Important Innovations Collection

New Machine Learning Algorithms Spot Lightning Days Before Other WX Systems Do                                       Source:  Stock Lightning Images New AI System to Forecast Lightning and More There are few things more difficult to track and predict than the dynamic forces of nature that result in real-time weather.  Now, researchers at the University of Washington have invented an artificial intelligence, machine learning system that results in earlier and more precise weather forecasting.  The team started their artificial intelligence system with weather reports and data on lightning which is one of the most destructive and unpredictable forces of nature.  An example of the destructive force of unpredictable lightning is the massive 2020 California Lightning Complex fire that resulted in nearly 470,000 acres of total fire devastation and 23...

Designed to Soften Impact of Landings Source:  University of Washington Origami Inspired Metamaterial This is unique innovation developed by a team at the University of Washington.  They've created origami-inspired structures made from metamaterials.  They specifically designed it to soften spacecraft landings and enable their reuse.  The metamaterial structures that absorb and soften impact by their "folding creases" could also be used on cars to potentially save lives in accidents. Unit Cells The structure is made of unit cells that are repeated in a specific pattern.  The cells flex to absorb impact and then return to their original shape, softening the blow.  The team has tested a prototype design with twenty cells.  The first few unit cells absorbed the entire impact.  They continue to develop their unique technological innovation.  Their results were just published in the journal Science Advances.