There are a lot of problems technology hasn’t been able to solve, but that’s not for lack of trying! And eventually, all of those problems will find solutions. This week’s problems include how to integrate robots in assembly line processes which are still highly dependent on people, the ever-pressing climate change, how to reach for the skies, and finding materials that repair themselves. Sounds exciting, right?

Collaboration between robots and people on the assembly line

The assembly process in many factories is already highly automated, but the end of the process, where the human eye to detail really matters, is still mainly void of this technology. On the assembly line, robots and humans would have to work together and at this point that doesn’t seem safe. But as Andy Szal describes, there is a company that believes lidar tech is the answer. With this tech, robots could adapt their activities to their environments and so eliminate safety risks. Since people are absolutely necessary for quality control, it would be good if people and robots could work in close proximity. Find out more on Thomasnet.

Self-healing material out of thin air

MIT chemical engineers have designed a material that interacts with carbon dioxide in the air, which allows it to grow and even repair itself. The material has potential applications in many areas, but mostly provides a way in which greenhouse gases can be turned into something useful rather than harmful. Any type of lighting, such as the sun, could make this self-healing and growing reaction happen. This material will first be used as coatings and fillings, but in the long-term, this material could be turned into or used in construction materials. Now that’s what I call organic. Read the full story on MIT News!

New developments in carbon dioxide capture

The Eindhoven University of Technology has made a breakthrough in developing iron-based catalysts that will make carbon capture in the coal to liquid fuels process much cheaper, and thus much more realistic. As coal will not disappear any time soon, it’s best to capture the carbon dioxide generated from it, and use it for a different type of fuel creation process. What exactly the chemical process entails, you can find out on manufacturing.net, where the university also wants to emphasize that this technology will continue to have its merits long after we stop using coal. Read more here!

Somewhere between drones and satellites

UAVOS is testing its autonomous aircraft, and those tests are proving successful. This aircraft is supposed to cover the space between drones and satellites when it comes to monitoring environment, transferring signals, and so on, which means covering high altitudes for a long period of time. The HAPS aircraft they’re in the process of creating is supposed to be able to fly independently for a year, and have a wingspan of 28 meters. The current model is not quite there, but it’s on the way. Michael Irving shows us the prototype on New Atlas, watch it soar here!

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