An Israeli-led Silicon-Valley-bred robotics startup has invented the FoldiMate – the first appliance to automate the task of folding laundry; Israeli startup Equinom has devised an algorithm that brings a new level of speed, accuracy and economy to breeding seeds that are superior in yield, nutritional value and appearance, and much more.
By: Michael Ordman
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
It even folds your laundry
An Israeli-led Silicon-Valley-bred robotics startup has invented the FoldiMate – the first appliance to automate the task of folding laundry. It can also steam out wrinkles, perfume, soften and sanitize the clothes. 58,000 have registered interest. Over 2 million have watched the video. Shipping in 2018.
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Tech/A-new-household-standard-The-laundry-folding-machine-that-will-unload-a-task-from-your-to-do-list-456150
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swNgjX0xHC8
Plant protein for a hungry world
Israeli startup Equinom has devised an algorithm that brings a new level of speed, accuracy and economy to breeding seeds that are superior in yield, nutritional value and appearance. Equinom has already produced hardy high-yield sesame and hardy high-protein legume and quinoa seeds.
http://www.israel21c.org/sowing-the-seeds-of-plant-protein-for-a-hungry-world/
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-seed-breeding-startup-equinom-raises-125m-1001117169
Einstein makes science accessible
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Smithsonian Institution are marking the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity by launching “The Einstein Project” – an initiative to make science more accessible to young people. Einstein was a founder of the Hebrew University.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/hebrew-u-smithsonian-launch-einstein-project-to-make-science-accessible/
Quantum Science Center
Israel’s Technion Institute has opened the Center for Quantum Science, Matter and Engineering. It will focus on merging fundamental concepts of quantum science with engineering principles in order to pave the way towards new devices and systems for communications, computing, sensing and signal processing.
http://www.technion.ac.il/en/2016/05/19150/
New planetarium in Netanya
The Israeli city of Netanya has dedicated a $3 million science and space center. The 1,000-square-meter Madarame Planetarium and Meditation Center was largely funded by Japanese businessman and philanthropist Rikoho Madarame.
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=34181
An enhanced imaging camera
Researchers from Ben Gurion University have developed a more efficient ultra-spectral imaging system. The Miniature Ultra-Spectral Imaging system (MUSI) can enhance remote sensing, environmental research, bio-medicine, medical diagnosis, and industrial fabrication.
http://in.bgu.ac.il/en/Pages/news/ultra_spectral.aspx
http://www.nature.com/articles/srep23524
Lighting up the State of Georgia
Israeli-owned solar company Energiya has inaugurated the first-ever commercial solar field in the US State of Georgia. The 24-hectare (59-acre) solar power field in Glynn County will produce 22.5 megawatts of electricity.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-to-light-up-Georgia-with-states-first-solar-field-455804
Innovating mobile infrastructure
Israel’s CellMining won the Mobile Infrastructure Innovation category at the GTB Telecoms Innovation Awards 2016 in London. It recognizes CellMining’s achievement of its customer-experience driven Self-Organizing Networks solution for Israel’s largest mobile operator Cellcom.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160531006160/en/CellMining-Wins-GTB-Telecoms-Innovation-Award
Powering broadband from Russia to Myanmar
Leading satellite operator Eutelsat has chosen Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks to power a new range of broadband services in Western Russia from the Arctic coastline to the Caspian Sea. In addition, Myanmar’s TV station Sky Net selected Gilat’s network for cellular backhaul.
http://www.gilat.com/Sky-Net-Selects-Gilat%E2%80%99s-Network-for-Cellular-Backhaul-in-Myanmar
Navigating around Rio
Israeli app Moovit will guide 2 million locals and visitors to the fastest and safest routes to and between competition venues at the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Moovit will provide real-time information in 35 languages on buses, trains, subway, light rail, ferries and cable cars. Moovit also has just won the Atlas Award in Tel Aviv for entrepreneurship and creativity.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-app-to-guide-olympic-goers-through-rio-streets/
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Transportation-app-Moovit-wins-Ayn-Rand-inspired-start-up-prize-454343
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