Known as the “global stage for innovation,” CES is the premier consumer electronics show, serving as the gathering place for global innovators and launch pad for breakthrough technologies. This year’s show was no exception, showcasing the most exciting, next-generation innovations. Here are some of Material ConneXion’s top takeaways from the event.
We Still Really, Really Like TV: Samsung unveiled “The Wall,” the world’s first modular MicroLED 146-inch TV, while LG debuted a rollable, 65-inch 4K OLED display. Sony focused on aesthetics, introducing a $30,000 4K projector covered in smooth, white marble, that looks more like a stylish coffee table than a piece of technology.
Laptops Get an Upgrade: KDX, an emerging leader in the smart display technology industry, presented its “3D+” strategy, launching its glasses-free 3D display technology and, in a collaboration with Samsung, the two brands introduced “Pupil 3D,” the world’s first glasses-free 3D laptop. ASUS introduced the ZenBook 13, an ultra-thin, ultra-light laptop made from magnesium-alloy, a material that is 33% lighter than the standard alloy used in laptops for ultimate mobility. And Incase presented the IconConnected Power Sleeve, a laptop sleeve with a cleanly integrated 14,000mAh USB-C and USB-A battery, plus a charging cable compartment.
Material Innovation is Everywhere: Master and Dynamic’s MA770 speaker uses a proprietary concrete composite developed internally to provide increased damping and lower resonance. The final form of the MA770 is one solid molded piece – which not only looks cool, but provides damping properties that are five times better than wood and 10 times better than plastic. DWS, the stereolithography pioneer, showcased its XCELL 3D systems, the first-ever fully automated high-speed manufacturing cell that quickly delivers a seamless push-button solution from file to part. And Ujet’s electric scooter is equipped with the lightest tire in its class – the world’s first nano-augmented tire made with applied TUBALL containing single-wall carbon nanotubes. The frame is composed of alloy and carbon fiber composite.
With Great Innovation, Comes Great Sustainability: Circular Collection unveiled 14 and 18 carat earrings, rings, and cufflinks made with gold recovered from recycled motherboards. Sweden’s Yevo Labs designed a set of wireless headphones that incorporate metal from seized illegal guns. House of Marley’s sustainable audio lineup included cork and recycled silicone for headphones and speakers, while product purchases help with global reforestation efforts. And Xeros introduced a transformational sustainable home washing machine that addresses the issue of microplastics in synthetic clothing.
Robots Are Our Friends: LG introduced CLOi, part digital assistant and part smart appliance, to act as a hub for all of your connected LG devices. Sony showcased Aibo, its new and improved robot dog. New Aibo has new tricks, and looks much cuter than the original, which was retired in 2006. Honda debuted a group of robots under its 3E concept, which stands for empower, experience and empathy. There was also a robot that can fold laundry for you, and a pillow robot.
3D Is the Way to Be: Continental’s 3D touch surface display received a 2018 Best of Innovation Award for its first-of-its-kind operating concept. Google announced “VR180,” a 3D point and shoot consumer camera from Lenovo and Yi Technology. And StreamTV Networks announced its plan to deliver consumer- and retail-grade glasses-free 3D TV displays called Ultra-D.
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Image courtesy CES.
