Smart headband for blind swimmers
Israel’s EyeCan has developed a vibrating headband device that alerts swimmers in real time if they move from the center of their lane or are approaching an obstacle. EyeCan is part of the IDF’s 8200 Impact program and has received a $30,000 grant from the Israel Innovation Authority.
Recycling synthetic fibers
Israel’s TextRe (see previously) creates plastic pellets from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon from textile waste. The pellets are then used to make other plastic products.
SodaStream switches to renewable energy
New Israeli energy regulations has allowed Israel’s SodaStream (see previously) to sign a 15-year deal with Israel’s Enlight Renewable Energy (see previously) that will power all of SodaStream’s production facilities in Israel with 100 percent green electricity by the start of 2024.
Hydrogen from water without electricity
Since winning the Aviram Awards competition and its $500,000 prize, Israel’s QD-SOL (see previously) has gone from strength to strength. Investment and grants are helping expand its sustainable photocatalysis hydrogen generation using water, nano particles, and sunlight.
Underwater jetpack
Israel’s KikFin has produced a jetpack with fins that straps onto a swimmer’s back and propels them though the water. It can change direction with the slightest movement of the head. The hands-free operation is ideal for professional divers and rescue services. It also attaches to surfboards.
AI system helps develop social skills
Israel’s Arrows has developed Skills Coach – a web-based application providing a safe environment to practice and improve social skills. Ideal for autistic people, AI avatars engage in conversations in scenarios from chatting with a stranger in a café to making small talk with a work colleague.
AI turns speech into sign language
Israel’s CODA (see ) helps deaf people enjoy videos by using artificial intelligence-generated avatars to translate spoken language (English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Italian) into sign language almost instantaneously. Sign language gives emphasis that subtitles cannot.
An in-car voice assistant with personality
Israel’s Impris has developed AI technology called HumAIns. It has been incorporated into a Siri-like in-car assistant that not only understands the vehicle but communicates with the driver just like a human. Also suitable for call-centers.
On-line lessons from movie characters
Israel’s AcadeMe+ creates educational lessons for colleges and K-12 classrooms using movies made by major film studios, including Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Disney, and Sony. Learn about Mars from the Martian, leadership from the Lion King, and inspiration from Inside Out.
All (robot) hands on deck
Israel’s RoboDeck has developed an autonomous robot to clean wooden decking. It uses sensors, AI, a proprietary spray system for adding stains and sealants and a hybrid cleaning system with a special RoboDeck-built brush. It can clean 1,000 sq feet of decking in 30 mins, for immediate use.