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AMT Tech Report: Issue #248

Construction efficiency and safety with robots. Airless additive basketball. Biodegradable replacement for HDPE. A 3D printer SHORTER* than a match. Wearables for your toilet.
Feb 24, 2023

Truth is the ultimate power. When the truth comes around, all the lies have to run and hide.

– Ice Cube


1. Construction Efficiency and Safety With Robots

If construction companies are implementing robots, you have no excuse not to. Robots are being integrated into the construction sector to improve safety, reduce labor shortages, and speed up production. Autonomous vehicles are managing transportation, robotic welding is improving quality, remote-controlled machines are being used to operate from a safe distance, lifting robots are relieving workers of strenuous tasks, and security drones are monitoring construction sites.

Read more here.


2. Airless Additive Basketball

Wilson and Rockets' player K.J. Martin debuted a 3D printed, airless basketball at the NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday night during the first round of the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. The ball matches the performance specifications of a regulation basketball, including its weight, size, and rebound. The ball showcases Wilson’s drive for innovation; however, there will be no changes made to the NBA official game ball. At least this gives us nerds a reason to pick up a sports ball! Article hat tip goes to Leah Lewis.

Read more here.


3. Biodegradable Replacement for HDPE

Researchers have developed a biodegradable polyester with properties similar to high-density polyethylene (HDPE aka water bottle plastic). The polyester is semicrystalline, has good mechanical properties, and is chemically and biologically degradable. It could be used as a recyclable thermoplastic material with minimal environmental impact. If it ends up in the ocean’s Texas-sized swirling mass of trash, at least it won’t be there for infinite generations to come!

Read more here.


4. A 3D Printer SHORTER* Than a Match

MOVIE TIME! This clip showcases the world's tiniest 3D printer, which is compared in size to a match and SD format memory card. The printer is so small that the material it needs to print its structures has to be added with a syringe. After some time for digital light processing, the build plate retracts from the vat of resin, revealing a completed part.

Read more here.


5. Wearables for Your Toilet

You read that right: wearable tech meant to be worn on a toilet! It’s French, so this is brought to you by the same people that brought the world the bidet. “Wearable technology is altering the playing field!” The medical field, that is – which is exploring new ways to identify signs of cancer in its early stages. Such wearable technology is revolutionizing cancer detection, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and treatment in the years to come.

Read more here.


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Author
Stephen LaMarca
Senior Technology Analyst
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