Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Revolutionizing Drone Design: Ascent AeroSystems' Helius Challenges the Quadrotor

2025-03-21

For a century, airplane design has been bird-inspired. Drones, however, have taken a different path. Ascent AeroSystems' Helius drone uses an innovative coaxial twin-rotor design, revolutionizing the traditional quadrotor form. This design makes the Helius more compact, easier to store, and capable of carrying heavier payloads, performing better in harsh weather. The Helius features a low-light camera system, AI obstacle avoidance, and high-speed flight capabilities (up to 45 mph), with a flight time exceeding 30 minutes and weighing just over half a pound. Despite its $4,500 price tag, its powerful performance makes it ideal for industrial, government, law enforcement, and emergency response units, potentially shaping the future of drone design.

(www.core77.com)

Tech coaxial twin-rotor innovative design

Niigata's Geothermal Snow-Melting System: A Clever Solution

2025-03-09

Facing heavy snowfall, Niigata, Japan, developed a clever snow-melting system in the 1960s called 'shosetsu'. This system uses geothermal heat to warm groundwater, which is then pumped through pipes under roads and sprayed onto the asphalt to prevent snow from freezing. Niigata currently has approximately 571 kilometers of roads equipped with this system, offering a more environmentally friendly and car-friendly alternative to traditional salting methods.

(www.core77.com)

Tech snow melting

Revolutionizing Metal 3D Printing: Wire-Based Laser Deposition

2025-02-02

Spanish company Meltio has developed a revolutionary metal 3D printing technology that eliminates the hassles of powder-based methods. Using metal wire as feedstock, multiple low-power diode lasers melt the wire, building parts layer by layer. Called LMD (Wire-Laser Metal Deposition), this efficient and clean process requires no powder cleanup, handles various metals and alloys, allows for mixing metals, and enables repair of existing parts. Furthermore, Meltio's technology can be easily integrated into existing robotic arms or CNC machines, significantly lowering costs and barriers to entry.

(www.core77.com)

Tech metal printing

Eco-Friendly Laptop Stand Made from Recycled Paper

2025-01-11

Seoul-based design firm grape lab has created the g.stand, a laptop stand made from a single sheet of recycled paper. Weighing only 45g, it's sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest laptops. Its origami-inspired design provides optimal viewing and typing angles, while strategically placed creases ensure proper ventilation. Collapsing to a mere 3cm for easy portability, its carrying case doubles as a phone stand. This sustainable and stylish product retails for around $22.

(www.core77.com)

Design sustainable design recycled paper laptop stand