Artificial intelligence is increasingly moving from research labs into everyday clinical workflows, and prenatal imaging is one of the latest areas to see rapid innovation. DeepTech company Diagnoly has announced the launch of its real-time fetal ultrasound AI assistant, Fetoly, on iOS, expanding global access to AI-assisted prenatal care.

Already deployed in more than 20 countries, the new iOS release allows obstetricians, maternal fetal medicine specialists, and sonographers to run the application directly on an iPad, connecting seamlessly to existing ultrasound systems without requiring additional hardware or upgrades.

This marks another step in the broader trend of AI moving into mobile, interoperable healthcare tools that integrate directly into clinical workflows rather than requiring entirely new systems.

AI As A Second Set Of Eyes

Fetoly AI analyzes fetal ultrasound scans in real time, helping clinicians verify anatomical landmarks and examination completeness

Fetoly is designed to function as a real-time ultrasound assistant, continuously analyzing the full ultrasound video stream during fetal examinations. The system helps verify that examinations are complete by identifying anatomical structures and can highlight suspicious findings through automated measurements, while keeping clinicians fully in control of the diagnostic process.

According to Diagnoly, the goal is not to replace clinicians but to provide a second layer of analysis that improves consistency, efficiency, and diagnostic confidence.

Fetal ultrasound is widely considered one of the most operator-dependent imaging procedures in medicine, with outcomes often influenced by the experience of the practitioner and the clinical environment. AI-assisted analysis has the potential to reduce variability and help standardize examination quality across healthcare systems worldwide.

Running Locally, Not In The Cloud

One of the notable aspects of Fetoly is that it operates locally on the device rather than relying on cloud processing. This approach helps address data security and privacy concerns while also ensuring the application can function reliably in clinical environments without constant internet connectivity.

This local-processing model is becoming increasingly important in healthcare AI, where data privacy, regulatory compliance, and workflow integration are critical factors for adoption.

Expanding Clinical Capabilities

The latest version of the application includes improvements in real-time performance and anatomical detection, as well as new automated measurement ratios that assist in detecting conditions such as:

• Ventriculomegaly
• Corpus callosum abnormalities
• Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR)

These updates are delivered through regular software updates, allowing the system to continuously evolve and improve clinical support without requiring new hardware.

The Rise Of Mobile Medical AI

The launch of Fetoly on iOS reflects a broader shift in medical technology toward mobile, AI-powered tools that can run on tablets and portable devices. Instead of large centralized systems, many healthcare AI tools are now designed to work alongside existing equipment, making adoption faster and more cost-effective.

This trend is particularly important for prenatal care, where access to specialist expertise varies significantly across regions. AI tools that support clinicians in real time could help improve diagnostic quality and access to care globally.

As demand continues to grow for intelligent imaging tools and AI-assisted diagnostics, solutions like Fetoly highlight how artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming embedded directly into everyday clinical practice rather than remaining a separate technology layer.

The post Bringing AI Into Prenatal Ultrasound appeared first on Tech Trends.

Cyber attacks linked to geopolitical conflict are increasingly affecting the companies and systems that ordinary people rely on every day, according to cybersecurity researchers and analysts.

A new commentary from cybersecurity publication Cybernews warns that cyberwar is no longer limited to governments, military systems, or intelligence agencies. Instead, attacks are increasingly targeting healthcare systems, payment infrastructure, and critical services used by the public and private sector.

Cyber attacks moving beyond government targets

Recent incidents involving major companies highlight how geopolitical cyber retaliation can now have real-world consequences for businesses and public services.

According to reporting referenced in the commentary, Iran-linked hacktivist group Handala claimed attacks on payment provider Verifone and medical technology company Stryker. The alleged attack on Stryker reportedly disrupted operations and affected healthcare providers attempting to order surgical supplies, demonstrating how cyber incidents can ripple into healthcare systems and supply chains.

These types of attacks show that modern cyberwarfare is increasingly focused on economic and infrastructure targets rather than purely government systems.

Threat activity already increasing online

Security researchers say the threat landscape is already expanding as geopolitical tensions rise.

Researchers have identified thousands of newly registered domains related to Middle East conflict themes, which may later be used in phishing campaigns, malware distribution, or disinformation campaigns. Attack methods expected to increase include:

• Phishing campaigns
• Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
• Ransomware
• Data leaks and hack-and-leak operations
• Destructive malware attacks
• Credential harvesting and password spraying

These tactics are commonly used by both state-backed groups and affiliated hacktivist organizations.

Human error remains the biggest vulnerability

Despite increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks, experts say the most common entry point remains human error and basic security weaknesses.

Common vulnerabilities include:

• Unpatched software
• Weak or reused passwords
• Default credentials on internet-connected devices
• Lack of multi-factor authentication
• Employees falling for phishing emails

Researchers also warn that artificial intelligence is making cyber attacks easier to scale, allowing attackers to generate convincing phishing messages and automate parts of the attack process.

This combination of geopolitical conflict, automation, and existing security weaknesses means organizations must improve basic cybersecurity practices to reduce risk.

Cyberwar now affects everyday services

The key takeaway from recent incidents is that cyberwar is no longer a distant or abstract threat. Instead, it is increasingly affecting companies that provide essential services such as healthcare, payments, logistics, and infrastructure.

For businesses, this means improving patching, authentication, and employee cybersecurity training. For individuals, it highlights the importance of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and caution when opening emails or clicking links.

As geopolitical tensions continue to influence cyber activity, experts warn that disruptions may increasingly affect everyday services rather than traditional government targets.

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SXSW draws a crowd from all over the world. There are many countries that make an effort to have a known presence at SXSW. They may send a delegation of government officials, a gaggle of musicians to perform or even set up elaborate pop-up events to draw attention to their country’s innovation and accomplishment.

This manifests in things like “Australia House” the multi-day popup on Rainy street that combines sessions on Australian technology and culture with live music. Another popular one is the UK house at SXSW, home of the British Music Embassy as well as panels, sessions and networking events. Even Tulsa, Oklahoma joined the game with a multi-day popup to bring awareness to the existence of creativity and culture in Tulsa.

2022 was going to be Ukraine’s first year at SXSW. However, recent events have altered those plans. Some representatives from Ukraine at the SXSW Creative Industries Exhibition still managed to make it to SXSW and have made a meaningful impact at SXSW this year.

Diana Rakus, Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine

I spoke with Diana Rakus, from the “Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine,” at their official booth. Even getting to SXSW 2022 required some unusual efforts by the Ukrainians. Rakus explained that  “The sky is closed in Ukraine, so we had to get to at least Poland. But we decided to choose Germany. So, I drove the car to Germany and then from Germany, I had a flight.” Apparently, her way back home will have similar difficulties. She plans to fly “from here to somewhere in Europe and then from Europe…back to Ukraine.”

She believes the efforts are “worth it.” Rakus says that “during these four days we’ve already met hundreds of people” who are interested in either doing business with Ukraine or finding “ways to support Ukraine.”  She sees this as “a great chance for us to present ourselves and also to encourage people to be involved in the process and to support Ukrainians.”

From her perspective, “Ukraine is standing not only for our country but for the democracy of the whole world.”  She gives her summary of a recent UN court decision: “the invasion of Russia into Ukraine is illegal and they said that Russia should immediately leave our country.”

Plans to bring Ukraine to SXSW were actually started last fall. Rakus says that they had chosen “six Ukrainian startups who had to be presented here, but unfortunately they couldn’t leave the country due to all the things here.”  She herself was “the only one from the ministry who was able to come “

The original goal was to work with the “whole of Europe.”  Ruckus describes aspirations for Ukraine to become the Information and Technology Hub for “at least, Europe and hopefully even the world.” They came here to find ways to make “Ukraine attractive for foreign companies and foreign investors” and show them the opportunities available in Ukraine.  She cites “low taxes” and “comfortable conditions for hiring people” as some of the potential draws of Ukraine.

She explains that despite everything that has happened “we decided not to lose this chance.” It had been planned “far ahead of the beginning of the war.” So they came here “to come and talk to as many people as we can, just to be heard and to show that we already have a lot of things to be proud of.”

She talks about recent progress made by the “Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine,” “the main body responsible for policymaking.” This year, they have been focusing on “four spheres of improvement.”

The first sphere is to “digitize all government services.” They have web applications for people to access some government documents such as ID cards or vaccination certificates. They also have other online services that allow people to get what they need without having to go to authorities in person.

Another sphere they are working on is increasing broadband and “guaranteeing that all essential infrastructure is covered with broadband. The third sphere is raising literacy rates for Ukrainian citizens, in part, to help with their ability to access these new online services. The fourth sphere is continuing to develop the IT industry.

Hannah Zenn, Co-Director of Startup Grind Kyiv

The neighboring booth at the convention hall was originally designed to showcase the six Ukrainian startups, eager to show themselves to the world of SXSW. The area is eerily empty and contains a number of unoccupied tables and a large map covered in pictures of people who planned to be here.

I spoke with Hannah Zenn, Co-Director of Startup Grind Kyiv, about Ukrainian companies at SXSW and the experience of a Ukrainian in the spring of 2022.

She explains that they had come “to showcase different types of products.” They had everything from sustainable toothbrushes and sustainable fashion brands to lighting apps for concerts and “apps to match tech specialists with companies.” These companies have had to “adapt” in order to “actually keep up their work.”

How did they adapt? Zenn says “they mostly relocated to safer places” like “the western part of Ukraine.” She describes the area as “also bombed” but “kind of okay,” in that it isn’t entirely safe, but there is enough “calm time” to allow people “to focus on their work.” This area has internet access and allows for a “connection with all the teams we planned to have here.” This connection allows them to continue “checking out whether everyone’s okay.

She says that the Digital Ministry of Transformation had done a lot to help support this mission to share Ukrainian startups.  She mentions that the “Ukrainian community here in Texas” was helpful as well. Zenn describes herself as “lucky and very happy” to be able to come here and speak up for those that could not attend.

She also says that: “We’re getting used to what’s happening. It’s not something you expect in this century. You just wake one day and… your city is bombed, buildings next to you are bombed… It’s just, you can’t imagine that.”

She explains that Ukraine has been getting a lot of support from people here at SXSW. People are creating different initiatives or finding other ways to support. This includes things like “creating messages about what’s really happening.” She describes the situation in Ukraine as “terror, happening in my homeland” and expresses frustration with people who doubt the situation she is experiencing.

Zenn states that she is personally from “one of the cities that is super heavily bombed.” But that there are people who doubt that “civilian houses are bombed,” despite there being “six hundred civilian houses.. buildings… not even just, like, small homes, but buildings that are already ruined.”

However, she believes that “Ukrainians are united as never before” and “all people are doing something, helping each other.” Because of this she believes that “Ukraine will just be stronger after this.”

And that strength is already being shown in how “companies are adapting to this new reality.” She emphasizes the importance of getting clients and investments and retaining partnerships that are already built, because this affects the lives of people. She explains that these people have “something to create” and “they have responsibility and they actually try to help their teams and employees and partners who are in Ukraine.”

Zenn sees this “engagement” in work as one of the things that actually helps people stay strong enough “to go through this.”  This work offers the chance to “do something” and “separate your emotions” while focusing on “this practical side” of things.

Zenn positively summarizes her experiences here at South by Southwest, saying that “we met so many people that are really, really supportive and that’s incredible, that gives a lot of energy.” She lauds the persistence of Ukrainians, stating her assurance that “we will rebuild everything.”

She also says that “I’m sure Ukraine will be back at South By next year…we’ve just discussed it, next year we can be here with all the teams.”

The startups that would have been at SXSW 2022 are:

• Framiore – clothes combines tailoring traditions from around the world
• effa – 100% recyclable and renewable paper travel amenities
• FlashBeats – strobe light music player
• Deep3dstudio – photogrammetry studio that provides 3D scanning and post-production services for different industries
• Proof-of-Love – metaverse of fashion based on blockchain
• SPOKK – simple accident insurance for pets

More info here https://techukraine.org/2022/01/21/techukraine-news-six-ukrainian-startups-selected-to-present-ukraine-at-sxsw-2022

The post Ukraine’s First SXSW appeared first on Tech Trends.

Atmosphere TV wants to bring people together to watch things and share experiences at the “Unauthorized” Banksy Exhibit at SXSW 2022. I sat down with Blake Sabatinelli · Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere to talk about what they do and what brought them here.

Sabatinelli says that “it started with our two co-founders sitting at a bar, looking up at TV screens in this bar.” The TVs were muted and playing ESPN and Judge Judy. The co-founders, John Resig and Leo Resig thought “there had to be something better.” They made it a goal to “produce content for people’s eyes instead of ears.”

The co-founders considered the reality that  “people spend 70% of their day outside of the home.” However, television is designed for home consumption. So they made it their goal to produce content that would make people “look up from their phones.”

They source content from a variety of places. Sabatinelli describes them as “curators of the internet” who “find the best from the internet” and bring it to venues where people gather. They get their content from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok as well as more traditional TV channels.

Their goal is to “elevate” the communal experience of TV in public spaces. Sabatinelli describes Atmosphere TV as “kind of a nexus of new creators and the older formats like TV bringing them together.”

But why is there Banksy art here? Sabatinelli explains that the “co-founders are huge fans of his artwork.” They have been collecting Banksy art for almost ten years. Sabatinelli says that they “wanted to make sure they were sharing their artwork with the world.” Since Austin is their “backyard” they specifically wanted to give back to this area.

As I speak to Sabatinelli, loud group yells erupt at various intervals, in response to things happening on the TV screens. Apparently, they have succeeded in bringing people together to share content.  Sabatinelli summarizes the feeling of SXSW 2022 when he says “It’s great to have people back out in the world, sharing something together.”

The post Atmosphere TV and Unauthorized Banksy Art at SXSW appeared first on Tech Trends.

By Laura Kobylecky

In an online session entitled “CES 2022 Tech Trends to Watch,” Steve Koenig VP of Research at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) talks about the behaviors, global trends, and emerging technologies to watch out for this year.

Consumers Level Up

One trend that Koenig observes is consumers “leveling up” their technology in a sort of “home makeover.” situation. He describes this overall trend by saying that consumers “want a 21st-century lifestyle.”

Consumers leveling up their technology in a sort of home makeover situation #TechTrends #CES2022
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This lifestyle may include “smart technology.” People are purchasing more IoT technology in order to have a connected home that serves their needs and wants more efficiently. These smart technology devices may have “attached services” instead of being “just a simple, dumb, device.”

These devices include things like “connected fitness.” Products like this can track progress of individuals with IoT tech or be connected to online experiences.   Koenig explains that “research has shown if you buy one or two products you tend to want more.” So, after these smart home purchases are made, these customers may continue to expand their ownership in that area. Koenig emphasizes that this trend is a worldwide phenomenon.

The average consumer now subscribes to 8 streaming services #TechTrends #CES2022
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More growth has also occurred in the field of “premium brands.” Koenig describes this as a “simmering” trend that has risen over time. He points to Beats headphones and Nintendo Switch as good examples of premium brands that has been embraced by consumers. According to Koenig, consumers want that premium brand experience, and “maybe we’re willing to open our wallets a little bit wider to get that,” he says, adding that this trend increased with the pandemic as more and more people decided to level up their tech.

Another area of growth is the increasing use of subscription services. Koenig says that “customers’ zeal for services” is growing in the socially distant world. The average customer is subscribed to eight services. These “pandemic pivots” are a “product of this season of the pandemic” and according to Koenig, this increasing use of subscription services is set to continue into the future.

Fixing Problems

One pandemic trend that Koenig hopes will end soon, is the issue of the “supply chain.” He shows a chart highlighting how this issue has increased during the pandemic.

Technology could help address future supply chain issues so that they don't affect the industry so badly as they have done during the pandemic #TechTrends #CES2022
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The chart also shows that shipping costs are already going down, so the trend may not remain so severe in the future. He mentions some technology solutions that could relate to this issue, like the possible use of “autonomous trucks.” He says that several companies at CES may be relevant to that future.

Another issue in the supply chain is the “chip shortage.” Koenig says that some semiconductor fabrication plants are responding by increasing their productivity, adding additional shifts to increase production. He also mentions that new chip fabs are being built, but that this solution will take years to address the issue. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are semiconductor fabrication plants.

Trends in Innovation and Industry

 Koenig also sees some larger, relevant, and potentially-positive trends. 5G is a part of this vision. He explains that 5G will “provide the connective tissue for a lot of innovation in this decade.” This 5G wireless generation will be a bit unique in that it is turning away from the previous generations’ “consumer focus.” 5G is “the first wireless generation that will be led by the enterprise and not by the consumer” according to Koenig.

The “real value of 5G” is “the enterprise quotient” and the possible use of this technology in things like industrial IoT #CES2022 #TechTrends
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He says the “real value of 5G” is “the enterprise quotient” and the possible use of this technology in things like industrial IoT. Industry can use IoT to keep their production connected in real-time using the increased connectivity made possible by 5G. Also, data centers are increasingly pushing more things to the cloud and 5G will be crucial in making that happen efficiently.

Another big trend that Koenig mentions is the growth of AI. He says that it’s getting better and better, and that this may allow for transformative new applications and use cases. He uses the “see and spray” function of the new John Deere tractor presented at CES 2022 as a good example of this: This function uses AI to differentiate between plants and weeds and targets pesticides at the weeds, reducing the overall pesticide use.

And of course, the Metaverse

Koenig sees the Metaverse as “the next generation of the Internet that will convey increasingly immersive digital experiences.” This Internet will “become inextricably linked with our physical reality,” he says.

According to Koenig, “the metaverse is closer than you think” and “the building blocks are already present and in place.” According to his reckoning, haptics and volumetric video technology will help make the metaverse more realistic and immersive. Cloud technology combined with the “robust connectivity” of 5G will make this world more possible. He cheekily reminds the audience that “Ready Player One was set in the year 2045,” so perhaps we should begin to anticipate that future.

The Metaverse is the next generation of the Internet that will convey increasingly immersive digital experiences #CES2022 #TechTrends
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CES 2022 may be over, but the online content and video on demand sessions remain available until January 31. And CES remains an interesting place to become aware of the future of technology. Keep your eyes wide open to see which of these trends continue and which of these predictions come true in 2022.

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post #CES2022 Tech Trends to Watch appeared first on Tech Trends.

By Laura Kobylecky

John Deere is here at CES 2022 to share some of the history and innovation at John Deere that lead to this fully autonomous tractor.

History of John Deere Innovation

Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, talked about the history and founding of the company during the press conference. In the 1830s, economic difficulties sent blacksmith John Deere from Vermont to Illinois where the soil was different. The cast-iron plows people used had to be cleaned and adjusted every few feet “because of the sticky Illinois soil.”

Deere created the “first steel plow” to deal with this problem. He focused on “the exact curvature of the tool” to create a steel plow that could be pulled easily by horses. This saved time and labor for farmers and allowed for a more streamlined process.

John Deere was at #CES2022 to share the history and innovation at John Deere that lead to a fully autonomous tractor.
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For the last couple of decades. the John Deere company has been focusing on pushing the envelope even further on advanced agriculture tech. In 1997, Deere began testing their first self-steering machine. The machine uses a “global satellite-based augmentation system to improve positional accuracy.” In 1991, John Deere purchased NavCom in order to “provide our own in house GPS and correction signal technology.”

In 1997 John Deere began testing their first self-steering machine #CES2022
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Now, with “Deere owned GPS technology and correction signals” they are able to guide machines throughout the field within 2.5 centimeters or about one inch of accuracy. This precise location-sensing technology allows farmers to spread nutrients, place seeds, and harvest their crops “without ever having to touch the steering wheel.

While the farmer sits in the cab of the truck they can look at real-time data they are collecting or focus on other tasks instead of constantly having to focus on steering. Hindman explains that this steering automation gives farmers the opportunity to make better decisions.

Hindman states that “until recently” agriculture was about doing “more with more” and “more horsepower – more inputs and more acres – yet the last decade has become about doing more with less and using additional tools to make more informed decisions. He believes that AI and machine learning will lead to a continually smart, ever-evolving, and more efficient farm.

Modern Farming Challenges

Deeanna Kovar, Vice President of John Deere’s Production and Precision AG business, takes the stage to explain some of the challenges faced by farms today. She relates some of her experiences growing up on a family farm and the challenges facing current farmers.

On a farm, there are always tasks to be done and competing priorities, she explained. Many of these jobs are time-sensitive and there are not enough hours in the day to do them. Missing a time-sensitive deadline can have a harsh effect on the productivity of a farm. For example, when a farmer misses the optimal time window to plant seeds in the spring, it can reduce that year’s total crop by up to 1% every single day.

When a farmer misses the optimal time window to plant seeds in the spring, it can reduce that year’s total crop by up to 1% every single day #CES2022
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Kovar asserts that there is also a shortage of labor. She says the average farmer is over 55 years old and the overall workforce is aging. As more people move from rural to urban environments this issue is further exacerbated. She sees the fully automated tractor as a potential solution to both of these problems.

These fully autonomous tractors have the flexibility to manage these time-sensitive and intricate tasks within their operation at scale. The tractor can handle some of the work that the farmers don’t have the time or labor to tackle.

In some ways, the automated tractor has a more difficult job than the automated vehicle. Kovar explains that a car needs only to get the passengers from point A to point B safely.” A tractor has many other concerns. It must do a precise job, on a precise path, and accomplish tasks such as prepping soil, planting seeds, applying nutrients, and harvesting crops.

What is the Autonomous Tractor

Willy Pell, Vice President of Autonomy and New Ventures goes into more detail about how the autonomous tractor works. He sees the tractor as a robot and explains that “fundamentally robots need to be able to do two things perceive their environment and make good decisions about what they perceive.”

These fully autonomous tractors have the flexibility to manage these time-sensitive and intricate tasks within their operation at scale #CES2022
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For perception, the automated tractor has six pairs of stereo cameras that enable 360-degree obstacle detection. These stereo cameras “work just like the human eye.” A human has “two eyes but only one image and the brain finds common objects between those two images and calculates the distance of the objects.” The tractor does “exact same thing with stereo cameras and machine learning.” After this, “machine learning algorithms running on GPUs interpret the output.” The tractor’s global position is tracked relative to a geofence, so it always knows where it is and where it is allowed to be.

The automated tractor has six pairs of stereo cameras that enable 360-degree obstacle detection #CES2022
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The machine “sees” the environment around it and that information passes into “a deep neural network” where things are classified using Nvidia GPU processors. This neural network was trained on a large number of images which help it categorize objects like animals, branches, rocks, or things like that. The machine responds appropriately to the object based on the category.

If the machine encounters something it cannot categorize, like a “fallen billboard,” then it uses an “anomaly detection system.” If an object shows up and doesn’t fit “within the standard class of objects, the machine just stops.” Fortunately, there isn’t traffic in a field. So, when a tractor stops, “we don’t have to worry about getting rear-ended by a random driver.”

Using the Autonomous Tractor

Julian Sanchez, Director of Emerging Technologies at John Deere speculates on a farmer’s potential experiences with an autonomous machine. He says that “the farmer only needs to transport the tractor to the field and configure it for autonomous operation.” After the machine is onsite, it can be started with a phone via their app. The tractor gives the all-clear beep and starts working.

The tractor's global position is tracked relative to a geofence, so it always knows where it is and where it is allowed to be #CES2022
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Autonomy is no longer just a concept or a demo - these tractors will be available for sale later this year #CES2022
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The tractor can run autonomously 24/7 and only requires a refuel every 8-10 hours. It collects data in real-time to help manage daily productivity and logistics, storing that data in an operation center for future strategic planning.

Jorge Heraud, Vice President of Automation and Autonomy explains some advantages of using this machine: For one, the tractor can place seeds perfectly in a field, at very precise distances, regardless of drive speed. This machine can also be used to differentiate between weeds and crops so that it sprays pesticide only on the offending weeds. This could save up to “80%” of the amount of pesticide a farmer would normally use.

The tractor can run autonomously 24/7 and only requires a refuel every 8-10 hours. It collects data in real-time to help manage daily productivity and logistics #CES2022
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Heraud concludes with the idea that “autonomy is no longer just a concept or a demo.” These tractors will be available for sale later this year. This may lead to some big changes in the world of agriculture. If widely adopted, technology like this could have an impact across many industries. The future is here.

If you want to check out the design of the tractor, John Deere provides a QR code at their custom CES URL johndeere.com/ces

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post John Deere and the Autonomous Tractor appeared first on Tech Trends.

CES 2022 provides a forum where companies can share their med tech innovations with a larger audience.

SweatID: Are You Thirsty?

Dehydration is a problem for many people, especially during a workout (or walking around at a convention). Finding a precise level of hydration to optimize performance is a challenge. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can cause “cramping and poor performance, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, seizures, arrhythmias, kidney failure, and even death.”

The makers of SweatID assert that “current fitness bands do not monitor hydration.” This leads to a gap in information. People doing high-sweat activities may need to measure both hydration and electrolyte levels. Being able to measure these levels in real-time, could allow people to be more efficient with their hydration and improve their athletic performance.

SweatID is here to help with those issues. The SweatID system is “a nonwoven fabric sensor” that provides “real-time hydration information by selectively targeting sodium levels on the skin.” It provides users with data so they can accurately maintain an optimal level of hydration.

#CES2022 remained an interesting place to learn about new innovations
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The sensor is disposable and can be placed in reusable clothing (like a sweatband). The sensor collects data (wirelessly with Bluetooth) and sends that data to the related app. The app then uses the data to determine if the user has a “low, medium, or high-sodium concentration” and recommends a specific “hydration strategy” based on the user’s body chemistry.

Adam’s Hand: A Bionic Prosthetic

One exciting med tech innovation at CES is “Adam’s Hand.” BionIT Labs, creator of Adam’s Hand, claims it is “world’s first fully adaptive bionic hand.”

This device is a “poly-articulated hand prosthesis.” According to BionIT Labs, most bionic prostheses currently on the market require that the user perform a “complicated muscle contraction” in order to choose a “preset grip pattern.” Adam’s Hand “allows the fingers to automatically adapt to the shape and size of grasped objects. Once a user chooses to open or close the hand, the device automatically uses the “most suitable gripping pattern.”

The device is designed with other practical features. An orthopedic technician can replace the “field-serviceable” fingers directly. This means that users can get repairs done quickly and conveniently “without the need to send the device to the headquarters.”

BionIT Labs, creator of Adam’s Hand, claims it is world's first fully adaptive bionic hand #CES2022
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Stainless steel and aviation grade aluminum are used to manufacture the finger joints and internal mechanisms. Impact-resistant techno-polymers are used for the frame and phalanges. These materials help the device remain robust while maintaining the lowest weight possible.

The device uses a “ThunderCell power system.” This is “an interchangeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 950 mAh” and it can be recharged in roughly one hour. It has a waterproof design. This current model (the EB02) uses haptic feedback to give users useful information. Remote firmware updates can be done using the “MyoLogic” app. The 9-axis motion sensor allows for tracking the position of the socket in the space so that the user can carry out “personalized training” and “optimize the use and calibration” of the Adam’s Hand.

AI algorithms are integrated into the Adam’s Hand. This allows the MyoLogic app to guide users through the learning process and simplify its use by adapting the operation of the device to the unique muscle tone of each user.

CES Pet Med Tech:

People really care about their pets. So it should come as no surprise that companies at CES are also concerned about med tech for pets. The iPetWearR, a CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree, is one innovation that may please pet owners who are looking for futuristic new ways to keep their pet healthy.

The iPetWeaR was created by Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). It is a lightweight, wearable, device that can be attached to a pet’s collar near the pet’s neck or chest. It uses “low power Doppler radar technology developed by ITRI” that detection pulse and chest motion. The means that the device doesn’t require direct contact with the skin. The device is lightweight and suitable for indoor or outdoor conditions.

The iPetWeaR is a lightweight, wearable, device that can be attached to a pet’s collar near the pet’s neck or chest
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Once the iPetWeaR is placed, it can detect vital signs and physical activity level. The device can track and record “heart rate, breathing, sleep/awake status, and activity.” It is accompanied by an app that alerts users to abnormalities, displays real-time data and keeps long-term records.

Conclusion

These three companies are all using technology to create interesting products that may be helpful to people (and pets) in the future. These products range from hydration to prosthetics to pets, but they all may make a difference. CES 2022 remained an interesting place to learn about new innovations.

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post Med Tech at #CES2022 appeared first on Tech Trends.

By Laura Kobylecky

CES In Person 2022

In 2021, CES shifted to an online platform They replicated some of the experiences with video feeds, live chat and some interactive experiences.

This year CES became a hybrid event. On December 22, The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) confirmed that there would indeed be an in person CES event in Las Vegas on January 5-8. This event was to be paired with the online version that would include “digital access” to their online venue.

#CES2022 received 42 exhibitor cancellations for their in-person event
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They had received 42 exhibitor cancellations for their in-person event. Their press released emphasized that this was “less than 7% of our exhibit floor” and that they’ve had “added 60 new exhibitors for our in person event.” CES explained that they were making steps to ensure “a socially distanced but worthwhile and productive event.” These steps included “vaccination requirement, masking, and availability of COVID-19 tests” as well as social distancing measures.

On December 25^th Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) wrote an opinion piece for the Las Vegas Review-Journal discussing the decision to have an in person CES in 2022. He explained:

“CES will and must go on. It will have many more small companies than large ones. It may have big gaps on the show floor. Certainly, it will be different from previous years. It may be messy. But innovation is messy. It is risky and uncomfortable.

On December 31, 2021 CTA announced further safety measures for the event. They cut the last day of the event and announced that the new dates for the in-person event would be January 5-7, 2022. They confirmed that “All attendees must be FULLY vaccinated against COVID-19.” Anyone who was unable to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination would not receive a CES 2022 badge.

Attendees must pick up their own badges before entering CES show facilities. In order to receive the badge they must use “CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination” or go to a designated Customer Service Center location or airport locations to show their COVID-19 vaccine documentation.

Innovation is messy. It is risky and uncomfortable #CES2022
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CES gave attendees one “complimentary Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test kit” which contains two tests, takes 15 minutes, and requires a “shallow nasal swab.” It was requested that the attendees take a COVID-19 test “less than 24 hours before entering a CES venue.”

The in-person event also has a variety of health and safety requirements. Attendees must wear masks in the exhibit facilities and booths, in keynote and conference rooms, and on the CES shuttles. Additionally CES provides “complimentary RT-PCR testing for attendees who are traveling back to their international destination and who require a test to travel.”

The list of companies that canceled their in-person presence includes:

• Lenovo
• T-Mobile
• Amazon
• Meta
• Intel
• General Motors
• Google
• AMD
• MSI
• Proctor & Gamble
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• iHeartRadio

Online CES

For the online CES experience, there are similarities to CES 2021. Like last year, there will be on-demand streaming content from the event and that content will remain active until January 31^st. Last year, on-demand streaming content was available throughout the duration of the conference.

#CES2022 attendees must wear masks in the exhibit facilities and booths, in keynote and conference rooms, and on the CES shuttles
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This year is different. As of January 7^th, most of the on-demand content is not yet available. CTA customer service confirmed via email that the on-demand content “will be uploaded within the next couple of days.”

However, at the moment, some of the some of the main keynotes are available for streaming including: Samsung Keynote, CTA State of the Industry Keynote, General Motors Keynote and Abbott Keynote

During the event, some of the sessions are live-streamed on the four available channels. There is a chat section where people watching can interact or comment. The digital venue includes an “explore” section where you can search through the list of exhibitors and attendees.

Once again CES has made an admirable attempt at adapting to an ever-shifting landscape and creating new experiences for the attendees
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On the exhibitor page, you may get a bit of information about the company, connect with some of their representatives or see some media or a press release. Some of the companies have microsites that were made specifically to support their CES presence. On the attendee page, you have to option to chat or connect with attendees.

For more social fun CES, added a “mingle” function. The “mingle” connects you to a total stranger who is a fellow attendee of CES. The introductions are based on “your profile,” most likely using the various “interests” that you can select. You have no idea who you are talking to beforehand, just allow access to your camera and microphone and enjoy the total surprise. The experience lasts for three minutes before you are connected to another unexpected person. After the chat, you have the option to “connect” with the person you spoke to.

Overall the online version of CES seems scaled back compared to 2021. The online experience will be enhanced when the on-demand streaming content becomes available. Once again CES has made an admirable attempt at adapting to an ever-shifting landscape and creating new experiences for the attendees.

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post #CES2022: A Hybrid Event appeared first on Tech Trends.

After more than a year when most of us had no choice but to do most of our shopping online, Lush was far from the only retailer which had to rely heavily on technology to keep going. Yet even now as things seem to be returning to something closer to a pre-pandemic reality and we look forward to going getting out of the house to go shopping (imagine!) that doesn’t mean we have to give up all the benefits that technology can add to making the retail experience better.

Lush Lens was designed to offer customers a packaging-free and contact-free shopping experience.
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With that in mind, the handmade cosmetics company has just relaunched the Lush App, developed in collaboration with Saleor using open-source technology in line with Lush’s Digital Ethics Mission Statement. It will allow customers to browse product ranges with improved search optimisation, a new checkout process, and new ways to pay.

Lush Lens has had 2.6 million scans since its launch on iOS in 2018
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The app – which is now available in the UK on iOS and Android – features for the first time one of the most successful #LushLabs features, called Lush Lens, a mobile AR feature which was designed by Lush’s in-house tech R&D team to offer customers a packaging-free and contact-free shopping experience.

Lush Lens has had 2.6 million scans since its launch on iOS in November 2018, prompting the company’s founder, Mark Constantine, to assert that the technology had the potential to revolutionize the packaging industry, and even possibly eliminate it.

“At Lush we make products by hand, with fresh and ethically sourced ingredients, and this informs our digital products too. I’m so proud of the new platform the teams have created which showcases the best of what we can do – ethical treatment of customers’ data, created using open source technologies and providing a five star customer experience, with a few Lush surprises along the way,” says Jack Constantine, Chief Digital Officer at Lush.

Lush Digital believes in ethical tech that ultimately gives back more than it takes from society and the environment
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Lush champions ethical hardware, ethical data, ethical design and open source technologies. Just as the company ethically sources ingredients, Lush Digital believes in ethical tech that ultimately gives back more than it takes from society and the environment.

Adam Goswell, Lush Tech R&D, believes that such technology can add (not replace) in giving quality, up to date information in matching customers with the perfect product.

“If we can reduce the time spent at the till or eliminate the queue (which we all hate) then technology is really going to elevate the retail experience to be much more about human interaction and experience,” he believes.

Tech Trends’  Consultancy services offer support for companies looking to enhance their brand’s digital strategy with immersive and emerging technologies such as Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality

Alice Bonasio is a technology journalist, communications consultant and Tech Trends’ Editor in Chief. Connect with her on LinkedIn and follow @alicebonasio and @techtrends_tech on Twitter

The post Getting a Post-Pandemic Digital Makeover appeared first on Tech Trends.

By Laura Kobylecky

Some people see them as a fun Internet novelty while others may see them as a sign that could lead to the total collapse of media trust. Ian Beacraft, CEO and Chief Futurist at Signal And Cipher (an agency that helps brands adapt to future tech) has a more optimistic perspective.

Synthetic media is a broad term for the production of media through artificial means. Beacraft introduces the concept with some popular Internet animations. The videos show celebrities and movie characters moving their mouths in sync to the words he is saying, creating the illusion that they, rather than Beacraft, are the ones speaking. These videos are rudimentary. The mouths have slightly blurred edges and a certain dissonance that flags them as fake. However, the result is close enough to convey the idea.

Synthetic media is a broad term for the production of media through artificial means
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Beacraft then brings up animated versions of himself speaking in different languages, followed by a moment where he is placed in that iconic Matrix scene and he takes the obligatory “red” pill. He further illustrates the concept with an image of Jennifer Lawrence accepting an award, but her face has been digitally replaced by Steve Buscemi. These are some examples of that synthetic media which is manipulated or made entirely by algorithms.

He addresses the more nefarious possibilities of this technology. This sort of digital replacement could be used to artificially create “revenge porn” or to alter statements made by political figures. He balances this with the more professional applications of synthetic technology. Paul Walker appeared in Furious 7, after his death, using a digital recreation. In Rogue One, a particularly young Princess Leia was brought back for a cameo.

There are three categories of deepfakes: voice cloning, puppetry, and face-swapping #SXSW 2021
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Beacraft explains three categories of deepfakes: voice cloning, puppetry and face-swapping. Voice cloning involves taking an “imprint” of someone’s voice and then using that in a variety of contexts, different from the original instances. A face-swap is the digital replacement of one face with another. Puppetry involves making someone appear to say words that they did not, by digitally altering the movement of the face to match the words. All of these are in some ways based on existing media and existing people.

Digital Beings

A step further is the idea of “digital beings” with an entirely synthetic basis that do note require a “real” human as a reference. Beacraft explains that realistically-human, synthetic beings might be appealing as digital assistants. They could also have a place in video games or in AR/VR applications.

One tool that might be useful in this is MetaHuman Creator, an upcoming application made by Unreal Engine, the creators of Fortnite. This application will be a cloud-streamed app that makes digital creation faster and simpler. Beacraft sees this as an example of how these digital beings might become more significant, accessible, and relevant to the public in the future.

Beacraft also sees that digital beings might become increasingly relevant as public figures. Right now avatars like the entirely synthetic, “Lil Miquela,” have proven that digital beings can capture the public’s imagination. Lil Miquela has three million Instagram followers and has proven to be a powerful influencer. The Geico Gecko and even the KFC spokesman, Colonel Sanders, are also examples of synthetic beings, according to Beacraft. They do not exist in the “real world” but they are admired as their own entities and influence public perceptions.

Making 3D Models

Accessibility is another big trend that might change the landscape of synthetic media. Photogrammetry is one currently used way of making 3D models. It involves taking many images and stitching them together in a 3D program. Beacraft explains that new techniques have made 3d avatars easier to create. He begins a demonstration of this by showing how a single photo can become a 3D model.

In the future, digital beings might become increasingly relevant as public figures #SXSW 2021
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He uses a neural network architecture called “PIFuHD.“ This is a cloud app that seems to require some level of coding skill to use and is available on GitHub. Beacraft uses a single image of himself to create a 3D model. Since the photo provides no reference for the back of his figure, the program guessed this part based on data it had been fed in its training phrase.

Beacraft puts the resulting model in a 3D modeling program to polish it up. He overlays photographs on the model to add the colors and details. The haircut is added via a texture program and reference images because apparently hair is a bit more difficult to work with. The resulting 3D human is somewhat realistic. The figure is obviously recognizable as Beacraft, but it has the usual slight “uncanny valley” strangeness and small inconsistencies that you may find in digital avatars.

Now that he has a 3D model, Beacraft uses a program called Mixamo to give it life. The program allows him to animate his model with a variety of movements. First, he makes the character walk; Next, he animates the character with a “moonwalk.” The figure’s awkward shambling makes it look a bit like a very smooth zombie. But it does work.

Open Metaverse

The advance of 3D modeling stretches beyond simple recreations of human figures. Beacraft explains that blockchain may play a key role in this future. In an “open metaverse,” digital creations might move more freely. NFT and blockchain could allow for the ownership and transportation of digital creation across platforms.

Synthetic media is not just about deepfakes and high value visual effects, but about the creation of new worlds #SXSW 2021
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For example, a person could make or buy a digital garment for their avatar and be able to sell it as an individual item, supported by blockchain technology. Thanks to the open metaverse, this item might not have to remain in a specific game or ecosystem. Any other environments that embraced this technology could also import such items.

Beacraft seems to believe in an optimistic future for synthetic media. He acknowledges that many people are concerned about artificial intelligence taking away jobs as they exist today, yet he believes that the ease of use for emerging AI design technologies will offset those losses by creating new opportunities for a wide variety of people and a range of expertise.

“These losses are preparing us for the worlds we’re going to be entering today and tomorrow. Synthetic media is not just about deepfakes and high value visual effects, but about the creation of new worlds,” Bearcraft concludes.

Tech Trends’ Digital Consultancy services offer support for companies looking to enhance brand strategy with immersive technologies such as Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality

Laura Kobylecky is a contributing writer to Tech Trends. She is particularly interested in new and emerging technology and culture. Connect with her on LinkedIn 

The post Synthetic Media: More than Just Deepfakes appeared first on Tech Trends.