Articles tagged with "IoT-devices"
Narwal adds AI to its vacuum cleaners to monitor pets and find jewelry
Narwal has introduced its new flagship robot vacuum, the Flow 2, which incorporates advanced AI and dual 1080p RGB cameras with a wide 136-degree field of view to map spaces and recognize an unlimited variety of objects. The vacuum processes object identification locally and, if needed, sends data to the cloud for further analysis. It features three specialized modes: pet care mode for cleaning pet zones and monitoring pets with two-way audio; baby care mode, which operates quietly near cribs and alerts users to misplaced toys; and AI floor tag mode, which detects valuable items like jewelry, avoids them, and sends alerts. The Flow 2 offers four cleaning modes tailored to different types of dirt and can autonomously return to its base to wash its mop, then re-mop areas if necessary. Its design supports higher hot water temperatures for improved cleaning efficacy. Alongside the Flow 2, Narwal unveiled a handheld vacuum, the U50, weighing 1.41 kg, featuring UV-C
robotAIsmart-vacuumhome-automationpet-monitoringobject-recognitionIoT-devicesPhotos: New concept EV turns into a mini camp with beds and power for gadgets
Citroën has unveiled the ELO, a multipurpose electric vehicle concept designed to seamlessly transition from a mode of transport into a mini mobile camp. The ELO features inflatable beds stored in the rear, which can be inflated via the car’s built-in compressed air system to create a double bed for resting. The rear roof opens to allow stargazing, and side lamps serve as bedside lights. Additionally, a built-in mini projector and pull-out screen enable passengers to enjoy movies indoors or outdoors, effectively turning the vehicle into a mobile home cinema. The interior is highly modular, with foldable and removable seats that can be used both inside and outside the vehicle, accommodating up to six passengers while preserving luggage space. The driver-centric design places the driver in the center seat, offering a panoramic view through a large windscreen with digital displays controlled by joystick-style buttons on a single-spoke steering wheel, eliminating the traditional dashboard. The cabin also functions as a mobile workspace, with a rotating driver’s seat
electric-vehicleenergy-storageIoT-devicessustainable-materialsmobile-workspacevehicle-to-load-systemoutdoor-technologyBMW enters water sports with self-inflating electric paddleboard
BMW has expanded its electrification efforts into water sports through a collaboration with Slovenian manufacturer SipaBoards, launching the BMW x SipaBoards electric stand-up paddleboard (SUP). This innovative board features a 300 W electric motor powered by modular batteries, a self-inflating system that uses the motor for quick setup, and a Bluetooth-enabled carbon-fibre paddle for intuitive control. Designed by BMW Group Designworks, the SUP emphasizes sustainability, performance, and premium design, accommodating up to two riders with a durable, lightweight construction and integrated LED lighting for enhanced visibility. The paddleboard’s modular battery packs currently offer over three hours of continuous use, with plans to introduce higher-capacity batteries in 2026 to extend runtime to seven hours. The Bluetooth paddle includes safety features like automatic power cut-off and a special “Freude Mode” that provides power bursts, haptic feedback, and lighting effects. BMW also developed a comprehensive accessory ecosystem featuring a “click & connect” system for attaching gear such
electric-paddleboardelectric-motorBluetooth-controlenergy-storagewater-sports-technologysustainable-materialsIoT-devicesMolecular coating unites photovoltaics, photodetection in one device
A research team from Korea University and Dongguk University has developed a novel molecular coating for organic solar cells that enables a single device to function simultaneously as a solar cell and a photodetector. This innovation overcomes the traditional conflict between the two technologies: solar cells require rapid charge movement for power generation, while photodetectors need to suppress charge movement to detect faint light signals. The breakthrough was achieved by applying a self-assembled monolayer of a simple molecule—benzene and phosphonic acid (BPA)—onto a transparent electrode (indium tin oxide, ITO). This molecular layer optimizes energy alignment at the interface, allowing efficient charge extraction for power generation and noise suppression for light detection. The BPA-coated device demonstrated a high indoor efficiency of 28.6% under typical indoor lighting conditions (1,000 lux LED at 2700K) and retained 87% of its performance after 1,000 hours of exposure. It offers a nearly ninefold improvement
energymaterialsphotovoltaicsorganic-solar-cellsphotodetectorsindoor-solar-powerIoT-devicesNew perovskite panels hit record 42% efficiency under indoor light
Chinese scientists have developed novel perovskite indoor photovoltaics (PIPVs) that achieve a record indoor power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 42.01%, marking a significant advancement for powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices under indoor lighting. These PIPVs demonstrate a projected lifespan of approximately 6,000 hours under indoor light conditions, addressing a critical barrier to commercialization—long-term stability. The researchers employed a hybrid-interlocked self-assembled monolayer (SAM) strategy to enhance device stability by improving the binding energy and surface coverage of SAM materials on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates, which is crucial for the overall durability of inverted PIPV devices. The optimized PIPV modules have been successfully integrated with self-powered devices, including electronic price tags and yellow LEDs, demonstrating practical applicability in real-world indoor environments. The devices can continuously power electronics under desk-lamp illumination, although they require integration with energy storage solutions like lithium-ion batteries to maintain operation during
perovskite-photovoltaicsindoor-solar-panelsIoT-devicesenergy-efficiencyself-powered-electronicslithium-ion-batteriesmaterials-scienceCity Ventures Announces Final Sales Release at Grove Village in Santa Rosa - CleanTechnica
City Ventures, a leading California homebuilder specializing in solar-powered and ecologically responsible homes, has announced the final sales release of its Grove Village community in Santa Rosa. The development features traditional, sophisticated homes ranging from approximately 1,806 to 2,473 square feet, with three to five bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and two-car garages. Homes come equipped with City Ventures’ signature energy-efficient features, including all-electric construction, owned solar panels, smart thermostats, Ring doorbells, keyless entry, and induction cooktops. Select floorplans offer additional spaces such as accessory dwelling units, home offices, dens, lofts, and the optional “Santa Rosa Room.” With nearly 90% of homes sold, Grove Village is positioned as a desirable new construction option in a prime location close to downtown Santa Rosa, the Russian River Valley, and local amenities. City Ventures has a strong presence in Santa Rosa, with several other successful communities either sold out or currently selling, including Round Barn and Fox
energysolar-powersmart-homeenergy-efficient-appliancesIoT-devicessustainable-housingelectric-constructionTiny turbines crack wind’s secret ‘twist’ for a giant 37% power boost
Researchers led by Shuo Zhang have discovered that pairing two tiny, counter-rotating wind turbines in tandem can increase power output by 37% compared to a single turbine. These micro wind turbines, less than 200 millimeters in diameter, are crucial for powering remote and decentralized technologies such as environmental sensors and IoT devices. Using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry, a 3D airflow visualization technique, the team analyzed the wake—turbulent airflow—behind the first turbine and found it retains significant rotational energy typically lost. By positioning a second turbine counter-rotating behind the first at a specific distance (12 radii), this residual rotational energy can be harnessed, boosting overall efficiency. The enhanced performance stems from the unique physics of small turbines, which operate at lower speeds and higher torque, imparting a “twist” to the wind that the downstream turbine can exploit. This tandem design mimics multi-stage turbines in jet engines by capturing both the wind’s push and twist
energywind-turbinesmicro-wind-turbinesrenewable-energyenergy-harvestingIoT-devicessustainable-powerCourt filings reveal OpenAI and io’s early work on an AI device
Recent court filings from a trademark dispute lawsuit between OpenAI, Jony Ive’s startup io, and Google-backed hardware company iyO have revealed new insights into OpenAI and io’s early efforts to develop a mass-market AI hardware device. The filings show that over the past year, OpenAI executives and former Apple leaders at io have extensively researched in-ear hardware, purchasing over 30 headphone sets to study existing products. Despite this focus, the first device from OpenAI and io is reportedly not an in-ear or wearable device, but its exact form factor remains undisclosed. Co-founder Tang Tan stated that the prototype mentioned by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is still in early development and at least a year away from market release. Altman has described the device as a “third device” complementing smartphones and laptops, capable of being pocket-sized or desk-based and fully aware of the user’s surroundings. The filings also reveal interactions between OpenAI/io and iyO leadership, including a May 1 meeting
AI-hardwarewearable-technologyOpenAIIoT-devicessmart-devicesAI-innovationconsumer-electronics