Innovation

  1. Energy from waste: Cow-inspired biodigesters

    A proposed energy-production system based, in part, on cow stomachs could generate 40 percent more power from municipal waste streams, at a 20 percent reduced cost — and provide a viable alternative to sending waste to landfills.

  2. Exoskeletons to assist workers, the elderly, etc.

    U-M is developing a solution for the one in eight Americans who faces a mobility disability. A $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health is funding the creation of a modular, powered exoskeleton system that could be used on one or multiple joints of the legs.

  3. Individual finger control for advanced prostheses demonstrated in primates

    In a first, a computer that could fit on an implantable device has interpreted brain signals for precise, high-speed, multifinger movements in primates. This is a key step toward giving those who have lost limb function more natural, real-time control over advanced prostheses.

  4. Solar cells with 30-year lifetimes for power-generating windows

    A new transparency-friendly solar cell design could marry high efficiencies with 30-year estimated lifetimes, which may pave the way for windows that also provide solar power. The high-efficiency but fragile molecules for converting light to electricity thrive with a little protection.

  5. Dementia’s toll on US

    U-M study shows major gaps in who gets care that could help them remain at home. Black, low-income, or people with lower levels of education are less likely than their counterparts to have available spouse caregivers, but more likely to have adult children available to provide care.

  6. XR technology ‘brings’ conference goers to iconic U-M space

    As the Center for Academic Innovation prepared for its first annual XR Summit, organizers had an idea: create a virtual representation of the Diag for people to meet, using the technology that was the focus of the event. So cool.

  7. Thurnau Professor behind weather data tools wins U-M innovation award

    Perry Samson, professor of climate and space sciences and engineering, has pioneered a series of learning and weather-related tools and technologies, and has launched companies around them that serve millions.

  8. First-responder robots could team with wildfire fighters

    A three-year project funded by a $1 million grant aims to equip bipedal walking robots with the technology to trek in areas that are too dangerous for humans, including collapsed buildings and other disaster areas.

  9. ‘PrivacyMic’: For a smart speaker that doesn’t eavesdrop

    U-M researchers have developed a system that can inform a smart home – or listen for the signal that would turn on a smart speaker – without eavesdropping on audible sound. Phew! We can finally stop whispering all the time.