Self-driving cars
This technology may not be new this year, but 2016 may be the year that self-driving cars are mass-produced. Google has announced that it’s teaming up with Ford to build self-driving cars. In early 2015, Google co-founder Sergey Brin said the company was looking for manufacturing partners that would use the company’s self-driving system.
Earlier in 2016 Ford said it will triple the size of its autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid Test Vehicles. Jim McBride, technical leader in Ford’s autonomous vehicles team says: “Our design is predicated on the vehicle always being able to drive itself.”
Solar-powered phone screens
With the smartphone revolution all over the world, phone companies are finding ways to make their products seamless and super-efficient. The latest technology that may soon take over are solar panel phone screens.
Various researchers are currently working to make transparent solar panels better and cheaper. They could invisibly collect solar power on phone and computer screens. This could be one of the most exciting new technologies in 2016.
Facebook Suicide watch
With more than 1.65 billion members worldwide, social networking site Facebook is a powerful driver of communication worldwide. Known for setting trends, the company now also offers tools for those who fear that a friend maybe suicidal.
The social network has introduced mechanisms and processes to make it easier for people to help friends who post messages about suicide or self-harm. People can only flag friends’ posts that they deem to be suicidal.
Deka “Luke” Arm
This is the first bionic prosthesis that allows a person to make multiple movements, like rotating the wrist and opening the hand, at once.
Luke Arm project manager Stewart Coultier says: “In a clinical trial, 90 percent of the 36 participants were able to do previously impossible tasks, such as unlocking a door or using chopsticks.”
The arm works the way the patient thinks- making this one of the most innovative new technologies.