Memristors, Earbuds and Australian Startups
November 26
This week we look at a new type of Graphene based Memory Resistor that will speed up computing. We discover a Perth based company whose earbuds were named one of Time Magazines 100 best inventions in 2020. We look at a couple of Australian Startups from Antler’s demo day and finally we find a new way to save space in our cramped homes.
Graphene Memory Resistors
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed a graphene based memory resistor (memristor). The memristor was developed as part of an attempt to mimic the brain’s neural network. As the limits of traditional computing reach their limits, new forms of computing are being developed. Neuromorphic computing tries to mimic the human brain.
Traditional computers store information in once place and do the computing somewhere else. This takes time and energy in addition to space. Artificial neural networks seek to emulate the energy and space efficiency of the brain.
A memristor is created by applying a brief electric field to a sheet of graphene (a one atom thick layer of carbon atoms). The researchers were able to show 16 possible memory states (as opposed to 2 in traditional methods). Memristors can be reconfigured just as neurons and synapses in the brain can be reconfigured.
This process is well suited to the pattern recognition needed for high speed image recognition in applications such as self driving cars. Self driving cars need to be able to recognize objects as quickly as possible in order to take the appropriate action. Speed is of the essence. As high speed computer vision finds more commercial applications high speed artificial neural networks will become more and more important to success.
Nuheara
Perth startup, Nuheara has had its’ latest ear buds named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 best inventions of 2020. The ear buds not only have fantastic noise cancelling capabilities they can isolate and amplify a human voice. This allows people that are hard of hearing to tune out all the background noise and listen only to the person talking.
The bluetooth enabled earbuds give you the ability to assess your hearing and then automatically calibrate to your own personal hearing profile. The earbuds are also able to link to music systems and TV’s via the bluetooth connection giving you the level and quality of sound you desire without impacting others.
Creative use of Space
Bumblebee, a San Francisco based startup has developed some creative ways to use space is small inner city apartments. Their voice-activated robotic system drops furniture from the ceiling for use when it is required.
Your bed, wardrobe, desk and nightstand all reside in the ceiling and are only lowered for use when you need them. The system is able to learn your routine and preferences and prepare spaces for when you need them.
The modules are 13 inches thick and organized Tetris style against the ceiling. The system is ideal for guest rooms that can be adapted for multiple purposes and studio apartments that lack the space for dedicated areas for work, study, sleeping etc. The system has a safety layer and it can sense if there is anything in the way of furniture being lowered. Each module also has a weight limit that guides use. For example the bed won’t raise if there is someone on it. Bumblebee works with developers to install the system as buildings are being constructed however it can also be retrofitted.
A couple of Australian Startups
Antler (an early stage VC that enables new startups to be created by talented people) held their virtual demo day recently. Here are a couple of startups the caught my eye.
When the presentation for Coder One started I initially thought this was a silly idea however it quickly dawned upon me that it was quite ingenious. Coder One has developed AI sports challenges. Teams build AI bots, the bots then compete against each other in structured online games.
The goal is to provide a training ground for future AI coders. There is currently a huge shortage of programmers that have mastered AI and that shortage will only grow in the future. Coder One provides the resources to code your own bot which will then compete against other bots in multiplayer challenges.
Games are great ways to test AI ideas and to develop skills and experience. Initially 4 games from Coder One will be available for play however they are opening an API to allow third party games to vastly increase the challenge for programmers. Prizes and competitions provide incentive as does the opportunity to be noticed by potential employers.
One of the challenges for any online e-commerce company to develop a network effect for their site. A network effect is where the value a user derives from a good or service depends upon the number of users of compatible products. For most sites they are selling single products to single customers. The cost of acquisition of each customer is high.
Any way to incentivize customers to find your next customer for you can be very valuable and it will drive your cost of acquisition lower (if done correctly). M8buy is an attempt to bring social buying (i.e. customers getting their friends to also become customers) to smaller e-commerce sites.
The M8buy system provides a cash back to all of the shopping group once the time for group purchase has expired. Members of the group can buy different products and all get a % cash back.
A Present for the Person that has Everything
Finally a bonus gift recommendation. I know that a couple of you will be stuck trying to buy last minute gifts in a few weeks time. Well here is a suggestion for the person in your life that has everything.
The Winecab Wine Wall holds up to an impressive 600 bottles. The Wall features:
an articulating robotic arm with a gentle touch for handling delicate bottles of wine
a label scanner to automatically catalog added bottles
an AI assistant to recommend wine and food pairing
security features to gate access to certain bottles (essential for late at night when decision making may not be quite as acute)
If you prefer, PanPacific have a beer vending machine which will verify the users age before dispensing any beer.
Paying it Forward
If you have a start-up or know of a start-up that has a product ready for market please let me know. I would be happy to have a look and feature the startup in this newsletter. Also if any startups need introductions please get in touch and I will help where I can.
If you have any questions or comments please email me via my website craigcarlyon.com or comment below.
I would also appreciate it if you could forward this newsletter to anyone that you think might be interested.
Till next week.