Important Innovations Collection

Unique Electric Hydrogen Vehicle That Flies Like Ocean Crossing Birds                                             Source:  RDC Aqualines Creation of RDC Aqualines of Singapore Using the physics of ocean crossing sea birds, a team of developers at RDC Aqualines of Singapore have created a hybrid boat-plane that flies a foot over the water at speeds of 70 mph plus.  The 72 foot, EP-15 uses a cushion of air, known as ground effect, to fly above the water and land on water.  The boat-plane uses a principle of physics that ocean crossing birds use to travel faster, longer and with much less energy expenditure.  When the vehicle reaches an altitude roughly half the length of its wingspan, ground effect produces excess air pressure which provides additional lift for the plane and cuts the downdraft pressures on it. The EP-15 is designed for passe...

Zoox Travels Up to 75 MPH Source:  Amazon Zoox Electric, Autonomous Taxi Service from Amazon This is a new example of USA travel innovation that is green and self-driving.  Amazon bought the California based, autonomous, robotaxi service Zoox in June 2020.  Now, Amazon has unveiled a cutting edge Zoox robotaxi under development for the past six years that Amazon's investment has helped bring to fruition.  The robotaxi is electric, autonomous and loaded with technology, including sensors, artificial intelligence, lidar and a lot more. It has no steering wheel.  The vehicle is designed like a cube and can transport up to 4 passengers.  It can hit speeds of 75 mph. The vehicle contains innovative, awesome technology that Amazon is rolling out. Incredible Technology and Maneuverability The Zoox can change direction without going into reverse.  It has four wheel steering and can drive bidirectionally for unprecedented maneuverability in tight urban spaces. ...

Roboats Loaded with Tech to Communicate and Connect                                             Source:  MIT C-SAIL In Service, Self-Navigating Amsterdam Canals From the world famous MIT C-SAIL a team of engineers and roboticists created the Roboat, a robotic boat that uses the same autonomous self-driving technology for cars but adapted for the water. That adaptation was extremely innovative.  Roboat II has been under development for five years.  It is now large enough to carry passengers through the tricky canals in Amsterdam. It does so autonomously.  Importantly, the Roboats are capable of communicating and connecting with each other because of greatly advanced control algorithms and navigation systems.  That capability opens up new forms of transportation possibilities on water. Tremendous Tech Layered In The Roboat has four prop...

World's 1st Drone Cleared for Heavy Cargo Trials Source:  Ehang 216 Booming Drone Business China's Ehang is the world's 1st autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) & eVTOL company approved to perform commercial trials of carrying heavy cargo in its passenger drones.  The pilotless Ehang 216 drones can carry two passengers, go up to 80 mph and travel a distance of 19 miles. It's now the first drone company in the world that is cleared to perform a series of trial tests with the drone carrying cargo loads of  330 pounds and more. Global Market Size Ehang founder and CEO Hu Huazi says the Chinese regulatory authority's clearance will accelerate the commercialization of  AAV/eVTOL technology and air mobility solutions for logistics. He adds it's a foundation for the world to establish a coordinated and sustainable regulatory environment.  The global market potential for eVTOLs is huge.  Morgan Stanley estimates it at $1.5 Trillion by 2040.  3...

Zero Gravity Flights Coming to a City Near You Source:  Zero-G.  James Cameron and Elon Musk, in Zero-G Experiencing Space Travel at 24,000 Feet The space and travel innovation company is called Zero Gravity Corporation. It has specially modified a Boeing 727 to provide the experience of weightlessness for passengers.  It's just like you're travelling in a spaceship hurtling through the universe past the Moon.  The privately held company is headquartered in Arlington, VA and has been taking guests like Tesla & Space X founder Elon Musk and movie director James Cameron for the zero-gravity flight of their lives.  It is now in the process of greatly expanding its commercial operations. The Zero-G Life Passengers in the US will be able to have the weightless flying experience in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, LA, Washington DC, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, Orlando, Seattle, Austin and from a number of cities in New England. Zero Gravity CEO Matt G...

Starhopper Rocket Prototype Passes Highest & Final Test Source:  Space X Next: On to Orbital Prototypes for 2021 Launch Another big victory for SpaceX.  Starhopper, its Starship vehicle designed to colonize Mars, passed with flying colors its final test flight.  On its own, the vehicle was launched and rose several hundred feet into the air above the company's facility in south Texas.  Once it reached the targeted height, it flew sideways and then smoothly landed on a different pad at the SpaceX facility.  The test took 57 seconds and it was a big success.  The ceiling set by the FAA for test flights is 500 feet. Two New Starship Prototypes Starship Starhopper now hands the baton over to two orbital prototypes - Starship Mk1 and Starship Mk2.  Both are powered by at least three Raptor, next generation engines that SpaceX is developing.  Tests on these prototypes will result in the operational Starship and flights beginning in 2021....

New Look at Flying's Future Source:  Bell Helicopter's Bell Nexus Readying for Takeoff Bell Nexus, created by Bell Helicopter, is a drone aerial taxi that is in a category of its own.  Some global news organizations are calling it the most serious competitor to pick you up on your rooftop and air-shuttle you to your destination's rooftop. Air Taxi's Top speeds are 250 mph.  It has wings for vertical and horizontal flight.  There are six, tilting ducted fans and a hybrid electric system to provide power.  The vehicle can accommodate a pilot and 4 passengers.  And, it's a real vehicle that's still under development but readying for take-off.   For more news stories on innovation, go to  amazon.com/author/ekane