X Prize is an organization that has a goal to benefit humanity by inciting competition with monetary prizes. This is the premise for their existence:"That it’s part of our DNA. Of humanity itself. That tapping into that indomitable spirit of competition brings about breakthroughs and solutions that once seemed unimaginable. Impossible." - Visit the X PRIZE website: Click here to help humanity!
The website includes a list of career paths and ideas to change the world. It is a very innovative way to organize ideas and gather sponsors to fund challenges. This site is definitely a great way to focus on large needs and organize resources to encourage investment.
On an earlier post I had mentioned that a electric car manufacturer other than Tesla was doing research to see what they could possibly do with their cars batteries after their cars life had expired but not the batteries life. They were looking at using them to store power in the home solar market. Tesla recently announced in a Steve Jobs like product announcement, they are producing special batteries for solar systems used in homes and business.
Elon Musk does a great job of presenting the problem and the describing the solution and how important it is to all of us on earth. The Tesla Power Wall will be an important element to make solar power a more affordable and exceptionable solution to where we are now. This will not only affect advanced countries but make it so much easier for 3rd world to power up as well. The Tesla Power Pack is the larger answer to business and city demands. April 30th, 2015 will be mark in the history of mankind of a very big change in how energy will be produced for the future.
Recent advancements in solar panel construction in chemical and materials has made solar panels more affordable. Now combining the Tesla battery and panel advancements, the solar energy systems will get payback earlier. Electric cars , homes and business will charge off the sun, thus making a smaller carbon foot print. This will be important for this and generations to come. Tesla Energy Company Website
Just a few years ago there was an excitement from the technology developed by a few young people. They thought why cant we use the technology of a regular printer to use material other than ink to actually build 3 dimensional objects. This opened a whole new search for a large gamut of material choices to use in these machines. Recently a new set of rosins were discovered that while in liquid state seemingly similar to the what you may see in the Hollywood movie terminator. This helps the 3D printer build things so much faster than the more primitive 3D models here on earth. Read: Washington Post - Mind Blowing 3D Printing material
NASA scientists find this printer technology just developed in a few short years so vitally important to the future of space travel. As they expand deeper into space with human space travel, space is so critical. Taking a whole supply of parts or tools is not a option, but an ability to build what you absolutely need is essential. Recently the space station has been testing today's 3D printers in low gravity. NASA - Building in Zero Gravity on Space Station As expected the problem to overcome is that liquid surface tension changes to low gravity. So the search for materials with with surface tension characteristics more adaptive to space is on. Could the 3D printer require gravity simulation devices? Present technology has small hurdles to overcome. Will the solution come from verging two or more existing technologies, or will we discover a new use for an existing technology? Will sharing these concerns with others on the internet to a world of different backgrounds and experiences, accelerate the solution is yet to be seen. Using the vast array of potential tools combined with the world of computerized machines, still relies on human curiosity and the drive to innovate.
Many back yard hot rod enthusiasts have been experimenting with using glow paints in their artistic designs on their favorite automobiles for years. This is the first time a major car manufacturer has made this innovative assembly line commitment. In the automotive world visibility enhances class and design, however it is huge in accident prevention. Seeing the other car helps the drivers avoid collisions. Car manufacturers have been redesigning lights and incorporating reflective materials to their designs to achieve more visibility. Why not use the entire body area to help achieve the desired safety and aesthetic accomplishments. Nissan is doing this with the glowing paint option on their Leaf model. It is more than fad, it is a good idea. Imagine the devices that need this. All bicycles, objects along highways and much more will change our views of the night and save lives in the future.
How does it work? The ultraviolet-energized paint created especially for Nissan. It is unique
thanks to its secret formula that consists only of organic compounds,
including a rare natural earth product called Strontium Aluminate, a
solid, odorless, chemically and biologically inert substance. Nissan
said it is the first automaker to apply such a paint to a vehicle. If made commercially available, Nissan said the paint had a life expectancy
of 25 years.
Learn more by clicking on these links: Car And Driver Tech Tell - OK,OK Its Cool Awesome paint
