Important Innovations Collection

  DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF                                                                                                          By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane MINI'S WITH SMART DIGITAL ASSISTANT SPIKE                                                            Source:  Mini with Spike Personal Assistant Mini, the iconic British car brand now owned by BMW, is going smart with a new, digital assistant onboard called Spike Spike will debut at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show in the cockpit of ...

New French, Hybrid VTOL "ATEA"                              Source:  Ascendance Flight Technologies Ascendance Flight Technologies' New Green Aviation French aviation startup Ascendance Flight Technologies has invented a new, hybrid, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (VTOL) for intracity and regional aircraft commuting.  The 5-seat ATEA uses two forward facing propellers and 8 fan engines in its wings.  The eight electric powered fan engines enable vertical takeoffs and landings.  The diesel fuel powered forward facing propellers enable forward flight.  The unique VTOL has a range of 250 miles.  Its hybrid powertrain uses jet fuel and electricity as power sources.  The company says the combination cuts carbon emissions by 80%.  Importantly, AETA can be reconfigured to use green fuels, including hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels to fur...