Atlantic reporter Robinson Meyer speaks with Prof. Steven Barrett about his research showing that 140 people will die prematurely if Volkswagen vehicles outfitted with emissions-cheating devices are not recalled. Barrett says that if the cars are returned, “most of those 140 deaths would be averted.”
During a visit to MIT, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker stressed the need for government investment in research, reports Jeff Engels for Xconomy. “Our investment in R&D in this country is flat since, I think, 1980. It’s actually quite concerning at a time when the rest of the world, as you said, is not standing still,” said Pritzker.
Richard Waters of The Financial Times reports that Toyota is funding new research centers at MIT and Stanford to research technologies that could enable computer-assisted driving. Waters explains that the goal behind the new centers is to give “drivers the choice one day of handing over full control to the AI ‘brains’ in their vehicles.”
In an effort to spur breakthroughs in autonomous driving technology, Toyota is funding new research centers at MIT and Stanford, the Associated Press reports. Prof. Daniela Rus explains that MIT researchers will be working on developing technology that would make it possible to build a car, “that is never responsible for a collision.”
A new center at MIT, a collaborative effort with Toyota, will be focused on broadening artificial intelligence technologies for cars, writes Eric Adams for Popular Science. Prof. Daniela Rus explains that the MIT center will dedicated to “helping reduce traffic casualties, and potentially even helping us develop a vehicle incapable of getting into a collision.”
Toyota is partnering with MIT and Stanford to research autonomous-vehicle technology, reports Marco della Cava for USA Today. “Toyota will use its MIT and Stanford investment dollars to develop on-board systems that will improve an automobile's ability to make smart driving decisions in split seconds when the driver is either unaware or too slow.”
WGBH reporter Mike Deehan writes that MIT will play a key role in a new public-private partnership aimed at expanding the use of photonics in manufacturing. Prof. Krystyn Van Vliet explains that MIT will coordinate the "education and workforce development program for the entire nation in this area.”
MIT startup LiquiGlide has announced that they are partnering with the international food packaging company Orkla to use their non-stick coating inside mayonnaise bottles, reports Katie Palmer for Wired. Palmer explains that LiquiGlide has “created an algorithm to optimize the thermodynamic relationships between a textured solid on the inside of the bottle, its liquid 'lubricant,' and the product in question.”
MIT spinout LiquiGlide has signed a deal with Orkla that will allow the company to use LiquiGlide’s non-stick coating in their mayonnaise bottles, reports Chris Foxx for the BBC. Foxx explains that a customized version of the LiquiGlide “coating is created for each product, resulting in a "permanently wet" surface inside containers that helps the product slip out.”
BetaBoston reporter Nidhi Subbaraman writes that MIT startup LiquiGlide has signed a deal with Orkla ASA to license LiquiGlide’s “slippery coatings for a brand of mayonnaise due to be launched in the next year in northern and central Europe.”
Philips is moving its North American research headquarters to Kendall Square and has announced a $25 million research alliance with MIT, reports Boston Globe correspondent Karen Weintraub. MIT and Philips have a “resonance on specific technical issues, but also on the approach to innovation,” says Associate Provost Karen Gleason.
Gus Iverson writes for DOTmed about the new alliance between MIT and Philips aimed at spurring innovation in health care and lighting solutions technology. Philips will also be relocating its research hub to Kendall Square, which Henk van Houten, executive vice president and general manager of Philips Research, called "a thriving innovation ecosystem."
According to The Boston Herald, “Amsterdam’s Royal Philips N.V and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have signed a five-year, $25 million research alliance to develop healthtech solutions and digital connected lighting systems.” Philips will also move its North American research headquarters to Cambridge.
MedTech Boston reporter Jenni Whalen writes that Philips has formed an alliance with MIT and plans to move its North American research headquarters to Cambridge. “By moving to Cambridge and collaborating with MIT, its staff and its partners, Philips can work with some of the best minds in the world,” explains Henk van Houten, executive vice president and general manager of Philips Research.
Stacey Higginbotham of Fortune writes about a new $25 million partnership between Philips and MIT in which the company will move its North American R&D headquarters to Cambridge: “Given that Philips will focus on lighting and healthcare technology for its R&D, Boston makes a considerable amount of sense, especially on the health side.”