Radar-based technology has been around for decades but has seen massive changes. In particular, the size of the sensor arrays has shrunk in ways that are nearly impossible to imagine. Originally, radar sensors required huge dishes mounted on towers or domes around military installations. Today, thanks to Acconeer, these sensors are so small you can barely see one in the video.
This accomplishment by Acconeer is significant for a number of reasons. Of course, the accomplishment of making it small is, in itself, impressive. However, the really cool aspect is what is possible because of the size of the sensors. With large arrays, we were able to detect planes during World War 2. With the small arrays, we can accomplish equally impressive tasks for everyday life.
On the company’s website, they have a number of impressive demos for the technology. One of these demos is passenger detection in vehicles, which is a problem we’ve seen a lot in the past few years. Being able to detect if someone is in a vehicle, particularly children with no adult, could potentially save lives. The presence detection capability could be applied outside of a car, howe3ver, and make home security sensors more accurate, smaller, and more power-efficient.
Another interesting demo scenario surrounds liquids. These small sensors could be used to detect tank levels, in your water heater or even your gas tank. In the latter instance, the idea of a contactless sensor could end the common scenario of not trusting the gas gauge because it varies based on the angle of the car. Not having to rely on floating sensors means that the readings could be more accurate.
There are more examples of where these tiny sensors could be used. If you have an idea and would like to learn more or engage with Acconeer, check out their website.
Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.
Get $5 to protect your credit card information online with Privacy.
Amazon Prime gives you more than just free shipping. Get free music, TV shows, movies, videogames and more.
The most flexible tools for podcasting. Get a 30 day free trial of storage and statistics.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More
There are some aspects of daily life that very few people actually know how they work. One area that we know very little about is roadways. People are often shocked to see just how big traffic lights and road signs actually are. They would also be amazed to learn just how the painting of symbols on the road actually happens. These giant symbols, such as “right turn only” or “school zone,” are hand-painted, or painted using giant stencils. This realization was so surprising for Sam Bell that he founded 
Vehicles these days are extremely sophisticated with intricate computer systems. They have many sensors used for everything from outside temperature to automated braking. Because these sensors are generally exposed to the elements, they eventually need to be cleaned. Unfortunately, many are too sensitive to come in contact with, while others are not easily accessible. Even worse, what happens if they get dirty while you’re on the road? 
In the next generation of energy production, hydrogen is going to play a major role. That is regardless of the energy method, whether it be hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen fusion, and even used for space travel. However, the current limitation to hydrogen as a fuel source is in the production of the hydrogen itself. It is expensive, both in terms of money and resources. That may all change if William Knapp’s company, 
It is not unusual for college students to not have their own cars, or not have the ability to travel long distances, such as going back home. Because of this, students have tried to look for ways to find people traveling to the location they need to go to in order to carpool. This causes all kinds of problems, the most prominent of which being the incredible danger it puts the student in. There is no way for the students to get background information on the driver or to be confident in their safety. That’s why 
Constructing and maintaining a green building is a difficult and expensive process. One of the more difficult parts is conducting the required mobility survey. This is because the results are often inaccurate and, overall, useless to the building owner. When people are asked about how they move and how they travel, their answers often do not represent reality. Fortunately, 
Are you in the market for a new car? We all know the process you’re about to go through and we are not envious. The beginning stages of car shopping can be extremely stressful from visiting numerous dealerships, to finding a car salesman that understands your needs. But what if we told you that there is an app that can take away most of that hassle? CarHero might be your savior in this scenario.
Electric vehicles are quickly becoming a popular place for companies to experiment with unique designs. While electric cars get all of the attention, there are some very interesting things happening in the space. From golf cart style neighborhood vehicles to scooters, electric is all the rage. 
What many people do not know is that one of the most technology infused industries in the world is farming. Most modern farming would be completely impossible without the unbelievably large and powerful machines that reside on farms. The leader in farming machinery, as well as computing, is