Technological Breakthroughs around the world

Important Technological Breakthroughs of Year 2013

My definition of a scientific breakthrough is simple: an advance that gives people powerful new ways to use technology. It could be an intuitive design that provides a useful interface (see “Smart Watches”) or experimental devices that could allow people who have suffered brain damage to once again form memories (“Memory Implants”). Some could be key to sustainable economic growth (“Additive Manufacturing” and “Supergrids”), while others could change how we communicate (“Temporary Social Media”) or think about the unborn (“Prenatal DNA Sequencing”). Some are brilliant feats of engineering (“Baxter”). Others stem from attempts to rethink longstanding problems in their fields (“Deep Learning” and “Ultra-Efficient Solar Power”). As a whole, we intend this annual list not only to tell you which technologies you need to know about, but also to celebrate the creativity that produced them.

Smart Watches

The designers of the Pebble watch realized that a mobile phone is more useful if you don’t have to take it out of your pocket.

Ultra-Efficient Solar Power

Doubling the efficiency of solar devices would completely change the economics of renewable energy. Here is a design that just might make it possible.

Memory Implants

A maverick neuro-scientist believes he has deciphered the code by which the brain forms long-term memories.

Deep Learning

With massive amounts of computational power, machines can now recognize objects and translate speech in real time. Artificial intelligence is finally getting smart.

Important Technological Breakthroughs of Year 2012

The Bodyguard Glove

It is equipped with a camera and a stun gun to keep criminals at bay. Diffuses confrontations and prevents potentially violent situations.