1. One thing that helps
The shipping industry is notoriously difficult to decarbonise, with battery tech currently falling short of a big cargo ship's needs. UK startup Seabound has come up with a useful solution: create cement from shipping emissions. Ellis Dragon would be proud.
Their system captures CO₂ and sulphur emissions from a ship’s exhaust and reacts them with pebbles to form limestone, the key ingredient in cement. On reaching its destination, the ship will unload, and the limestone will be used to create environmentally friendly cement.
Seabound’s tech is just a temporary solution, but it will be of great value while we await true decarbonisation for the shipping industry.
2. One to be wary of
It’s easier than ever to connect with others, but why do we feel like we’re drifting further apart?
Widespread feelings of isolation and loneliness have created what tech companies refer to as the loneliness economy.... and surprise surprise, they also have the solution. Increasingly, we are offered products that substitute AI for human interaction, such as mental health apps, AI companions, and our old friend social media. AI isn’t a true companion, it's designed to always make you feel good. To feed your need for connection at all costs, sheltering you from the awesomeness, and shittiness, of human interaction.
The goal? Keep your attention, and keep you subscribed in a “loneliness loop.” AI might talk like a friend. But what if it’s quietly training us to live without real ones?
3. One to amaze
Get ready to tilt your way on four wheels!
Æ Motion has created a microcar with the soul of a motorcycle. It seats two with the option to transform the passenger space into a luggage space. It rides on four wheels but is thin at just 79 centimeters - that’s pretty much the width of a motorcycle! You’ll be zipping through traffic while the chumps in their cars are stuck in those long traffic queues.
Jump inside the cockpit and you are greeted by a handlebar instead of a steering wheel. Seems weird, but fire up the engine and you’ll see why. As you turn the chassis can tilt up to 35 degrees, and the handlebar is there to manage the dynamics of every twist and turn. Since it’s an EV, torque is delivered immediately after tackling any corner. Upping the environment score even more, the vehicle is designed to be easily repairable, and parts readily swappable.
The Batmobile and a motorcycle have had a futuristic, eco-conscious baby.