securely attached to the surface as long as they are able to keep inward tension on them. Meanwhile, the other two opposing legs of the robot are free to advance one step further upward. This climbing technique is called directed inward grabbing (DIG), and it was inspired by insects.

Beijing, China-based XR tech startup OPTIX announced that it has closed its oversubscribed Pre-A funding round led by Primavera Venture Partners. Existing investors Lanchi Ventures also participated, bringing OPTIX total equity raise to US$15M. The investment is OPTIX's third funding round in less than two years since the company was established in August 2022. OPTIX Angel round was led by Lanchi Ventures with participation from Vlight Capital.

OPTIX develops cutting-edge optics technology and offers advanced solutions for the next-gen AR and VR products. With technology as its core, OPTIX focuses on VR Pancake in-house design and fabrication, and AR waveguide technologies including Geometric Waveguide, SRG Waveguide, and VHG Waveguide.

"Optics plays a crucial role in XR hardware. The technology itself is very challenging because it needs to be highly integrated with other subsystems, at the same time, be manufacturable at mass production scale", Gary Yan, Founder and CEO of OPTIX said on the fundraising announcement, "Our goal is to provide the ultimate optical experience, and to create outstanding AR and VR products in collaboration with world-leading customers and industry partners."

"We are excited to be backed by Primavera Venture Partners, Lanchi Ventures, and Vlight Capital. Their wealth of experience, foresight, and strong support are essential for us to achieve long-term goals," said Yan.

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The new funding comes on a heel of a rapid growth year for OPTIX. The company has established its own laboratory and manufacturing process, and has been simultaneously focusing on key optics technologies for both AR and VR. Within weeks of Apple releasing its first headset Vision Pro in June 2023, OPTIX published their VR Pancake optical module, which has a resolution of 8K binoculars, and a field-of-view that is larger than Vision Pro for more than 15 degrees. The extremely delicate picture and 3D display effects have been unanimously recognized by many customers worldwide. Next step, OPTIX will further integrate gaze tracking, foveated rendering and PB Lens into the iterated pancake module, and AR waveguide module will be launched in Q3 2024.

Primavera Venture Partners said "The VR and AR market holds immense potential in the long term. The continuous strategic development of VR and AR by global technology leaders has not only marked a significant turning point for the industry, but it has also shown us the vast possibilities of VR and AR in transforming our daily lives. The breakthrough of products hinges upon the advancement of core optical module technology. OPTIX, backed by its full-stack team in optical module design and process and its solid understanding of technology, has independently developed its unique technical advantage and specialization. OPTIX's products have gained recognition from many renowned brands for its industry-leading optical performance. We look forward to seeing OPTIX leveraging its capabilities in terminal design and supply chain technology to better support the industry in overcoming bottlenecks in optical solutions and enrich our everyday life through the lens of XR technology."

Lanchi Ventures said "XR devices are expected to become the next generation of mobile computing platforms, with tremendous potential market space. Leveraging years of experience in XR optics and innovative display technology, OPTIX team has accumulated research experience from top-tier tech companies. They possess full-stack capabilities from fundamental optical design and material selection to mass production. We believe that the team can continue to insightfully observe industry development trends and promote bottom-up technological innovation."

About OPTIX

Founded in August 2022, OPTIX develops cutting-edge optics technology and offers advanced solutions for the next-gen AR and VR products. OPTIX dives deep into the underlying physical principles, materials, equipment, and fabrication processes.

RayNeo, an industry leader in consumer-grade augmented reality (AR) innovation, has announced the launch of Pocket TV streaming box | Google TV. Compact and easy to carry, the innovative device combines a powerful 6,500mAh battery, and ample local content storage. Customized for RayNeo's immersive, big-screen XR glasses, the device offers unparalleled cinematic audiovisual enjoyment for users anywhere, anytime.

"The Pocket TV is a game-changer in redefining XR user experience," said Howie Li, Founder and CEO of RayNeo. "With this innovation, we're not just offering a product; we're crafting an unforgettable, on-the-go entertainment journey for users. RayNeo's mission is clear: to democratize the exhilarating experience of cutting-edge, large-screen XR glasses. This collaboration propels us forward. Together, we're poised to building a top-tier XR glasses ecosystem and redefine what's possible."

A Portable Google TV Experience on a Colossal Screen

The Pocket TV brings abundant entertainment content into XR glasses, representing a significant leap in enriching the XR glasses content ecosystem. Co-developed by RayNeo and SEI Robotics, the sleek and portable Google TV streaming device unlocks numerous entertainment options for users wherever they are.

Seamlessly integrated with RayNeo XR glasses series, the Pocket TV unfolds a big-screen personal theater experience that can slip into your bags or pockets wherever you go. With Google TV, you can enjoy everything you stream, all on one screen. With 700,000+ movies and TV episodes, live TV, and more available across 10,000+ apps, Google TV takes streaming to the next level — bringing together your favorite entertainment from across your apps and organizing it all, just for you.

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Personalized recommendations from Google let you discover new movies and shows based on what you've watched and what interests you, so you can quickly find your next favorite. And that new show your friends are raving about? No matter where it's streaming, add it to your watchlist — right from your TV, phone, or browser.

A Compact Powerhouse with Ample Local Storage

The Pocket TV turns into a massive power bank for the XR glasses. With a mega 6,500mAh battery, it's sufficient to watch 5.5 hours of videos in one go. Need a quick power-up for your phone on the go? The Pocket TV can also charge your phone with its USB-C output while you're enjoying your favorite content on the big screen. Convenience at its finest. Leave behind your small-screen tablet and portable charger, simply bring the Pocket TV to enhance your travels.

Pricing and Availability

The Pocket TV will be available on the RayNeo Amazon US store later this month at a recommended retail price of $179.

About RayNeo

Established in 2021, RayNeo has launched the world's first full-color Micro-LED optical waveguide AR glasses, achieving several technology breakthroughs in the industry. The company specializes in the research and development of AR technologies with industry-leading optics, display, algorithm, and device manufacturing. Alongside winning the "Best Connected Consumer Device" at MWC's Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO) 2023 with NXTWEAR S, RayNeo also developed the innovative consumer XR wearable glasses, RayNeo Air 2, featuring top-tier, cinematic audiovisual experiences with ultimate comfort.

In a significant development for digital health technology, the atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection feature on Apple Watch devices has become the first to be qualified under a program recently introduced by the FDA. This program, known as the Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) framework, aims to reduce the regulatory burden of evaluating new technologies and speed up the review process.

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The FDA announcement describes using it as a noninvasive way to collect the data both before and after treatment:

“Designed to be used as a biomarker test to help evaluate estimates of AFib burden as a secondary effectiveness endpoint within clinical studies intended to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cardiac ablation devices to treat.”

Apple has long marketed its watch as a lifesaver for its wearers. It has been said that certain features, like fall and auto accident detection, have saved lives. In its marketing, Apple frequently uses user testimonials from Apple Watch wearers who say they saw their doctors after getting heart-related notifications on their wrists, which may have saved their lives. However, added anxiety from extra data could also be detrimental, reports The Verge.

Two Apple Watch models—the Series 4 in 2018—were initially approved by the FDA to be sold directly to consumers as wearables that may provide an ECG and alert users to an irregular heartbeat. Additionally, it stated that the applications are "not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment" and that you should still see a licensed physician if you feel unwell or have any questions. According to one study, the treatments for certain disorders may not be appropriate for the average Apple Watch wearer, and the watch itself cannot diagnose ailments.

Starkey has unveiled a new hearing aid with breakthrough benefits. The result is Genesis AI, a new, unprecedented experience for both patients and hearing professionals. Completely reimagined from the inside out, it’s the only hearing technology system to feature an all-new processor, all-new sound, all-new industrial design, all-new fitting software, and all-new patient experience.

“The future of Starkey has been created by pushing the edge of what was possible,” said Starkey President and CEO Brandon Sawalich. “With Genesis AI, we did just that. Proven through patient research and over one million hours in development, Genesis AI is the best sounding, best performing hearing aid available, offering infinite benefits to patients and hearing healthcare professionals alike. From the beginning, we have never wavered from providing exceptional service and groundbreaking innovations, creating Caring Technology.”

All-New Processor

• The all-new Starkey Neuro Processor features the industry’s most advanced processor technology which mimics the function of the central auditory system through a Deep Neural Network (DNN) on-chip accelerator and automatic functions.
• Smallest processor ever by Starkey, but also the most powerful with 6x more transistors.
• Speed – the Starkey Neuro Processor operates quickly, efficiently, and quietly and is up to 4x faster than previous processors.
• Less power, more processing – the processor is more efficient with power while delivering significantly higher processing.
• Loaded with 5X more computational memory and 10X the amount of non-volatile memory.

All-New Sound

Starkey’s new Neuro Sound Technology provides the best hearing experience for patients in all situations. The additive compression system synthesizes the signals from slow and fast compression systems for optimized perceptual outcomes, like the neural fibers that code different information for the brain.

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All-New Design

• Genesis AI features an all-new sleek, discreet and stylish aesthetic product design that’s durable and comfortable for all-day wear, and which helps break barriers and reduce the stigma of what is hearing care technology today.
• Genesis AI includes RIC RT, the industry’s longest-lasting RIC rechargeable hearing aid on the market. The battery holds up to 51 hours on a single charge.
• The new mRIC R has the second longest-lasting RIC rechargeable battery life with up to 41 hours on a single charge.
• Industry-first custom rechargeable product has the highest custom battery life in the industry with up to 36 hours on a single charge.

All-New Patient Experience

The new My Starkey App gives patients full control over their hearing aids, plus the ability to get helpful tips, track their health, and access intelligent features designed to simplify their lives.

Genesis AI’s improved streaming capabilities utilize binaural phone steaming, sharing information to both ears directly and simultaneously. This supports two-way, hands-free calling through compatible Apple and Android devices and makes it easier for patients to enjoy their favorite music with more natural results.

All-New Fitting Software

Starkey’s all-new fitting software, Pro Fit, was architected from the ground up based on input from hearing professionals around the globe. Designed for efficiency, ease of use and a seamless fitting experience — from first fit to fine tuning.

About Starkey

Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Owned by Bill Austin since 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

At the CES 2024, South Korean digital health company Luxnine’s wearable chest patch that offers real-time vital sign monitoring while simultaneously acting as a fall and emergency detection system, received CES 2024 Innovation Award.

Dubbed, Bodylog, the wearable chest patch not only detects falls and emergencies but also provides a post-incident report, assessing the severity of the incident and analyzing heart rate variability (HRV).

The autonomic nervous system (ANS), temperature, respiration rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and a host of other parameters can all be tracked by the Bodylog. This device is actually intended to provide some piece of mind to our elderly relatives who still desire independence and self-sufficiency, but with the confidence that their health is being monitored as well.

The Bodylog goes beyond tracking the user’s health, it offers proactive lifestyle recommendations too. Identifying posture and even emulates a controlled medical environment by linking measurements with posture status.

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Furthermore, BodyLog can detect abnormal signals such as arrhythmia, arthritis, osteoporosis, and spinal deformities in real time. It can also promptly notify caregivers of emergencies like acute cardiac arrest or falls. Lux9 has plans to enhance the solution by providing analysis reports on post-emergency condition changes and offering support for surgeries and rehabilitation treatments.

CEO Kim Inho stated, 'BodyLog's core focus is monitoring the entire life cycle of older people through crucial health indicators, including posture, activity, sleep, and physiological signal responses while providing applied digital healthcare services. It is expected to be an innovative solution that will change the paradigm of silver care in an aging society.