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Tech Talk June 16, 2023

Air Quality & HVAC Recommendations

  • Concerns raised over air quality in Hamilton due to forest fires.
  • The public is advised to keep HVAC systems clean and replace filters regularly.
  • Consider professional HVAC system cleaning to remove pollutants and airborne particles

1. Robotic Vacuum with Stair-Climbing Capability:

– The Ascender is a robotic vacuum that can climb and clean stairs, unlike other models.

– Developed by Migo Robotics, a team of experts from Google, Boston Dynamics, and Dyson.

– Offers the convenience of a single vacuum for cleaning multiple floors.

2. Live Voicemail Transcripts for iPhones:

– Apple unveiled a new feature that shows transcripts of incoming voicemail on screen.

– Users can decide whether to answer calls based on the transcript.

– Similar feature called “Call Screen” exists in Google’s Android.

3. Paper-Thin Solar Cells for Versatile Power Generation:

– MIT scientists developed ultra-thin solar cells that can be attached to various surfaces.

– Thinner than human hair, they can be laminated onto boats, tents, drones, etc.

– Made using electronic printable ink, these solar panels are environmentally friendly.

4. ELASTOCALORIC Cooling System as an Alternative to Refrigerants:

– Air conditioning and cooling technologies consume over 20% of global energy.

– Refrigerants have high global warming potential compared to carbon dioxide.

– The ELASTOCALORIC cooling system, using metals instead of chemicals, offers a green alternative.

5. Liquid Metal Transforming Paper into Functional Material:

– Chinese scientists developed liquid metal that can turn paper into metal.

– Enables bendable, magnetized, and electronic properties in paper-based items.

– Offers applications in robotics, energy transfer, and recycling.