This device uses sound waves to levitate styrofoam pebbles and move them in 3D space.
One of the highlights of SXSW Interactive is the Trade Show, which always opens (for some bizarre reason) on the third day of the event. When I walked into the massive venue I was struck by the number of international tech innovators and startups.The fact that half of the booths were dedicated to technological development demonstrates the renewed emphasis at this year’s SXSW Interactive to emerging technologies. Here are some of the amazing innovations I saw at this year’s Trade Show
Sound Wave Levitation. Yes, you read that right: sound wave levitation. The square frame in the image above holds four computer-controlled panels that emit sound waves. These sound waves are controlled in a way that lifts styrofoam pellets, causing them to levitate, float in space and then be moved up, down, left or right in space. This very cool instance of levitation (not anti-gravity) has immediate applications in pharmaceuticals and other processes where objects must be handled or moved precisely and without contamination from other materials. Beyond this immediate application, the base technology is simply mind-blowing and, apparently, the first instance of controlled 3D suspended animation.
Robots, Robots Everywhere. Robotics seems like old hat in 2015, but the cost of production, precision of movement, level of control and the capabilities of the robots on display were amazing. These robots aren’t sentient, but they are getting closer and closer to mimicking human movement and capabilities.
Ironman…Infinity. An new Japanese company is producing nylon prosthetic hands that are created using 3D printing technology. The functionality of the hand correlates very closely with actual hand movements, and the motion is driven wirelessly by muscle sensors attached to the forearm. Current prosthetic hands cost as much as $15,000 or more. These prototypes that are moving into production can be printed quickly and cost only $300.
Applied Printable Circuits. A student research group is using printed circuitry to produce a wireless soil moisture sensor that can be used in agriculture to let someone know when the plants require water. The paper sensor communicates via wireless to a smartphone app and reports the moisture level of the soil, letting the grower know when water is required. We’ve all heard for some time that printable circuits would become a reality in the near future, and this is the first use case that I’ve seen for them.
Small Factor 3D Printing. Since the MakerBot was released two years ago the ability to design and print 3D designs has become ubiquitous. Case in point: one vendor was printing cases for his solar-powered phone charging wristbands and selling them at the Trade Show. A new company, Creopop, has created a 3D pen that uses photosensitive inks instead of materials that require heat, which makes this creative technology more accessible to children. Making a 3D pen, let alone one that is safe for children, expands the possibility for creative 3D design and prototyping.
Wearables. One of the major themes of SXSW Interactive this year is wearable tech. Smart watches are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the possible forms of wearable technologies under development. One new wearable that launched at SXSW this year is Ring Zero. Ring Zero allows users to operate and control a variety of interconnected devices with a simple series of hand gestures.
Apps, Apps and more Apps. SXSW Interactive has historically been a great platform to launch new apps and this year is no exception. Super, a new, emotive social sharing platform, launched just prior to SXSW. Graphiti is a collaborative art app that uses the contacts on your device to connect you with your closest friends. Good One is an app developed by students in the School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan that challenges users to do good things for others as a way of self-improvement. Swoodle is a mobile-enabled app for the workplace that moves project management software a step further through real-time collaboration. Most of the new apps on display at the Trade Show were developments upon or enhancements of existing social or collaborative tools.
Whatever the way forward looks like, it will be propelled by the innovative designs (whether virtual or physical) being incubated in maker spaces, academic departments, office spaces and garages in Japan, China, Singapore, Italy, Greece, Spain, Britain, France, Germany and cities throughout the U.S. (Tyler, Denton, Bastrop County, Oklahoma City, Denver, Ann Arbor (UofM (Go Blue!)) and Chicago are among the cities represented this year). Between the number of startups on the streets and the shifting balance at the trade show toward global innovators, this year’s SXSW Interactive reaches back to one of the original goals of the festival: to inspire innovation.