This is today’s edition ofThe Downloadour weekday newsletter that offers an everyday dosage of what’s going on the planet of innovation
Hydrogen trains might transform how Americans navigate
Like a mirage speeding throughout the dirty desert outside Pueblo, Colorado, the very first hydrogen-fuel-cell guest train in the United States is getting heated up on its test track. It will quickly be delivered to Southern California, where it is slated to bring riders on San Bernardino County’s Arrow commuter rail service before completion of the year.
The very best method to decarbonize railways is the topic of growing argument amongst regulators, market, and activists. The argument is partially technological, focusing on whether hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, or overhead electrical wires provide the very best efficiency for various railway circumstances. It’s likewise political: a concern of the degree to which decarbonization can, or should, usher in a wider change of rail transport.
In the insular world of railroading, this hydrogen-powered train is a Rorschach test. To some, it represents the future of rail transport. To others, it appears like a huge, glossy interruption. Check out the complete story
— Benjamin Schneider
This story is for customers just, and is from the next publication problem of MIT Technology Review, set to go survive on April 24, on the style of Build. If you do not currently, register now to get a copy when it lands.
Scientist taught robotics to run. Now they’re teaching them to stroll
We’ve all seen videos over the previous couple of years showing how nimble humanoid robotics have actually ended up being, running and leaping with ease. We’re no longer shocked by this type of dexterity– in truth, we’ve grown to anticipate it.
The issue is, these glossy demonstrations do not have real-world applications. When it concerns developing robotics that work and safe around human beings, the principles of motion are more crucial.
As an outcome, scientists are utilizing the very same methods to train humanoid robotics to accomplish far more modest objectives. They think it will cause more robust, dependable two-legged makers efficient in engaging with their environments more securely– along with discovering a lot more rapidly. Check out the complete story
— Rhiannon Williams
How to construct a thermal battery
Thermal energy storage is a hassle-free method to stock energy for later on. This might be important in linking inexpensive however irregular renewable resource with commercial centers, which typically need a continuous supply of heat. It’s so appealing, MIT Technology Review’s readers selected it as an honorary 11th innovation in our yearly list of 10 Breakthrough Technologies
Casey Crownhart, our environment press reporter, discussed why this innovation is having a minuteand where it may end up being utilized, in a story released previously today. Now, she’s gone into what it requires to make a thermal battery, and why there are numerous various types.
This story is from The Spark, our weekly environment and energy newsletter. Register to get it in your inbox every Wednesday.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to discover you today’s most fun/important/scary/ remarkable stories about innovation.
1 Amazon impersonated a little retail service to sleuth on its competitors
It utilized rivals’ payment and logistics information to notify its own operations. (WSJ $)+ The business insists its cashierless tech is powered by AI, not people. (The Verge
2 Landlords are asking potential tenants for 3D scans of their faces
And oftentimes, if you do not authorization, you can’t explore the home alone. (The Markup
+ The coming war on the covert algorithms that trap individuals in hardship. (MIT Technology Review
3 India’s elections will be a significant test of AI literacy
AI-generated videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are resolving citizens by name. (NYT $)
+ 3 innovation patterns forming 2024’s elections. (MIT Technology Review
4 The United States National Guard will utilize Google’s AI to evaluate catastrophe zones
In the nick of time for the summertime wildfire season. (WP $)
+ The mission to construct wildfire-resistant homes. (MIT Technology Review
5 OpenAI’s GPT-4 outshined junior medical professionals in evaluating eye conditions
A lot more work would be required before releasing it in a medical setting. (FEET $)
+ Expert system is penetrating healthcare. We should not let it make all the choices. (MIT Technology Review
6 Digitizing the real life is a long, tiresome procedure
Engines initially established for computer game are bridging the remarkable valley. (New Yorker $)
7 AI is not likely to enhance the well-being of factory-farmed animals
While AI tools might make farming more effective, it most likely will not make it humane. (Undark Magazine
+ How CRISPR is making farmed animals larger, more powerful, and much healthier. (MIT Technology Review
8 What takes place after you sell your old iPhone
Spoiler: not all of them wind up in commercial shredders. (Bloomberg $)
9 A Hollywood company is messing around with AI clones of its A-list skill
Most importantly, the stars own their digital doubles. (The Information $)
+ How Meta and AI business hired striking stars to train AI. (MIT Technology Review
10 The next Oprah will be crowned on TikTok
Self-help book stars reach massive audiences starving for self-actualization. (The Atlantic $)
Quote of the day
“We will be assaulted.”
— Franz Regul, head of cyberattack preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics, is grimly gotten ready for what he views as the unavoidable, he informs the New York Times
The huge story
The race to produce uncommon earth products
January 2024
Deserting nonrenewable fuel sources and embracing lower-carbon innovations are our finest choices for fending off the speeding up risk of environment modification. And access to unusual earth components, essential components in a lot of these innovations, will partially figure out which nations will satisfy their objectives for reducing emissions.
Some countries, consisting of the United States, are significantly concerned about whether the supply of those aspects will stay steady. As an outcome, researchers and business alike are intent on increasing gain access to and enhancing sustainability by checking out secondary or non-traditional sources. Check out the complete story