In this new world of constant technological advances, the possibilities of life-changing inventions are endless. Inventors, engineers, and scientists have all been working to improve everyday lives, and they have only begun to scratch the surface of how technology can aid this cause.
ESight 3 has opened up a whole new world to the 285 million visually impaired people in the world. Methods such as canes and guide dogs have improved the mobility of those who are visually impaired by offering them an estimation of potential dangers ahead. ESight 3 takes it a step further and mimics actual vision by creating a real-time image of what is in front of an individual. The complex eyewear piece has sets of different high-speed lights that are projected onto two OLED screens. This then allows those who are visually impaired to maintain a solid peripheral vision, and allow them to carry on with everyday activities such as running, walking, or playing a sport.
Being able to hold on to a controller and battle friends in video games have become an almost routine part of growing up for many children. However, those with limited hand or arm mobility have trouble playing these widely popular games. In 2018, Microsoft developed an adaptive controller specifically designed for Xbox users with limited mobility. The new design consists of wide buttons that can be pressed using an elbow or chin. This new controller has enabled many children and adults—who normally are not able to partake in video games—to participate in gaming activities with their peers.
Earth's atmosphere acts like a cover that traps toxic pollutants and hazardous gasses. These pollutants create a deadly smog that encompasses many cities. Each year, nearly 20,000 respiratory-related deaths can be linked to smog. Luckily, smog is not permanent and it can be significantly reduced if the correct measures are taken. 3M—in an effort to reduce the effects of air pollution—created small granules that can be integrated into roof signaling that, when exposed to sun, can break down smog particles in the air so they can be washed away by rain. According to 3M, the product has already contributed to pollution reduction equivalent to the work of 100,000 trees.
With a heightened increase in natural disasters all around the world, first responders are increasingly being sent in highly dangerous missions to aid those in need. As detailed in 2am’s previous articles, flooding has taken a toll on several regions, including the United States’ Midwest region and several Syrian refugee camps. In addition, there have been devastating wildfires that have torn through California, and catastrophic cyclones that have ruined thousands of people’s homes. Oftentimes, it is too dangerous for first responders to access these areas, leaving many without the assistance they desperately need. Zipline has created first responder drones that deliver food and medical supplies to those who need it very quickly. These drones have reached areas that otherwise would not have been reached and has been a monumental step in bringing assistance to those in crisis without endangering volunteer lives.
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