Hard Tech

A close-up of an engine test firing, showcasing various connected hoses and cables, with the engine emitting blue flames from the nozzle, reminiscent of a powerful jet engine.

Ian Brooke wants to revolutionize flight as we know it

This Y Combinator-backed startup has invented a new kind of jet engine, radically more efficient and versatile than anything before it.

Ross Pomeroy

A gloved hand holds a pair of tweezers gripping a small black square object against a background with concentric circles.

Batteries

Solid-state batteries are finally making their way out of the lab

Solid-state batteries could soon challenge lithium-ion as the dominant tech for powering smartphones, EVs, and more.

Kristin Houser

Silhouette of jagged cybersecurity rock formations against a vibrant yellow sky at dusk.

Employment

“Cybersecurity shortage” could reach 85 million workers by 2030

The global talent shortage could reach 85 million workers by 2030, causing approximately $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenue.

Michelle Meineke | Senior Writer | World Economic Forum

Agriculture

John Deere unveils its first fully autonomous tractor

John Deere has just debuted an autonomous tractor it plans to sell in 2022 — bringing the self-driving tech into the mainstream.

Kristin Houser

Diminished reality flips the script on AR

Fittingbox’s Frame Removal uses diminished reality to help people pick out new eyeglasses — but the tech’s potential extends far beyond the bridge of your nose.

Kristin Houser

3D Printing

Habitat for Humanity builds 3D-printed home in 28 hours

Habitat for Humanity has turned over the keys to its first 3D-printed home, which was built more quickly and cheaply than its typical houses.

Kristin Houser

Chatting with my own HereAfter

HereAfter AI’s Legacy Avatar is an AI-powered digital twin. But what’s it like to talk to yourself?

B. David Zarley

The future of AR isn’t in gaming. Here are 5 industries to watch.

Putting aside interactive filters and fantasy games, augmented reality has the potential to be a vital tool for future innovation.

Jennifer Walter

Passing the Turing Test: AI creates human-like text

Natural language processing tools are growing increasingly sophisticated, and OpenAI's GPT-3 just might fool you in a conversation.

Stephen Johnson

Drones

New smart mailbox is built for drone deliveries

Indiana-based startup DRONEDEK has developed a smart mailbox that can automatically receive and protect goods from delivery drones.

Kristin Houser

Series| Just Might Work

Tornado Alley miracle: A 100% accurate tornado sensor invented by accident

6:28

Can this recycled technology save the citizens of Tornado Alley?

Stephen Johnson

Computer Science

IBM and Samsung unveil breakthrough microchip design

IBM and Samsung have unveiled a new microchip design that promises radically faster, more efficient semiconductor chips.

Kristin Houser

Sustainability

Solar powered cars could soon hit the streets — but can they be efficient enough to go mainstream?

If they work, solar-powered cars could be great for the environment. Here's the startups working to make that happen.

Jennifer Walter

Sections

Video

Freethink

We focus on solutions: the smartest people, the biggest ideas, and the most ground breaking technology shaping our future.