Disruptor

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The Disruptor: Thought-provoking commentary on technologies that are changing the way mankind does things.

How AI will be used to manage 5G networks

Artificial intelligence will play an important role in how future networks become sliced, supporting multiple uses, including IoT and private 5G networks.

Neural computing should be based on insect brains, not human ones

Insect brains are a better model for artificial intelligence in IoT than human brains are because they are simpler and focus on key processes, scientists say.

'AI everywhere' IoT chips coming from Arm

Two new microprocessors from Arm promise to miniaturize artificial intelligence.

Chinese auto giant Geely plans a private satellite network to support autonomous vehicles

Geely is developing a satellite network to provide high-bandwidth wireless needed by on-board applications in self-driving vehicles.

Seawater, humidity inspire new ways to generate power

Researchers around the globe are working on new ways to generate huge amounts of power that will be needed for the shift to a data-driven society.

Getting closer to no-battery devices

Combining wake-up receivers with the parasitic use of ambient radio waves could drastically slash IoT power consumption.

A $399 device that translates brain signals into digital commands

Startup NextMind is readying a $399 development kit for its brain-computer interface technology that enables users to interact, hands-free, with computers and VR/AR headsets.

Future ‘smart walls’ key to IoT

MIT researchers are developing a wallpaper-like material that’s made up of simple RF switch elements and can be applied to building surfaces. Using beamforming, the antenna array could potentially improve wireless signal strength...

How bacteria could run the Internet of Things

The Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) would use certain kinds of bacteria, which scientists think has the attributes needed to make effective sensor networks.

How Open-RAN could ‘white-box’ 5G

Open-hardware, software-defined mobile radio infrastructure could kick-start private LTE and 5G and perhaps eventually lead to their supremacy over Wi-Fi for enterprises.

Beyond Moore's Law: Neuromorphic computing?

Some researchers think brain-copying architectures should replace traditional computing. One group explains how that might work.

Instant, secure ‘teleportation’ of data in the works

Quantum teleportation, where information is sent instantaneously, will secure the Internet, researchers say. Scientists are making progress.

DIY communications networks to trend in 2020, says major telco

An across-the-board shift to privatizing communications networks is underway.

Researchers aim for transistors that compute and store in one component

Materials incompatibilities have stalled efforts to integrate transistors and memory in a single on-chip, commercial component. That might be about to change.

Space-data-as-a-service prepares to take off

Development of IoT services in space will require ruggedized edge computing. OrbitsEdge, a vendor has announced a deal with HPE for development.

Researchers experiment with glass-based storage that doesn't require electronics cooling

A Microsoft Research project uses laser optics and artificial intelligence to store data in quartz glass.

IoT sensors must have two radios for efficiency

To extend battery life, IoT radios that send data should be powered only when there's data to send, and a second, power-sipper radio should just listen for a wake-up signal for the principal radio. Academics say they’re making...

Space-sourced power could beam electricity where needed

Harvesting solar energy in space would provide off-grid electricity at night, and for areas that don’t receive much sunlight. A project has just received funding.

Cheap IoT satellite network gets approval

Swarm Technologies joins a slew of new satellite communications providers who have obtained FCC launch and communications approval. This startup is aiming at IoT.