This week we will look at the emerging technology known as Wetware which is at the intersection of brain neurons and silicon computer chips. We will also look at UPS’s latest delivery drone and the new Ipad pro Lidar. Finally, some or possibly all of us are in some version of lockdown. How can we still watch our favorite TV shows with our family and friends whilst we are all self isolating. A few suggestions.
The Birth of Wetware
“Wetware” is the integration of biology and machine that performs a task that neither can do alone. A company that is developing wetware is Koniku (the names comes from a Nigerian word that means immortal). They are developing a computer processor that uses a combination of mice neurons and silicon.
The first product that Koniku is developing uses their neuron-silicon hybrid chip (Koniku Kore) to “smell” the presence of a given compound. They also hope to develop capabilities that will taste, feel heat and potentially see. The ultimate goal being an AI wetware that can be used in a wide variety of applications.
The way Koniku develops a product that can smell, is they firstly select the target smell and then identify the cellular receptors that would ordinarily bind to that substance. They then create neurons that have those receptors. These neurons are created by using gene editing technology to tweak the DNA of neuron processors.
Once the customized neurons are developed, a polymer structure for the neurons to sit on is built. The neurons are then left to network together along a set of electrodes. A few neurons will then be developed to work as the the neuron-silicon connection. Endocytosis (a natural process where a cell gradually engulfs foreign matter) means that the neurons are connected to the neuron network and the chip. A special DNA coating on the electrodes allows the electrode to pick up electrical signals that are produced when the neuron binds to a given chemical or class of chemicals (this electrical signal tells us that the neuron has “smelt” the chemical).
Many of the technologies used, were developed before Koniku started developing this process however the life of a neuron in a lab was only a couple of days. Koniku has developed a solution in which neurons can survive for up to two months. This is expected to be extended to two years with further research.
So why use a carbon based neuron rather than developing a better silicon chip? Carbon based systems are more than a million times more energy efficient than their silicon counterparts. Additionally logic gates in a silicon device can fan out (i.e. the number of gate inputs that the output of a logic gate drives) to about 10 gates. Carbon based systems can fan out to more than 10,000.
Applications might include explosives detection at airports, cancer detection (currently dogs can be trained to smell many cancers in humans however they are expensive to train and loose concentration fairly quickly making it a slow and expensive process), taste testing, soap and other hygiene product testing. This article goes into much more detail about the development of the Koniku wetware chip.
The new Ipad Pro comes with Lidar
Last week Apple announced the latest version of the Ipad Pro, complete with built in Lidar. Previously Lidar units wholesaled for US$300 to $400 each so to have been able to build one into an Ipad, Apple must have reduced the cost significantly.
The Lidar searches everything in a room (it also works outdoors) up to 5 meters away and draws a mesh that it uses to analyze the contents. This mesh is then used to provide the information required for Augmented Reality (AR) and others applications.
There are multiple potential uses for this new technology. Firstly games (most tech developers are also game nerds so it is no surprise that new versions of games will be high on the list of new developments). The game Hot Lava is shown below using the Lidar capability to provide an Augmented Reality gaming experience where you play the game with your living room as the game location.
It is likely that more important uses will emerge in the near future. Previously we have spoken about new glasses that help the blind to see. This sort of Lidar capability will only enhance the capability of those applications. There are rumors that the iPhone12 will include the same technology. This will allow developers to integrate applications (games, marketing, assistance etc.) more into everyday life.
Multipurpose Delivery Drones
UPS and German startup, Wingcopter have partnered to develop delivery drones. The drones feature vertical takeoffs and landings in confined spaces and they can transition to efficient and high speed horizontal flight soon after takeoff. Their range is up to 120 kilometers and they can reach speeds of 240kph and tolerate winds of up to 72kph.
Early uses of this technology will likely be in business to business deliveries where suitable takeoff and landing areas are available. Business to consumer will probably initially be limited to drones delivering to a distribution hub in each suburb of larger cities. Humans (or some type of robotic delivery) will cover the last mile to the home. This will reduce the number of delivery trucks that endlessly circle our cities during the day and it will speed up the time taken for delivery. I still want the robotic dogs (featured here) to deliver packages to my home. Hopefully the two technologies can be seamlessly combined.
Co-watching during lockdown
Many of us like the shared experience of watching a movie together with fiends or family. In this age of lockdowns and social distancing that is more difficult. Here are a few ways that you might still be able to co-watch a favorite movie.
Netflix Party
Netflix Party is a free Chrome extension that allows several people to watch the same movie or show on Netflix in unison. Each user needs a Netflix account, once downloaded the Netflix Party extension appears in the Netflix browser window. Pick what you want to watch, click on the Netflix Party extension to share your choice with your group (3 hours later after you all finally agree on what to watch), the movie begins with a group chat bar that allows you and your friends to type and chat while watching. Download it here.
Metastream
Metastream allows you to watch Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Soundlcoud, Twitch and Reddit. Again the chat function allows you to watch and chat in unison. You can even queue YouTube videos. Try it here.
Discord
Discord allows you to communicate over voice, video and text. It is usually used in connection with gaming groups or friends that just want to hangout. As a bonus there are tons of developers that have developed bots that will automatically track performance of your group on a range of games. Discord can be used as an app or in a browser. Start here.
If you don’t want to download apps or extensions just start your Netflix movie and point your phone or computer at the screen and share the move via FaceTime or Zoom (this is not a quality option but free and easy if you don’t want to navigate the ideas above).
Hearo
If any of you want to invest (this is not investment advice, startup investment is very risky, I mean really really risky) in a startup that is building a specialized service to allow groups to watch YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch and esports (plans for adding TV/Sports, Netflix, Amazon Prime and IPTC (Europe)) have a look at Hearo.live They are raising capital via Republic here.
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 and stay safe from Covid-19.