DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane

TEEN LAUNDRY STREWN ON BEDROOM FLOOR? CLEANING ROBOT TO RESCUE

Source: UC Berkeley

Scientists have developed a robot that can spot and pick up clothes thrown around the room. Here's what we know:
Developed by scientists at UC Berkeley
Uses AI to find most efficient way to collect dropped laundry
Utilizes color and depth-sensing cameras to collect laundry into piles
Picks up clothes with a controlling robotic arm
Given its additional ability to stack clothes into piles, the robot is considered to be 67% more efficient than the traditional, by hand method
The AI cleaning robot could be very useful for seniors, at hotels and hospitals
It's expected to be commercially available within 10 years.

EUROPE'S 1ST TRI-MODE POWERED TRAIN

Source: Hitachi

It's a first for Europe: a hybrid, tri-mode train. Here's what we know:
Railroad system built by Hitachi in Tuscany, Italy
Train can switch between battery, electric and diesel power
Power switch is seamless and does not involve any stop or disruption
Big deal: the hybrid train provides 50% less carbon emissions than a diesel train
15 kilowatt battery range but can be recharged while operating
Very important new RR tech because diesel trains will be needed for more years as electrification on rail lines in Europe and elsewhere is inconsistent
Tri-mode power sources for trains is a significant means to reduce emissions as the industry moves forward to more green energy
Hitachi is moving to reduce the weight of batteries to move this tech ahead.

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