Alternative high-tech hub in Yokneam spurs medical and pharmaceutical innovations; Tel Aviv U scientists develop ‘robat’ to navigate obstacles; Israel’s Masada-Armour has developed a unique backpack that transforms into a bulletproof vest in under two seconds, and much more!

By: Michael Ordman

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

A high-tech hub in the Galilee

Yokneam, in Israel’s Lower Galilee, is the headquarters of several Israeli hi-tech companies. I featured previously (see here) UPnRide’s device which allows almost every wheelchair user to stand upright and recently PixCell’s blood analysis (see here). Here is the latest update on both companies.

https://www.jpost.com/Jpost-Tech/Alternative-Israeli-Hi-tech-Hub-Spurs-Medical-Innovations-566884

A robot that navigates like a bat

Tel Aviv University scientists have developed a “Robat” – the first fully autonomous robot that, like a bat, emits sounds and analyzes the returning echoes to recognize, map and navigate obstacles. Future applications include cleaning robots, agricultural robots and rescue robots.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/taking-cue-from-bats-tel-aviv-team-creates-robot-that-navigates-via-echoes/

Bullet-proof backpack

Israel’s Masada-Armour has developed a unique backpack that transforms into a bulletproof vest in under two seconds. It was designed to protect children against the threat of school shootings. The basic 3kg version stops handgun bullets and the upgraded 4.2kg version blocks rifle fire.

http://www.israelhayom.com/2018/09/14/israeli-company-fashions-bulletproof-backpack-to-protect-against-school-shootings/  https://www.masada-armour.com/bullet-proof-backpack

Everyone needs to study innovation

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has established the HUstart Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. Its aim is that every student will learn about innovation, arguing that even historians and philosophers need to be innovative and entrepreneurial.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-hebrew-university-all-students-will-study-entrepreneurship

Projects for first responders

Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation has granted $2 million for joint US-Israeli projects. Firstly, an advanced drone mounted search and rescue system; secondly a first responders emergency radio repeater system for high-rise buildings.

http://www.birdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BIRDFRAnnouncement-July2018.pdf

Israel’s first satellite – 30 years ago

Film just declassified of the 19 Sep 1988 launch of Ofek 1 (Horizon 1), Israel’s first satellite, from Israel’s Palmachim Air Base with a Shavit rocket. The Jewish State thus became the 8th country in the world to have launched an object into orbit.  The latest Ofek (11) was launched in Sep 2016.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/30-years-later-israel-declassifies-footage-of-its-first-satellite-launch/

Friendly fungicide

Israeli biotech STK has developed REGEV – the world’s first leaf-targeted ‘hybrid’ fungicide. It combines Tea Tree Oil and Difenoconazole to give a low chemical residue. REGEV is used in 10 countries and has just been registered for use in Argentina, initially for peanut crops.

https://stk-ag.com/stk-regev-hybrid-fungicide-now-registered-in-argentina/

All-Israeli partnership for satellite tugboat

I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s Effective Space and its proposed tugboat solution for extending the life of space satellites. Now Effective Space has partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries in the tugboat (now named SPACE DRONETM) development.

http://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/israel-aerospace-industries-effective-space-announce-technological-and-financial-cooperation/2018/09/12/

Mobile communications using nanosatellites

Israel’s Sky and Space Global made history when it initiated the first mobile telephone call using its network of three nanosatellites launched in Jun 2017.  It plans to have up to 200 nanosatellites in orbit by 2020, providing communications to remote parts of the world.

https://internetofbusiness.com/sky-and-space-global-hits-nano-satellite-milestone/

https://www.skyandspace.global/operations-overview/

A most innovative cybersecurity company

I reported previously (Sep 2017) on Israel’s ITsMINE and how it secures companies from internal and external cybersecurity threats. ITsMINE has just been named in the “Top 10 most innovative cybersecurity startups” at China’s Internet Security Conference (ISC) in Beijing.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180914005156/en/ITsMine-Named-Top-10-Innovative-Cybersecurity-Startup  https://www.itsmine.io/

A Virtual Reality seat at live events

Israel’s Texel makes it possible for broadcasters to offer viewers virtual seats for live events. Texel advertises an experience as if the viewer was physically at the venue, in the arena or at the pool.  Texel has just raised $3 million in a funding round led by Deutsche Telekom.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3746027,00.html  http://texelvr.com/

A robot for hazardous environments

Israel Aerospace Industries is partnering with Croatia’s DOK-ING to develop a robotic system for high risk areas, including ones contaminated by chemical, biological and radioactive agents. It will include autonomous movement and sensors for identifying contaminants.

http://www.iai.co.il/2013/32981-48961-en/MediaRoom.aspx

Forever changing lives

Great new video showing how much US wheelchair users are benefiting from Israel’s SoftWheel.

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