The Future is Wow #7: Transformer Boats and Emissions-Free Gas Generation
Welcome to the seventh TenForce roundup where we delve into the most exciting recent technological developments, and they are plentiful! So what’s been happening lately? Zero emission plants and transformer boats. Doesn’t sound bad at all!
Texas demo plant achieves its first fire
NET Power’s demo plant in La Porte, Texas, which strives towards zero-emission energy generation, has just achieved its first fire, a critical step towards the full operability of the plant. Robert Walton on Utilitydive gives us the details: as the electric industry moves forward in ‘clean’ energy, natural gas and coal are struggling to keep up. However, NET Power has been working to develop plants that use CO2 as working fluid, eliminating all emissions in the gas power generation process. It’s a first step, but it’s a big one. Warming up to the idea? Find out more here.
The Automation Readiness Index: how does your country rank?
Maintworld shared the fascinating Automation Readiness Index: a global ranking that tells us which countries are ready for the future. The index was made by ABB and The Economist, who aimed to analyze the education and training policies in 25 countries to find out which countries are embracing intelligent automation. The report stresses the importance of lifelong learning to prepare people for non-stop innovation. South Korea, Germany, and Singapore are currently at the top. We surely won’t stay behind! Learn how to get a high spot in next year’s ranking here.
Transformer boats
MIT researchers have done it again: they designed a fleet of self-sailing boats that can be used in water-filled cities (think Venice or Amsterdam) to transport people and goods, clearing up the traffic-laden roads. What’s more, they can be 3D printed quickly and cheaply. Not impressed yet? These boats will be able to self-assemble into whatever is necessary to save space on land: stages, platforms for market stalls, bridges, you name it. Veritable transformers with many applications. We look forward to seeing them float!
Crowdsourcing railway information
ProRail, the Dutch railway network company, is using travelers’ smartphone data to analyze the state of the rails. Joris Van Roy on NewMobilityNews tells us ProRail developed an app that senses each shock or bump, and with this information, the company knows where to send their maintenance teams. Preventive actions like this will reduce accidents and failures, ensuring a safe railway experience. They also placed sensors on rail switches and the trains themselves, which is proving effective: already, the number of technical malfunctions has dropped by 20%, and that difference is noticeable in the more accurate timetables. Fewer delays on safer rails, we’re on board!
As always, thank you for reading and we will be back next week with more news. Subscribe if you don’t want to miss one of these.