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Without one single doubt we can state that 2016 is the start of virtual reality (VR) changing the lives we live. Samsung has started with the Samsung S7 in combination with a VR headset. A lot of functions has already been covered for the daily life, however there are so many developments happening in this field that I would like to highlight one in particular. Actually, it is more a company that wants to become the Google Docs for VR, which has as goal to work on designs on a platform with other people, so the same way as Google Docs works. The project that they embarked on is called Neos, which I would like to introduce and explain in this short blog.

The real astonishing achievement of the Neos project is that it can connect people in real-time in a virtual environment where design ideas can be made in real time in a group. So, all the participants, who utilise two joysticks to be able to pick things up and draw things, stand in the same virtual room, which is a kind of ‘Scratch Space’. Within this environment, drawings can be made and other more advanced constructs can be added within that design space. This technology might, eventually, spark new businesses in the design world.

Currently, Neos is still a work in progress and it works on the new HTC vive with a maximum of two people. The goal is of course to be able to connect via wifi, which will be possible in the future. The possibilities with the project Neos will be endless and can be used in teaching architecture, medical evaluations and virtual presentations. In addition to the design possibilities, the same technology might be used in the gaming industry or other industries.

If you think this is an interesting new technology, the following link will guide you to a demonstration of this concept: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FreMCnIHr7Y&feature=youtu.be

 

References:
http://www.roadtovr.com/neos-aims-to-be-the-google-docs-of-vr-world-building/ (2016)
http://www.vr-expert.nl/neos-core-laat-je-samenwerken-in-vr/ (2016)

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The last couple of years drones have been an interesting concept and a lot has been written about it. This year, Amazon has started testing Amazon Prime. Briefly explained, this is a new service that delivers goods to customers within half an hour, using drones that arrive at your doorstep.
Apart from the operational performances, the safety for the environment and citizens is an important factor that is part of the future of drones.

Last month, the first tests in Europe have started regarding the so-called, Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) at Twente Airport (Netherlands). These tests are initialised by Nokia, who wants to trial their UTM using real-life simulations and commercial demonstrations in relation to the use of drones in the vicinity of urban areas and manned aircrafts.
However, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA has started a long time ago (25 years) with setting up traffic management for UAS. In figure 1 different applications for UTM are visualised by NASA.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Figure 1 UTM applications (Source: NASA)

The following applications are visible in figure 1:

• Agricultural application
• Pictures
• Low altitude radar
• Search and rescue
• Rail surveillance
• Cargo delivery

In addition to the application, the functionalities of UTM are also described by the NASA, which is basically all focused on the safety of UAS in relation to the environment. However, the first is not focused on safety but on the architecture that is needed to make this technology possible in the world. This needed functionality covers the cloud-based architecture of the drones. The second needed functionality of a UTM system to support UAS operations are focused on the following systems:

• Airspace management and geo-fencing
• Weather and severe wind integration
• Predict and manage congestion
• Terrain and man-made objects database and avoidance system
• Maintain safe separation
• Allow only authenticated operation

In addition to the needed functionalities, different business models must be taken into consideration. The following are currently questioned:

• Single service provider as a government authority
• Single service provider as a non-government authority, but a non-profit organisation
• Connected and compatible UTM systems that are organised by regional/local government authorities
• Connected and compatible UTM systems that are organised by regional/local non-government authorities

In conclusion, drones have a future in our lives for different applications, such as cargo delivery and search applications. However, due to the low-altitude flying, there are numerous safety issues regarding the environment. Before the drones can be applied to a high extent and be of a part of our daily life, a cloud-based infrastructure must be in place that ensures that potential accidents are minimised.

 

References

company.nokia.com/en/news/press-releases/2016/09/26/nokia-and-europes-first-drone-based-smart-city-traffic-management-test-facility-collaborate-to-ensure-safe-global-aerial-operations

www.icao.int/Meetings/RPAS/RPASSymposiumPresentation/Day%202%20Workshop%203%20ATM%20Integration%20Parimal%20Kopardekar.pdf

www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/utm-factsheet-11-05-15.pdf

 

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In this week we will zoom in on a technology that has disrupted a certain industry. The focus of our short research is the automotive market, or more specific, the ‘electrification of vehicles’ and ‘Intelligent Transportations Systems’ (ITS).  First the electrification is covered, secondly ITS and, finally, the similarities and differences between these two disruptions will be discussed.

The first aspect of cars that is important to notice is the fact that all cars are essentially energy conversion devices: they turn stored energy into kinetic energy. In a conventional car, this happens with sparks in a combustion engine and in a electric car also use stored chemical energy, but, in contrast with conventional cars, they release it electrochemically.

For this disruptive technology a SWOT analysis is conducted and gives an understanding of the future of the development of electrical vehicles. First of all, the number of electric vehicles is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades, since major players in the current market are now changing their focus from conventional internal combustion engines to complete electric vehicles. The cost of batteries is decreasing, which leads to reduced vehicle production costs and better cost competitiveness regarding conventional cars.

 

In addition, the number  of outlets have seen a huge growth since 2013, which decreases the importance of the second weakness.

All in all, the future for the completely electric vehicles looks bright and is expected to gain a significant market share in the upcoming years.

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) describe technology applied to transport and infrastructure to transfer information between systems. It can make transport safer, more efficient and more sustainable. It includes stand-alone applications such as traffic management systems, as well as cooperative ITS applications involving vehicle to infrastructure, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and autonomous driving.

Also in the case of ITS, a SWOT analysis is used to describe the future possibilities of ITS, which is clearly a promising technology to decrease accidents and make living in a city more comfortable. Within the sector mobility, data is becoming more important to gather and use it to influence the traffic flows, however the privacy issue/data security is a serious issue and must be correctly dealt with.

 

One major difference between the two technologies is the degree of industry disruption. ITS is much more disruptive to the industry because not only the car technology is changing, but the whole infrastructural system we are used to is about to change. It requires availability and storage of a lot of data to make communication between vehicles possible. So there also need to be new rules and regulations for the sake of data security and privacy. Both technologies focus on increasing environmental benefits in cities. Electrification of vehicles is more focused on emission reduction and ITS is more focused on road safety.

So now we have discussed two disruptive technologies in the automotive sector it turns out that we are yet at the beginning of a huge revolution in the car industry.

 

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