Signals from the future:
Emerging trends that are likely to drive changes to the way we live, work and do business.
Society:
- Is China’s Economic Dominance at an Inflection Point? - Harvard Business Review - China's economic dominance is in decline due to factors such as slowing growth, rising debt, lack of innovation, and geopolitical tensions. Opportunities for US, European, and Japanese firms to gain an advantage.
- Gattaca is Here - Nothing Human is Alien - Genetic selection has the potential to shape society, with both ethical concerns and potential benefits.
- This Small Wearable Device Reduces Parkinson’s Symptoms - r/Futurology - Industrial designer Lucy Yung founded Charco Neurotech to develop a noninvasive and affordable wearable device for Parkinson's disease.
- Glow way! Bioluminescent houseplant hits US market for first time - Nature - Biotechnology firm Light Bio has developed a genetically engineered plant that glows continuously. It is approved for sale and can be pre-ordered for $29.
Energy:
- 28-ton, 1.2-megawatt tidal kite is now exporting power to the grid - New Atlas - Minesto has connected its tidal kite to the power grid in the Faroe Islands, harnessing tidal flows for renewable energy.
- How virtual power plants are shaping tomorrow’s energy system - r/Futurology - Virtual power plants (VPPs) are a growing system of distributed energy resources that can shape energy use and lower bills.
Robotics:
- General Intelligence Embodied in a Humanoid Robot - NextBigFuture.com - Sanctuary AI is developing a humanoid robot with human-level intelligence, using a performance metric and evolutionary algorithm. Implications and challenges in the workforce are also discussed.
Focus Issue - Energy harvesting
In Australia, the field of energy harvesting technology is witnessing significant advancements, shaping a sustainable future. Energy harvesting, as defined by Wikipedia, involves capturing energy from external sources like solar, thermal, and kinetic energies to power small, wireless autonomous devices. This technology is pivotal in reducing reliance on batteries and promoting the use of renewable energy sources, thereby combating climate change. The innovations span across various methods including photovoltaics for solar energy, thermoelectric generators for heat differences, and piezoelectric materials for mechanical energy, showcasing the diverse potential of energy harvesting in contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
Companies like EnOcean and Targus are at the forefront of integrating energy harvesting into everyday applications. EnOcean offers battery-free wireless switches and sensors that obtain energy from motion, light, and temperature, highlighting the practical applications of this technology in creating sustainable IoT solutions for buildings. Similarly, the Targus Sustainable Energy Harvesting EcoSmart Keyboard exemplifies how solar technology can be utilised to power devices like keyboards, further emphasising the versatility and eco-friendliness of energy harvesting technologies.
Moreover, Sony Semiconductor Solutions is pushing the boundaries by developing an energy harvesting module that transforms electromagnetic wave noise into usable electrical energy. This innovation not only supports sustainable energy solutions in the IoT sector but also opens new avenues for energy generation from previously overlooked sources. Additionally, the advent of skin-contact triboelectric nanogenerators converting mechanical energy from body movements into electrical energy, underscores the potential of energy harvesting in wearable devices and healthcare monitoring.
Lastly, the concept of a Smart Thermal Battery by Harvest, which uses a hyper-efficient heat pump to store heat in a water tank, represents a groundbreaking approach to heating homes sustainably. This innovation not only reduces emissions but also optimises energy use, demonstrating the significant impact of energy harvesting technologies on creating efficient and sustainable solutions for everyday life.
There's been some surprising and impactful developments in energy harvesting technology, from powering IoT devices and keyboards with solar and kinetic energy to transforming electromagnetic wave noise and body movements into electrical energy. These advancements not only highlight the versatility of energy harvesting technologies but also their potential to significantly contribute to sustainable energy solutions, marking a pivotal step towards combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Consider these strategic insights:
- Embrace IoT Innovations: Australian builders should integrate energy harvesting technologies, like those from EnOcean, into their IoT solutions to create sustainable, maintenance-free systems for smart buildings and homes.
- Invest in Wearable Tech: With advancements in skin-contact triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), there's potential for Australian companies to develop wearable devices and healthcare monitors that are powered by body movement.
- Expand into Consumer Electronics: By following Targus' example with their solar-powered keyboard, businesses can design and market eco-friendly consumer electronics that leverage energy harvesting to reduce e-waste and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Develop Energy-Efficient Solutions: Companies like Harvest demonstrate the value in creating energy-efficient home systems. Australian businesses can innovate similar sustainable products, such as the Smart Thermal Battery, to gain a competitive edge and access government incentives.
- Leverage Electromagnetic Harvesting: Sony's development of a module that converts electromagnetic noise into electricity presents a novel opportunity. Businesses can explore partnerships to apply this technology in settings ranging from factories to homes, enhancing energy sustainability.
Deep strategy:
Longer form articles rich with insights:
- What Boards of Public Companies Can Learn from Private Equity - Harvard Business Review - Public company boards can benefit from adopting the hands-on approach of private equity boards in shaping strategy and culture.
- Generative AI and the future of work in Australia - McKinsey & Company - Automation and generative AI will impact the job market in Australia, particularly for low-wage and non-degree occupations. Skill building and continuous learning are crucial for workers to stay relevant.
Business at the point of impact:
Emerging issues and technology trends can change the way we work and do business.
- Relatives and Robots: A Conversation on Elder Care in Japan with James Wright and Jason Danely - Association for Anthropology, Gerontology, and the Life Course - Association for Anthropology, Gerontology, and the Life Course - Japan faces challenges in elder care due to social changes and a shortage of caregivers. Robots may provide a solution, but doubts remain about their capabilities.
- What Leaders Should Know About Measuring AI Project Value - MIT Sloan Management Review - Measuring the value of AI projects requires a focus on business metrics rather than just technical ones.
- How Early-Adopter Companies Are Thinking About Apple Vision Pro - Harvard Business Review - Companies are exploring the potential of spatial computing with the Apple Vision Pro, facing barriers but seeking to leverage its capabilities.
- Gen Z, not baby boomers, are most afraid of AI because they haven't experienced any other tech booms - Fortune - Generation Z is more fearful of the impact of AI on their jobs compared to older workers, but the article suggests that this fear may be unfounded.
