What are the 100 best inventions of 2020, according to Time magazine

Each year, Time magazine highlights the most outstanding inventions and divides them according to different categories such as education, accessibility and finance, among other. To assemble the list, nominations are requested from the editors and correspondents that the magazine has around the world, and an online voting process is also carried out.

Once all the nominations are received, the jury evaluates the candidates based on impact, originality, creativity and < b>efficacy of these products. Here, a detail of the most outstanding inventions of the year, among which there are robots, technology to help fight COVID-19 and innovation to care for the environment. There are 100 products in total and they are grouped according to different categories. The order does not indicate greater or lesser relevance.

Accessibility

1. Logitech adaptive gaming kit

This year Logitech introduced the Adaptive Controller Kit for gaming to be used in conjunction with Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller. It is a collection of buttons and triggers designed for facilitate the game for people with motor difficulties. The kit is priced at USD 99, and includes 10 buttons, two triggers and hooks, pads, loops, and other assorted hardware that allow you to further customize your controllers. This device was also highlighted at the CES fair as one of the most innovative devices at this international meeting that annually brings together the most important technological innovations in the world.

2. LUCI, an electric chair accessory to monitor the environment

LUCI is a power chair accessory that uses sensors to monitor the environment. As the user steers their chair with a joystick, LUCI collects data that determines safe paths and modifies the chair's response, depending on the circumstances.

3. Earlens Contact Hearing Solution

Instead of an amplifier, Earlens uses a small lens that sits next to the eardrum. A microphone located in the processor that sits over the ear of the device picks up sounds, which an algorithm converts into vibrations that are then transmitted to the eardrum.

4. Martin Bionics prosthetic socket

The Martin Bionics prosthetic socket replaces the molded plastic fittings of more standard prosthetics to offer greater comfort. These sockets include a custom set of straps that can be easily adjusted for comfort.

Artificial intelligence

5.

Moxie is a robot designed to help boost the social, emotional and cognitive skills of children ages 5 to 10. The robot suggests playful activities or “missions” designed to stimulate bonds with their siblings, peers, and dependent adults.

6. Beewise, an intelligent hive

Beewise is a hive powered by artificial intelligence. Beehome could house 2 million bees, and is capable of monitoring them 24 hours a day. The intelligent system offers responses based on the difficulties it detects, such as temperature changes or the presence of parasites, for example. This technology allows to reduce the mortality rate of the colonies as well as to contribute to improve the production of honey, according to its creators.

7. TrialJectory, a guide to cancer trials

TrialJectory is based on an artificial intelligence system that reads large volumes of data and selects what is relevant to the query made. Thus, it helps the user to find information about clinical trials where they are being conducted. Applying treatments for the type of cancer you have. The user enters the type of cancer they have, completes a questionnaire and then receives a list of personalized trials for their consultation and from there they can request access to the trial that is similar to their interests. You are also offered personalized guidance for your case. It is a free service.

8. BrainBox AI

BrainBox AI uses artificial intelligence technology designed to optimize energy consumption in buildings. It uses deep learning, cloud-based computing and a custom process that autonomously optimizes control systems heating, ventilation and air conditioning to achieve maximum impact on energy consumption.

9. Krisp, sound cancellation app

Krisp is a noise canceling app to mute background sounds during voice or video calls. It is based on machine learning algorithms capable of differentiating between the sound of users' voices and annoying background noises.

Virtual and augmented reality

10. Neo 2 Eye to see where the user's view goes

Pico's Neo 2 Eye is specially designed for corporate use. It features eye-tracking software that can detect where the user is looking. It also offers 4K resolution, 6 degrees of freedom and spatial stereo speakers.

11. Augmented reality for guided surgeries

Augmedics' Xvision is a headset that uses augmented reality to convert a patient's CT scan into a 3-D visualization that helps guide the surgeon during the operation. The device overlays an image three-dimensional image of a patient's spine on his body, to facilitate his performance. It was approved by the FDA in December 2019 and is already being used in US hospitals such as Johns Hopkins.

12. Virti, training platform

Virti is a training platform that places workers in virtual and augmented reality scenarios to practice how to respond to different situations.

Beauty

13. Hair straightener with flexible plates

The Dyson Corrale cordless hair straightener uses flexible plates that move with the hair as it straightens, optimizing the device's performance and reducing hair damage.

14. “Geohydration” creams

Climate-SmartPour Moi is the first skincare brand in the world to implement what is known as “geohydration”, that is, hydration of the skin depending on where you are. the user. The brand has different creams based on this concept. There are products for the polar cold, arid mountains, desert, etc.

15. ManiMe, express manicure

Users upload photos of their nails to the ManiMi site, which uses 3-D modeling technology to create gel polish stickers tailored to the user's nails. An iron with the stickers for each of the fingers. The sticker is pressed onto the nail and then the excess is filed down.

16. Smart makeup

Perso by L'Oreal is a smart dispenser that combines lipstick, foundation and skin care formulas designed around the user's needs. You have to log in to the device's application and upload a selfie that the application's algorithm will evaluate to detect the needs of that skin and based on that, it will offer the appropriate combination. The product will be released next year.

Connectivity

17. A 360-degree camera for meetings

The Meeting Owl Pro is a 360-degree tabletop camera that automatically changes focus based on who is speaking in a room.

18. Control center for live broadcasts

LIVECAST by Roland is a system for managing live broadcasts. The device functions as an easily transportable control center. It has microphone and instrument inputs, as well as controls for switching between phone cameras.

19. Hands-free communication

Vocera Smartbadge is a small device that can be attached to a gown or as a necklace and allows clinicians to communicate with other members of the care team using voice commands.

Consumer Electronics

20. Modular chamber

One R by Insta 360 is a modular action or sports camera, that is, it can be adapted according to the user's needs. It has a 360-degree lens, a 4K ultra-wide angle, and includes interchangeable camera modules.

21. Microsoft's Surface Duo smartphone

Microsoft Surface Duo is dual-screen and opens like a book. The displays are five and six inches, respectively, which are joined by a hinge system with which it is possible to rotate them up to 360 degrees. Two apps can be open at once or extend one across both screens. Sold in the US for USD 1,399.

22. A “portable planetarium”

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The Dark Sky DS-1 is a small portable planetarium that can project 4.1 million stars onto the ceiling, through a chrome-on-glass disk.

23. Portable selfie light

MOON UltraLight, is a small luminous clip that can be added to any phone or laptop and projects the necessary amount of light on the person to achieve a good selfie. It has options to adjust the type of light light it will emit This allows you to optimize the photo without having to resort to the use of flash.

24. Compact full frame camera

Sony a7C is a compact and lightweight full frame camera. It integrates a full frame sensor, which allows you to take very high resolution photos.

25. Sanitizing charger

Oblio by Lexon is a wireless charging station that uses UVC light to disinfect the cell phone. According to its creators, it kills 99% of bacteria on the surface in just 20 minutes.

26. A smart chest to store cannabis and medicines

KEEP is a smart storage device designed specifically for cannabis and prescription drugs. The device is biometrically locked and connected to an app on the phone, which will notify the user if someone tries to open it. The device also features temperature and humidity controls.

27. Headphones with active noise cancellation

The IQbuds2 MAX are headphones with active noise cancellation and audio processing technology capable of isolating human conversations and turning down the volume of surrounding sounds.

Design

28. 3D printed lamps

Gantri and the company Ammunition launched a line of table, floor and wall lights that cost USD 150. The use of 3D printing made it possible to maintain economic value without compromising that lose in quality and design.

29. Cuzen Matcha for a sparkling drink

Cuzen Matcha is an automated system for preparing frothy tea. It features a slotted ceramic plate that grinds tea leaves, pours them into a pitcher, and uses a magnetic stirrer to froth well on the matcha.

30. Ecological shoes

The Tree Dasher shoes by Allbirds are made almost entirely of natural materials, with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint. They are made with eucalyptus, merino wool, castor oil and sugar cane.

Education

31. ABii is a robot tutor designed to teach math and reading to primary school students. It is an assistant for teachers and parents.

32. Duolingo ABC is an app that teaches kids the basics of reading with fun and easy lessons.

33. Outlier is an educational platform that offers university courses. It has professors from universities such as Yale, Cornell, NYU or MIT.

34. Kiri toys are kits that contain a set of cards printed with images that interact with the Kiri block through an RFID chip. When the block is placed on top of the illustration, the associated word will be spoken, while emitting a glow.

Entertainment

35. Microsoft Xbox Series S is an all-digital game console for disc-free gaming. With Xbox Game Pass (sold separately), you can access over 100 high-quality games, including all new titles from Xbox Game Studios like Halo Infinite.

36. Nvidia GeForce Now is an on-demand service that connects to NVIDIA cloud gaming supercomputers to stream games to the user's device at resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. second.

37. PlayStation 5, the console that has been the talk of the year: it's almost ten times faster than the PS4, it has support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and 3D audio.

38. Nintendo Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game where the user builds his community from scratch on a deserted island with various possibilities. The user can customize his character, housing and landscape.

39. The new LG GX OLED 4K TV is characterized by being hyper thin: it is barely 2 centimeters thick. It also transmits in 4k resolution and is compatible with the Google Assistant and Alexa.

40. Sero, the new Samsung television, designed for centennials looking to reproduce the experience of social networks and mobile phones on a larger screen. The term “sero” means “vertical” in Korean, and this device just has the ability to change the orientation from landscape to portrait, just like a tablet or smartphone.

Experimental Products

41. Climate TRACE is the first environmental analysis tool of its kind, backed by an international coalition that includes seven non-profit environmental organizations and former US Vice President Al Gore, according to Time. The system uses a combination of machine learning, infrared satellite imagery and computer modeling to track polluters around the world in real time. The information it collects, accessible through an online portal to be published in 2021, will help environmental organizations verify that governments around the world are delivering on their pledges to reduce greenhouse gases.

42. The Full Metal Jacket from the company Vollebak is a lightweight garment that is made up of 65% microscopic copper fiber.

43. ZeroAvia is an aircraft with a zero-emission hydrogen electric propulsion system. It uses electric motors instead of conventional motors that use fossil fuels, with the aim of caring for the environment.

44. AlterEgo is a communication device developed by MIT MediaLab that uses bone conduction headphones. These headphones transmit sound vibrations through the bones of the face. The system collects the signals sent by the brain and translates them into digital signals that could be directed to an electronic device or to another person to achieve communication without having to say words. The interface is being tested in some hospitals to help multiple sclerosis and ALS patients communicate.

Finances

45. Remitly Passbook is an application that allows customers to open a bank account in the United States with no bank fees and using a passport or immigration ID. Customers can also use the account, which comes with a Visa debit card, to transfer money abroad.

46. Upsolve is a software that allows the user to file bankruptcy in the US without having to pay a lawyer to do this legal process.

47. FairShake is a free service that automates the process of filing a mediation complaint in the US Consumers fill out a questionnaire about their complaints and then track the status of their complaints on the FairShake dashboard.

Fitness

48. The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% shoes have responsive foam and 2 units of Zoom Air combine to optimize running performance. The foam is lightweight and responsive, protecting against ground impact.

49. Hydrow is an electromagnetic resistance rowing machine that integrates a 22-inch touch screen and internet connection. This allows training with instructors from around the world who offer training remotely.

50. Supernatural is an immersive technology solution developed by Within. Paired with the Oculus Quest or Quest 2 virtual reality headset, it transports users anywhere on the planet and beyond for fun and playful training.

Food and drink

51. The Pinter is a home brewing kit that was designed and built by the Greater Good Fresh Brewing Co. of London.

52. The startup AirCo created a system to distill vodka from water and carbon dioxide. It is a process that transforms carbon dioxide into ethyl alcohol. In addition to being a novel method, with each production the company removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

53. Impossible Pork is a development of Impossible Foods. These are soy burgers with a taste of pork. At the CES 2020 fair they could be tested and user comments show that it is a great product that tastes like meat.

Health

54. The Oura ring integrates sensors that record heart rate, activity level, sleep and even body temperature. Used by the NBA when it resumed its season in the isolation of Walt Disney World, in Orlando. It is also used by former player Manu Ginóbili.

55. Willo is a smart toothbrush. Set to launch in early 2021, the device pumps water and a specially formulated toothpaste, then draws it out of the tray through a tube. Curled bristles brush teeth and gums. Willo is synchronized with an application, where the oral hygiene data is recorded.

56. FEND is a calcium and salt-based nasal spray that strengthens the mucosa to help it eliminate pathogens that may be in the air you breathe.

Household products

57. The Narwal T10 is a self-cleaning automatic mop: it has a charging station, where it washes and dries its own mops with a refillable water tank.

58. CHEF iQ an intelligent kitchen solution that integrates sensors, Wi-Fi connection and a screen where the user is guided to follow the recipe steps.

59. Gardyn is an artificial intelligence powered vertical indoor growing system that allows you to grow up to 32 fruits, vegetables, greens, herbs or flowers.

60. Sepura is an ecological waste disposal system. Sepura is a container that is located under the skin and separates and collects the solids in a container that, once it is full, can be emptied into a compost container or collection box.

Medical care

61. Nella NuSpec is a speculum made of medical grade polymer. It's thin like your average tampon when closed. After insertion, two lateral wings expand toward the less sensitive vaginal sidewalls, providing visibility for medical personnel without compromising patient comfort.

62. mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines such as those being developed by Pfizer and Moderna have the benefit of being a rapid method that does not require cultivation or manipulation of the virus. These developments, if approved, would pave the way for a new generation of vaccines that have not been marketed to date against any other disease.

63. Provizio SEM Scanner is a device to prevent the formation of eschar on the skin that occurs in patients who remain in bed for several days. It is a scanner that gets close to the patient's skin and provides information about moisture levels below the skin's surface. The data makes it possible to detect a sore or bedsore up to five days earlier than they could simply by looking. This way they can stop it from forming early.

64. IntubationPod is a hospital protection item that covers the user's head and shoulders, to protect both patients and workers during medical procedures.

65. Orasure is a sample collection kit for home testing for COVID-19. It was one of the first developments of this type to obtain authorization from the FDA, in the US.

66. OptiClean is a mobile air purifier built by Carrier that can either filter pathogens out of a room or turn any room into a so-called negative air pressure space to prevent potentially contaminated air from escaping by pushing it through a filter high-efficiency HEPA before releasing it back into that enclosed space.

Open air

67. WaveCel is a cycling helmet made with a foldable cellular polymer that adds an extra layer of protection to better absorb shock in the event of an impact.

68. CasusGrill is a biodegradable grill. It is made of cardboard, bamboo and volcanic stone. Once it has been used, it is simply left buried since it does not cause damage to the environment.

69. YETI V Series is a portable refrigerator or cooler that stands out for its vacuum-insulated panels, which maintain the lowest internal temperature for longer, without taking up interior space in the container.

70. CrazyCap is a portable water purifier that uses UVC light to disinfect water in just 60 seconds.

71. Yakima's CBX Solar Solar Charging Box features Sunflare panels and is equipped with two USB ports. Allows you to keep devices charged, without having to use your car battery.

Nurture

72. Yoto Player is a portable smart speaker without a screen designed for children 3 years and older. The player uses audio cards that play music and books.

73. Cradlewise is an intelligent crib that integrates sensors to detect the baby's first movements and thus, depending on this and the child's schedule, it acts. That is to say that it begins to rock gently so that it falls asleep, if it is the time when it corresponds to sleep or makes other movements to wake it up if appropriate, depending on the time, to get up.

74. Hifold is a high back booster seat for the car that has adjustable head, torso and seat panels. It also folds to the size of a backpack which allows it to be transported with ease.

75. The Cybex ePRIAM Stroller monitors the effort it takes to push the stroller uphill, or when moving over uneven surfaces, and adjusts the power to make the job easier.

Productivity

76. The reMarkable 2 tablet is the second edition of the first that was introduced in 2016. It is an ultra-thin design that seeks to emulate the sensation of writing on paper, but the result is a digital text.

77. Sarcos Robotics will launch the Guardian XO, a full-body powered exoskeleton that allows users to effortlessly lift weights. This prevents damage and injuries to the body.

78. The new Guardhat HC1 safety helmet monitors the user's location in real time. It enables hands-free audio and video calls and detects the user's proximity to hazardous materials, temperatures and moving equipment to alert and protect against potential incidents.

79. 3M Flex Write is an adhesive whiteboard that you can easily unroll and stick anywhere.

Social welfare

80. Flare is an app that connects people in Kenya with a nationwide network of ambulance operators, to dispatch the nearest vehicle in the shortest possible time. Subscribers have 24/7 access to more than 500 ambulances, allowing for more effective responses.

81. Fairphone 3+ is a sustainable smartphone. Dutch company Fairphone makes phones using minerals from conflict-free zones, sourced through responsible supply chains. The kit is made from 40% recycled plastic, has replaceable parts, and has a five-year lifespan.

82. WEDEW is a potable water generator. The machine, which is portable, feeds on vegetables and discarded remains that are heated and in the process release water vapor that the generator then condenses and transforms into drinking water.

83. Lixil's SATOTap is a rechargeable portable handwashing station that includes a soap holder.

84. Alphabet's Loon aims to extend internet access by deploying a network of stratospheric balloons. This year the first commercial deployment of the project was made. In partnership with local provider Telkom Kenya, there is a Loon balloon network that broadcasts 4G internet in central and western Kenya.

Clothing

85. Time highlighted three models of chinstraps for their designs. The first is Breathe99's B2 Mask, made of a flexible material that contains two replaceable filters. On the other hand, Petit Pli's MSK uses a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles woven to create a comfortable fit for all faces and IAMRUNBOX's RunMask uses materials used in sportswear design such as organic cotton, spandex and polyester to utilize the chinstrap while doing fitness.

86. Circulose is a natural and biodegradable raw material obtained by recovering cotton from used clothing. All this through a process made from renewable energy and ecological chemical products.

87. SoundShirt is a smart shirt with haptic modules, which can be used to feel music, hugs and video games. SoundShirt creates more immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences.

Sustainability

88. Heliogen's technology is based on the use of sunlight for the production of clean fuels. HelioHeat is one of the solutions developed by the brand and highlighted by the magazine. It consists of a system of 100,000 computer-controlled mirrors that concentrates sunlight in the direction of a 40-meter-tall tower. That energy can be used for industrial processes like cement production.

89. The FarmWise Titan FT-35 is an automated tractor that uses machine learning and computer vision to remove weeds from fields.

90. Pivot Bio developed a microbial biofertilizer. Through machine learning and computational modelling, the company harnesses the natural ability of microbes to convert nitrogen from the air to meet the daily needs of crops.

91. Tom's of Maine made a tube of recyclable toothpaste out of high-density polyethylene.

Transportation

92. The Gocycle GXi bike is compact and lightweight: it weighs just 16.5 kilos and has a longitudinal weight distribution with a low center of gravity which makes the bike agile and easy to manoeuvre. It can be folded and carried from one place to another comfortably.

93. Hunter Board has an optimized suspension system to ensure a comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces.

94. NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has two propellers that rotate at 2,400 revolutions per minute. It is located at the center of NASA's Perseverance rover, which will arrive on Mars early next year.

95. GermFalcon is a UVC light-based disinfection system designed to disinfect surfaces inside the plane before passengers board. The effectiveness against COVID-19 has not yet been proven, but it is known that the GermFalcon was effective against SARS and MERS, according to the publication.

96. Clip is a friction-drive motor for a bicycle that connects to the front wheel to help accelerate with less effort and ease.

Wellness

97. The Callaly Tampliner Tampon features an automatic wrapper that folds the used tampon into the attached liner for easy removal.

98. The statistics page on the progress of Covid-19 developed by Johns Hopkins University became a world reference.

99. Hatch Restore is not just a reading light but also helps the user to rest. The system emits relaxing white noise or audio guided meditations to help the person fall asleep.

100. Tombot Jennie is a companion robot dog. It responds to voice commands, has interactive sensors, and makes the same sounds as a puppy.

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