ETH Zurich

The technology has already been used to build a geodesic dome

Environment

Computer system designs structures based on available reclaimed wood

Even though our forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, new wooden structures are typically made of all-new wood. A special computer system could help change that, by facilitating the use of wood reclaimed from existing buildings.

The machine-learning-based system was trained on footage of mice and monkeys, but should reportedly work for all species

Science

Computer system scrutinizes video footage to analyze animal behavior

Ordinarily, when studying the behavior of animals, scientists have to watch many hours of video footage of the creatures going about their daily lives. That may soon no longer be necessary, however, thanks to a new critter-watching computer system.

SleepLoop detects brain waves associated with the deep sleep cycle, then emits a clicking audio signal to help its wearer maintain that state

Health & Wellbeing

Head-pinging wearable designed to improve users' sleep

As we get older, it becomes more difficult not just to get to sleep, but also to reach and maintain a state of deep sleep. The experimental new SleepLoop device is designed to help, by emitting noises into the wearer's head.

Artist's impression of mitochondrial transplantation using a specially developed syringe

Medical

Mitochondrial transplants between living cells could save dying organs

Replacing malfunctioning mitochondria with versions taken from healthy cells is shaping as a promising but as yet experimental therapy to treat damaged organs, and a new breakthrough brings the technique closer to clinical use.

The Zaamigo device – which looks like an electric toothbrush but isn't one – sells for $100

Health & Wellbeing

Zaamigo tooth-checking device puts an AI camera in your mouth

While there are camera-equipped toothbrushes that let users see how well they're cleaning their teeth, the Zaamigo goes considerably further. It uses AI to analyze the photos it shoots, in order to monitor the health of its user's teeth and gums.

A new study has examined a mineral found at the boundary of the Earth's outer core and lower mantle, and found that the planet's interior may cool down faster than expected

Science

Earth's interior may be cooling down faster than we thought

The extremely hot interior of Earth is slowly cooling down, but exactly how fast is unknown. By studying how well a common deep-Earth mineral conducts heat, researchers have now found that the planet’s interior may be cooling faster than expected.

Each wooden-shell pod in the Semiramis hanging gardens is made up of 51 to 88 plywood panels

Architecture

Robots pitch in to build wooden hanging gardens in Switzerland

If you were building a wooden structure by hand, it would be hard to lift the wooden components, place them in alignment, then keep them aligned as they were glued together. That's why a Swiss team is using robots to shoulder much of the workload.

Unlike the Ascento 2 before it, the Ascento Pro is fully autonomous – although it can still also be remotely controlled

Robotics

Hopping, rolling, balancing Ascento robot now available in Pro form

It was just last year that we heard about the Ascento 2, a self-balancing, two-legged, wheeled, hopping robot. Well, as if it wasn't already impressive enough, its designers have now unveiled the even more capable Ascento Pro.

The ANYmal robot could already walk on four legs and roll on four wheels, but now it can also stand up and balance on its rear wheels

Robotics

Wheeled, legged quadruped robot is now set to stand and deliver

The ANYmal robot was already impressive back when it walked on four legs. It got more interesting when wheels were added, letting it both walk and roll. That wheeled version is now also able to stand up, and could soon be used for urban deliveries.

A new microrobot propels itself by creating vortices in liquid using tiny hairs

Robotics

Starfish larvae inspire vortex-powered microrobot

Nature is a never-ending source of inspiration for robots, whether it’s bees, bacteria or fish. Now an unlikely new candidate has joined the list – starfish larvae, which use tiny hairs to create a vortex to propel themselves or suck in food.

The solar fuel reactor harnessing heat from concentrated sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into syngas

Energy

Rooftop system converts CO2, water and sunlight into kerosene

Engineers have demonstrated a pilot system that produces fuels from sunlight and air. The device captures carbon dioxide and water from the air and uses solar energy to convert it into syngas, which is then converted into carbon-neutral liquid fuels.

The Aegis Rider HUD uses mapping, cameras and AI to project an optimal cornering line into a rider's view of the road

Motorcycles

Extraordinary AI motorcycle HUD highlights hazards and cornering lines

Aegis Rider, a spinoff from ETH Zurich, is developing an AI-enhanced augmented reality head-up display for motorcyclists. It identifies and highlights road hazards, and shows you the optimal line to take through corners based on mapping data.