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In late 2016 the digital world was shaken by an influx of memes about people with toothbrushes in their ears. Apple had just launched the Airpods. Their design was fundamentally different from all other wireless headphones we had seen up to that moment. It ended up forming the ‘true wireless headphone’ industry, rather than the ‘wireless headphone’ industry which had a physical connection between both ears.

This disruptive technology was catalyzed by Apple removing headphone jacks from their iPhones and iPods. Customers had to get new earplugs or a connector. In my experience, and with my friends, this connector was a major introduction. Often it would be forgotten, break down or fall out of my pockets. Requiring re-purchasing, ultimately making me crave for a wireless solution.

 

But is this innovation all but positive for society?

Wearing earplugs distances people from each other. Not knowing whether music is playing, and difficulties taking them out (as you need to hold them) halts casual conversations.

Additionally, doctors are questioning the health risks for your ears. Around 250 researchers, from more than 40 different countries, have signed a petition to the United Nations and World Health Organization on the Apple Airpods. The electromagnetic field that is produced by Bluetooth technology is dangerous to live cells. Cancer, neurological disorders, and DNA damage are potential effects of using them.

 

Even if the Apple Airpods are safe to use, their next disruption may not be. Extensive research is not their main priority. Their main priority is getting their product in the market, to capture first-mover advantage. Being the disrupter in the market is their business model.

What the future holds? No one can tell. Currently, the eyes are on 5G, something that is controversial in terms of health benefits. Let’s hope Apple does remove all questions before launching their product.

 

 

https://medium.com/techuisite/airpods-have-changed-my-life-9beb88a01e62

https://elemental.medium.com/are-airpods-and-other-bluetooth-headphones-safe-214a0449e13a

https://www.techradar.com/news/wireless-headphones-vs-true-wireless-earbuds-which-design-is-best-for-you

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The robot dog Spot was launched in 2015 by engineering company Boston Dynamics, but only since June this year, it has become available for regular consumers. It is widely accepted to be the most advanced robot dog currently available. For a price of $74.500, you can own your a four-legged robot dog, able to climb terrain, see 360-degrees around, and walk up to three miles per hour (Stieg, 2020).

The most common tasks for these small, cheap, maneuverable robots have to do with their cameras. The US military is testing whether these robots are a suitable tool to scout locations that are potentially contested (Lendon, 2020). In the construction industry are using them as inspectors for buildings, both deteriorating as well as building still in progress (Stieg, 2020). Without these robots, humans would have to enter these dangerous locations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put robot dogs in the picture of general use. Being a disruptive technology that started to get traction, now it has exploded. Many new use-cases were found, ultimately boosting the sale of Spot, and competitors.

•  In the US, some general practitioners are visiting patients via a video call, using a mounted iPad on Spot (Haridy, 2020).
•  In Singapore, robot dogs are used to ensure the individuals keep social distancing when outdoors (Tan, 2020).
•  Women’s hospital in Boston is using robot dogs for testing patients’ symptoms, to find out whether they can safely be in the same room as a doctor (Cooper, 2020).

Due to COVID-19, and the innovativeness of certain industries, the robot dog is getting normalized. Prior, only specialized construction workers and certain branches of the military had seen them, while now the general public is also in direct contact. I expect these robots to see another surge in use-cases when it becomes common knowledge that they exist. With this surge in orders and uses, expect to see Spot near you soon!

 

Cooper, G., 2020. See Boston Dynamics Robot Dog Spot Protect Medical Workers From Coronavirus. [online] CNET. Available at: [Accessed 4 October 2020].

Haridy, R., 2020. Boston Dynamics Sends Spot Robot To Help Doctors Treat COVID-19 Patients. [online] New Atlas. Available at: [Accessed 4 October 2020].

Lendon, B., 2020. Robot Dogs Join High-Tech US Air Force Exercise. [online] CNN. Available at: [Accessed 4 October 2020].

Stieg, C., 2020. This $75,000 Boston Dynamics Robot ‘Dog’ Is For Sale—Take A Look. [online] CNBC. Available at: [Accessed 4 October 2020].

Tan, C., 2020. Robot Reminds Visitors Of Safe Distancing Measures In Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. [online] The Straits Times. Available at: [Accessed 4 October 2020].