‘Miracle material’ achieves record-breaking solar efficiency, Humane’s AI Pin, and ocean waves power desalination plant

🟦 You're reading The Vital Component, a breakdown of the week's engineering news delivered to your inbox. I’m Tim, newsletter editor at IE. Let's dive in.

This week’s headlines featured major advances in solar technology, AI assistants, and the extraction of energy (and clean drinking water) from the ocean.

Chinese solar firm LONGi set a new world record efficiency of 33.9% for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, topping theoretical limits. Ex-Apple executives launched Humane's AI personal assistant, AiPin, touting it as an alternative to distracting phones. Meanwhile, Oneka Technologies successfully tested a wave-powered desalination system that sustainably produces drinking water from the sea. The wildlife-friendly machine exemplifies emerging, eco-conscious engineering.

Plus, we have more innovation, transportation, and science news, the latest engineering jobs, and more features and videos below.

Also this weekend, disruptive AI is going to change school, work, and beyond. ChatGPT For Dummies demystifies the artificial intelligence tool that can answer questions, write essays, and generate just about any kind of text it’s asked for. 

🎙 Check out Lexicon, Interesting Engineering's podcast featuring guests from across the world of engineering, science, and tech.

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MUST KNOW

🌅 ‘Miracle material’ achieves record-breaking solar panel energy

Chinese solar firm LONGi has achieved a new world record efficiency of 33.9 percent for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. This tops the theoretical limit of 33.7 percent for standard single-junction cells, overcoming a major barrier in solar research. The advance was certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the US.

Perovskites enable more efficient solar absorption by responding to different light wavelengths than silicon. LONGi's expertise in commercial cells gives it an edge in bringing record-breaking tandem versions to market. The milestone underscores China’s ascendancy in solar innovation and its drive to dominate the renewable energy industry. Read more

🌊 This wave-powered machine produces drinking water from the sea

A Canadian startup called Oneka Technologies has developed a novel desalination system that runs entirely on power harnessed from ocean waves. Their floating machines anchor to the seafloor and use the motion of passing waves to pump seawater through filters, producing drinking water. Oneka's largest machine capable of generating 49,000 liters of freshwater daily from 3-foot waves. The wildlife-friendly system properly dilutes its salt discharge to avoid harming marine life. Read more

📍 Ex-Apple employees want to replace phones with Humane AI pin

Humane AI, founded by former longtime Apple execs, launched its first product - AiPin, a pocket-sized voice assistant. AiPin features touch controls, a laser display, and built-in camera and microphone. It provides AI services like weather without a screen or apps. While limited compared to phones, AiPin offers an alternative for reducing device distraction. Its high price ($699) and dependence on vocal interactions could limit mass appeal. Learn more about the futuristic gadget aiming to replace smartphones. Read more

WEEK'S MOST IMPORTANT NEWS 

INNOVATION 

🛩World’s first rim-driven jet propulsion motor test successful in Canada The rim-less electric motor promises to offer similar performance figures when compared to its fossil-fuelled counterparts. 

⚛️ Japan: World’s largest nuclear fusion reactor achieves first plasma JT-60SA will also help ITER, the giant international fusion reactor that is being built in France, to demonstrate that fusion can produce more energy than it consumes.

💀 Thanatos: US firm unveils its most advanced stealth drone to date Much about the drone remains unknown but it could be seen in action as early as 2025.

TRANSPORTATION 

🆙 World’s largest aircraft, Google co-founder’s Pathfinder 1 tests flight Pathfinder 1 features modern-day technologies such as fly-by-wire controls, electric motors, and lidar sensing. 

⏪ Rimac Nevera shatters reverse gear speed record at 171.34 mph Experience the thrill of innovation as Rimac Nevera defies expectations, breaking records with unparalleled speed—this time, in reverse.

🤖 China develops drone that ‘group chats’ battle strategy like humans The technology might be used to improve drones utilized in security patrols, disaster relief, and aerial logistics.

SCIENCE 

🔭 James Webb: NASA’s time-traveler telescope now traces roots of Earth The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has offered key insights into the intricate process of formation of Earth.

🌏 Lost continent ‘Argoland’ found in Southeast Asia after 155 million years Scientists find clues about the existence of the lost continent “Argoland” which, it turns out, still exists in fragments. 

🚀 Transporting Earth-based microbes could enable Moon farming one day Chinese scientists have found a new way to establish a farm on the lunar surface for future astronauts. 

JOB ALERT

In this section you’ll find the latest jobs as featured on: jobs.interestingengineering.com

“For us, the Ai Pin is just the beginning.” 

Imran Chaudhri, chairman & president at Humane

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