Wise Tech
Posts
This week: Robot Pills That You Swallow

This week: Robot Pills That You Swallow

Brett Bouchard
June 29, 2024

Wise Tech - Technology news for seniors who are young at heart!

Would you try a robot pill if it would give your doctor a clearer internal diagnosis?

1. Robot Pills That You Swallow

What’s the tech?
Endiatx, a medical technology startup, has introduced PillBot, an ingestible robotic pill designed for gastrointestinal (GI) examinations.

How it's used:
PillBot is a small device that you swallow. It has cameras, sensors, and wireless communication capabilities, allowing doctors to view the inside of your GI tract with high precision. The latest prototype can transmit high-resolution video, providing detailed images for accurate diagnosis.

Why it's news now:
Endiatx is currently conducting clinical trials and aims for FDA approval by 2026. This innovation could revolutionize how GI examinations are conducted, making them less invasive and more accessible. The potential integration of AI for autonomous navigation further highlights its future capabilities.

2. Amazon Becomes a Bit Greener

What’s the tech?
Amazon has announced a shift from using plastic air pillows to recycled paper filling for packaging in North America.

How it's used:
The recycled paper filling will replace the plastic air pillows currently used to protect items in Amazon's packages. This change aims to significantly reduce plastic waste.

Why it's news now:
This initiative is part of Amazon's broader commitment to sustainability and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The switch is expected to eliminate millions of pounds of plastic waste annually, demonstrating Amazon's dedication to more eco-friendly packaging practices.

3. Record Companies Say “Enough” to AI Music Startups

What’s the tech?
Major record labels have filed lawsuits against AI music startups for copyright infringement.

How it's used:
AI music startups, such as Suno and Udio AI, have allegedly used copyrighted songs to train their AI models without permission from the original creators.

Why it's news now:
Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment are seeking damages through the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This legal action underscores the tension between AI innovation and copyright protection, as the music industry fights to protect intellectual property rights against unauthorized use by AI technologies.

Bonus Topic: Driverless taxi service open to all in San Francisco

What it does: Waymo, a company owned by Alphabet (the parent company of Google), has developed a driverless (autonomous) taxi service. This means the taxis drive themselves without a human driver. People can use the Waymo app on their smartphones to call for a taxi, which will take them to their destination.

How it's used: To use Waymo's driverless taxi service, you need to download the Waymo app on your smartphone. Once you have the app, you can request a ride at any time of the day or night. You’ll need a credit card to pay for the ride. After you request a ride, a driverless taxi will come to pick you up and take you where you need to go.

Why it's news now: The service is now open to the general public in San Francisco, making it the second U.S. city after Phoenix to offer widespread access to robotaxis.

Conversation starter: "Did you hear that San Francisco now has driverless taxis available for everyone? Imagine getting around the city in a car without a driver! Would you feel comfortable riding in one?"

Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe below to have it delivered to your inbox. It’s free!