DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Edward Kane, Journalist

DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF 

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane


ANIMAL BREAKTHROUGH:  MY NEXT ACCOUNTANT MAY BE A RODENT?





                                                                        Source:  Stock

  • Turns out arithmetic calculations are not unique to humans.  Here's what we know:
  • A South Korean research team found that a rat's brain has a specific area to process numbers
  • In their scientific experiment:
  1. Researchers used rodents who had no previous counting experience
  2. They trained the rodents to recognize sound stimuli that represented 2 or 3 numbers
  3. The researchers devised an algorithm to help the rodents focus on numerical values
  4. The result:  the small mammals were able to perceive and quantify numbers
  • Wing-Ho Yung, the study's co-author, says the study encourages a reconsideration of the cognitive capabilities of animals
  • Some monkeys, birds and fish are known to have a sense of numbers and are quite capable of addition and subtraction.


LET THE ROBOT DO THE HEAVY LIFTING

                                Source:  Boston Dynamics


  • A number of global companies, including BMW, Amazon and Hyundai are developing humanoid robots to perform heavy duty tasks in their warehouses.  A new example is Boston Dynamics' new robot called Atlas.  Here are some key facts:
  • Atlas is a highly agile and large humanoid robot designed to lift objects in warehouses that are too big for humans to lift and carry
  • It's the replacement for Boston Dynamics famed HD Atlas who loved to dance and is now officially retired
  • Unlike the original, this Atlas can be purchased
  • The robot is a breakthrough - it's all-electric not hydraulic
  • Its flexibility is unprecedented including lifting itself from a collapsed position on the ground, doing 360-degree rotation of its torso and its knees can swivel backwards
  • Boston Dynamics will start testing it in Hyundai factories next year and it will officially launch after that
  • Boston Dynamics is now owned by Hyundai
  • The new Atlas is considered the future of Boston Dynamics humanoid robots.


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