We’re happy to share our pick of The Best of TIS 2016— the top 12 videos in innovations that happened this year. We have reviewed all monthly themes we explored over the course of the year: from Refugees to Mobility and Health to Design — we’ve got everything covered! Count down to 2017 with us!
#12: January – Refugees
Using Oculus Rift and a treadmill, This Page Amsterdam created an installation that lets people experience the story of people searching for refuge through direct narratives. ‘Run Like a Refugee’ provides a clearer view of the stories of millions of people using virtual reality.
#11: February – Energy
It took a year, but later this year (in July) the airplane SOLAR IMPULSE would complete its flight across the globe relying only on solar energy. Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg have been taking turns to fly the plane, thereby pioneering the use of clean energy technologies.
#10: March – Robots
This September, the Turkish company Letvision has surprised the world with its real-life Transformer that is made out of BMWs. Have a look at this promising innovation and let us know what you think.
#9: April – Virtual Reality
NeuroDigital Technologies has created a pair of smart gloves called GloveOne with built-in sensors, that allow users to feel sensations such as heat and interact with objects in virtual reality.
#8: May – Space
Space debris is a serious issue that threatens mankind and vital satellites. Listen to Nobu Okada, CEO of Astroscale, who speaks about his plan to reduce the danger of space debris.
#7: June – Smart Cities
This summer the DLD Conference held an informative panel on Cities of the Future. Speakers discussed how new technologies and connectivity will impact future smart cities. You can watch it here!
#6: July – Mobility
Hildegard Wortmann, Vice President of BMW and Alejandro Agag, founder of FIA Formula E, discuss the changing faces of mobility and the rise of e-mobility.
#5: August – Sports
This protective material from D3Olab stands at the top of the list of sports innovations this year! The product has a potential application in sports, electronics, footwear and the motorcycle market! Check it out in the video below.
#4: September – Fashion
The Sound Shirt is an extraordinary piece of clothing that allows people who are deaf to feel sounds and the music of the Junge Symphoniker with their body. Have a look at some of the first impressions people had with this exciting new technology.
#3: October – Design
Potable water is a scarce resource in many African and Asian countries. Warka Water is a project developed by Architecture and Vision which harvests water from thin air. The project takes its name from the Warka Tree — a symbol of public gatherings in Ethiopia.
#2: November – Health
Researchers at the University of Lausanne have developed a brain-spine interface, that allows non-human primates to regain control of a paralyzed limb. The interface bypasses the injury, thus acting as a connection between the brain and the spine. Consequently, a clinical study has began in Switzerland to test the interface for humans.
#1: December – Sharing Economy
Robin Chase, co-founder of Zipcar explores two possible futures that autonomous cars may bring: heaven or hell. Listen to her ideas on the subject and her suggestions for the future of mobility.