With Christmas and New Year’s celebrations already feeling like a distant memory, it’s time to look at what’s next to come in 2019. We’ll discuss some trends that we can expect this year, as well as some nifty innovations that await us. Let’s jump in!

Robot jams

Roboticists have been trying to replicate fine motor skills for decades, and each step closer looks eerie and awesome. Scientists at the University of Cambridge have constructed a robotic hand with the skeletal structure of a human hand. Its finest achievement is that it can do things like play the piano. It’s on the right track for more sophisticated movements. So if you’re looking for an inexpensive musician to entertain your Christmas guests, perhaps robotic hands might do the trick? Watch it in action on New Atlas, where Paul Ridden has a sweet video to show us.

Robots that don’t need you to tell them what to do

Swarm robots, acting like biological cells would, work together automatically to create shapes and networks necessary for the tasks at hand. They communicate like cells: by releasing chemicals and detecting signals released by the others. The hope is that they’ll be able to create 3D structures when they’re more advanced, and then the applications are endless. Dan Robitzski shares the swarming scoop on Futurism, check it out!

Too many leftovers? AI helps you get rid of them

We all hate food waste but we always overestimate our and our guests’ appetite, but no worries: Kristin Houser tells us about how scientists at Stanford University created an AI application that’ll create recipes for you based on what you’ve got left from the feast. There are already applications that give you recipes based on what you’ve got in your fridge, but specifically based on leftovers? That’s a new one. And one that’ll come in handy during this time of plenty. You can find out more on The Byte, try it out!

Trends of 2019

What we’re going to see in 2019 involves loads more innovation, and especially in the world of manufacturing we’re expecting some fascinating developments. Lotfi Maroizy and Melvin Bosso share what they’re expecting to see in 2019, which technology-wise includes more automation and network optimization so companies can stay on top of their game. More than ever, it’ll be crucial to keep up to date and make use of all tech available. If not, falling behind is a sure consequence. There’s much to look forward to. Check it out on manufacturing.net!

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