Living in a sustainable, conscious, and smart manner has become not only a necessity but our moral obligation and duty toward the planet. Our homes should seamlessly integrate with, and nourish the planet, not drain her resources and reduce her lifespan. Being at one with Planet Earth, while taking rigorous care of her has never been more of a priority. In an effort to encourage an eco-friendly way of life, sustainable architecture has been gaining immense popularity among architects. And, McDonald’s has jumped onto that bandwagon with its outlet in Tai Wo, Hong Kong.
Designer: McDonald’s
McDonald’s Tai Wo outlet in Hong Kong recently underwent a renovation that transformed it into a prime specimen of sustainable design and architecture. The restaurant is a testament to how sustainability can be incorporated almost anywhere with the right direction, effort, and intention. The Tai Wo location is Hong Kong’s first LEED Zero Carbon restaurant certified by the US Green Building Council. The building will save 848.22 metric tons of carbon dioxide which equates to planting more than 36,000 16-foot-tall trees!
The space is defined by twenty commendable sustainability efforts, which are working throughout it. McDonald’s collaborated with eco-social startup HK TIMBERBANK, and designed the exterior facade which is crafted from local trees. These trees fell either due to old age or typhoons. In fact, even the furniture and décor inside are built using recycled materials. McDonald’s also teamed up with CLP Power Hong Kong to set up a solar power system on the rooftop.
The entire building is marked with smart devices to monitor energy consumption and indoor air quality. In fact, the restaurant has also signed a “green lease” with the landlord to share data connected to sustainability and lay down low-carbon operational guidelines. It incorporates an education corner that is packed with sustainability-themed books, providing integral reading material to the next generation. Cool phone-charging bikes that can be ridden by visiting families have been added to the space as well. McDonald’s is also releasing a new line of Happy Meal books and coloring games that encourage children visiting to learn about environmental protection.
Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms have adopted 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture has truly gained a lot of popularity and momentum. It has paved a path for itself in modern architecture. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it. And Nescafé has also jumped onto the 3D printing bandwagon with its first 3D-printed pop-up store!
Designer: Estudio Guto Requena
Brazilian architecture studio Estudio Guto Requena designed an innovative 3D-printed pop-up store for Nescafé. Called the Dolce Gusto Neo store, and located in São Paulo, the store was built using algorithmic 3D printing. The sustainable store was built using a combination of biodegradable materials and recycled plastic, which are an excellent alternative to traditional construction materials such as steel and concrete, both of which lead to carbon emissions and resource depletion. The concept and structure of the store were inspired by the five petals of the coffee flower. The store is groundbreaking, since it is a commendable effort towards regenerative architecture, and offers a conscious and innovative method to create prefabricated retail stores.
“The design for the Dolce Gusto Neo Flagship unites innovation, sustainability, and architecture,” said Estudio Guto Requena. “The building architecture invites us to reflect on potential futures that we could design, especially given the climate emergency we are facing.”
The Dolce Gusto Neo is built using a mix of glued laminated timber (GLT), from reforested pine trees, which serves as an eco-friendly source. It has a dome-shaped design supported by fixed axes, which accommodate five glassed archways that provide lovely views of the surrounding green space. A timber decking covers the store as well. The innovative and unique pop-up store is the first of its kind in Latin America and is truly paving the way for 3D-printed structures built using biodegradable materials.
There’s a flood of products these days that make creating physical 3D objects from digital images easier and more affordable, but it’s not the same going in the other direction. Transforming real-world three-dimensional objects into their digital representation still involves expensive equipment with complicated operations, locking out many people with creative ideas but meager resources. It shouldn’t have to be that way, of course, especially with the rapid advancements in technology that we’re seeing today. Fortunately, someone finally took it upon themselves to put such capabilities within reach of everyone, creating a 3D scanner that’s not only compact and accessible but also powerful enough to inspire and bring the physical world into the digital realm.
Designer: Revopoint 3D
Click Here to Buy Now: $285$439 (35% off). Hurry, only 832/2000 left! Raised over $470,000.
With all the advancements in imaging sensors in consumer electronics today, it’s puzzling that very few have put those technologies inside 3D scanners that almost anyone can reach for. Of course, there’s more to a 3D scanner than just capturing the physical world, but the foundations are already available, ripe for the picking. The Revopoint INSPIRE 3D Scanner offers a cost-effective, versatile, and powerful 3D scanning solution that tears down the barriers that keep budding creators and hobbyists from completing their dream projects.
How small is the Revopoint INSPIRE, you ask? It’s small enough to quickly shove into your pocket in a hurry and light enough that you won’t even feel its presence there. It’s almost as light as an iPhone 12 mini, so there’s very little reason for you to leave it at home, even if you count the other accessories you’ll want to use with it, like a tripod or the Magic Mat. Despite its modest size, however, the INSPIRE 3D scanner is a heavyweight when it comes to features that almost make 3D scanning feel like hi-tech magic.
Enhanced Marker Tracking – Powered by dual infrared LEDs for extra illumination, intelligent algorithms, and the new Magic Mat’s highly reflective pre-placed markers, the INSPIRE can seamlessly track featureless objects without sticking markers on them.
Bring 3D Models to Life – Dull colors and heavy shadows ruin color scans, so INSPIRE’s RGB camera works with a Flash LED to remove shadows and enrich the colors to create lifelike 3D models.
Create Digital Art – Capture models with INSPIRE, then transform them however you want in 3D modeling software to create something entirely new.
Time-saving Car Modification – Replace out-of-production parts, create modified parts, customize your motor to your heart’s content, and do so without the fear of wrong measurements ruining your hard work.
Game Modding – Transform your favorite games by creating full-color detail-rich 3D models of objects, clothes, equipment, or even your own face.
Smart Stabilization – Equipped with a 9-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) and intelligent algorithms, the INSPIRE detects and eliminates faulty frames caused by shaking hands or rapid movement, ensuring error-free results and efficient tracking.
It can scan fast at 14 to 18 fps, so capturing an object using the INSPIRE won’t take long. With a 9-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and Revopoint’s self-developed 3D vision technology system, you don’t even have to worry about shaky hands or fast movements because INSPIRE can intelligently stabilize the images it captures on the fly. This compact scanner makes it trivial to scan medium-sized objects, whether manually or by using the included mini turntable. Thanks to dual infrared LEDs providing extra marker illumination, intelligent algorithms, and a specially-marked Magic Mat, you don’t even have to bother with sticking markers directly on featureless objects to make scanning easier.
Get Going Fast – Connecting to INSPIRE is a breeze, with Wi-Fi 6 for fast and stable mobile scanning. And a USB Type-C connection for plug-and-play setup that only requires one cable for power and data.
Despite all the power that it packs inside its pocket-size body, the Revopoint INSPIRE couldn’t be easier to use. The Revo Scan 5 works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, but you don’t even need a powerful PC to use the INSPIRE 3D scanner and can just hook it up to your phone. You can choose between fast and stable wireless scanning using Wi-Fi 6 or a quick setup with a single USB-C cable for both power and data, and you can see the 3D model taking shape in real-time, right before your very eyes. Revo Scan 5 can export these models as STL, PLY, or OBJ files for compatibility with most CAD, 3D modeling, and slicer software.
Best of all, this small but powerful 3D scanner is starting at only $272 for a Super Early Bird Special, making sure that no one, especially entry-level creators, will be able to create the digital project of their dreams without breaking the bank. Whether you’re scanning objects to put inside a game, replacing out-of-production machine parts, or preserving artifacts and antiques by creating their digital doubles, the Revopoint INSPIRE 3D Scanner has got you covered.
Click Here to Buy Now: $285$439 (35% off). Hurry, only 832/2000 left! Raised over $470,000.
Chinese tech company Unitree has once again amazed the world of robotics with the launch of its second-generation robot dog companion, the Go2. This remarkable robotic creation is designed to follow you around at jogging speeds, perform impressive gymnastic feats, and even engage in conversation using a GPT-enabled system that can write code on the fly.
Designer: Unitree
The Unitree Go2 stands at a compact 40 cm (16 inches) tall and weighs approximately 15 kg (33 lb). It’s sturdy aluminum and high-strength plastic chassis can carry more than half its own weight as payload, making it a versatile companion for various tasks. The robot dog has advanced sensors, including super wide-angle LiDAR and HD cameras, allowing it to map and navigate its surroundings in real-time. This enables the Go2 to walk alongside its owner, avoiding obstacles and adapting to challenging terrains like stairs and rocks. It can run for an hour or two on a battery charge.
One of the most impressive features of the Go2 is its athletic capabilities. With motors that boast 30% more torque than the previous model, the Go2 can perform jaw-dropping jumps, backflips, and even dance on two crossed-over legs. Its exceptional balance allows it to stand on its front two legs and gracefully navigate downstairs.
The Pro model of the Go2 also incorporates a GPT-enabled speech engine, allowing users to have natural language conversations with the robot. Beyond just understanding and responding to verbal requests, the robot attempts to write code for itself, interpreting the user’s intentions and seeking ways to be helpful. While the practical utility of this feature may be limited at the current stage, it showcases the potential for more advanced interactions in the future.
The Go2’s pricing starts at $1,600 for the base model, capable of reaching speeds of 5.6 mph (9 km/h), while the Pro model, priced at $2,800, can go up to 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h). However, the total cost is slightly higher when factoring in additional fees such as the $400 shipping charge and a 25% duty for orders in the USA. Despite this, the Go2 offers an affordable alternative to Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot dog, which costs significantly more, around $75,000.
While the Go2 presents a novel and technologically advanced robotic companion, it may still find its most prominent user base among individuals seeking entertainment and attention. Its ability to capture selfies and pick up items with its robotic arm may be considered practical features. Still, the true allure of the Go2 lies in its entertaining and attention-grabbing capabilities. The capabilities of helping around the house or around with chores are limited as it’s seen replacing getting a glass of water for a quirky dance.
For those seeking an additional layer of security, the Go2 can serve as a guard for your home, showcasing its potential for safety purposes. It can also be helpful for carrying items around and assisting with chores. The absence of the need for constant attention and its self-replicating capabilities add to its appeal as a convenient companion. With user authorization, via OTA Upgrades, the Go2 robot keeps improving and evolving to be smarter as the robot automatically connects to a cloud-based OTA service to upgrade its own programs to continuously improve the user experience.
However, as remarkable as the Go2 is, it cannot replace the innocence and loyalty of conventional pets. Pets often win our hearts with their quirks and acts of loyalty, something that robots may struggle to replicate fully. Nonetheless, the Go2 can coexist with traditional pets, providing a different set of advantages and becoming a complementary addition to the household.
Unitree’s Go2 robot dog represents a significant advancement in robotic companionship, combining agility, conversation, and helpfulness in an affordable package. While it may not replace the charm of a living, breathing pet, it undoubtedly brings a unique blend of technological wonders and entertainment value to those who embrace it. As we continue to witness the evolution of robotics and AI, the Go2 showcases a promising glimpse of the future of human-robot interaction.
