Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech awards for 2022 highlights several transportation tech innovations leading the industry into the future. ClearFlame Engine Technologies has developed an ethanol conversion kit for heavy trucks, offering an off-ramp from diesel fuel without compromising performance. Virginia-based DroneUp, backed by Walmart, is making drone delivery a reality, set to reach 34 sites across six states by the end of 2022. Purdue University has developed a system to make concrete self-aware through sensors, improving highway safety and durability. Xwing retrofits existing aircraft for uncrewed cargo delivery, addressing the pilot shortage and reducing short-range air transport costs. Lastly, Zipline is delivering essential medical supplies like blood and COVID-19 vaccines by drone, showcasing the potential of these technologies in healthcare.
ClearFlame’s ethanol conversion kit for heavy trucks, Xwing’s crewless aircraft, and more.
From:Fast Company By Fast Company Staff
Even in a world gone increasingly virtual, physical transportation isn’t going anywhere. These organizations are working to bring it into the future, whether by getting heavy trucks off diesel, adding intelligence to concrete, or deploying autonomous vehicles for product deliveries—in the air or on the road.
The companies behind these technologies are among the honorees in Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech awards for 2022. See a full list of all the winners across all categories here.
WINNERS: TRANSPORTATION
ClearFlame Engine Technologies
For helping heavy trucks say goodbye to diesel
Thanks to its enormous installed base and prolonged driving distances, heavy trucking lags passenger cars in moving to zero-emissions operations. Geneva, Ill.-based ClearFlame Engine Technologies, however, is readying an alternative off-ramp from diesel fuel: a series of engine modifications that allow current-model trucks to run on ethanol sourced from corn at no loss in performance.
DroneUp
For making drone delivery a reality
The skies are starting to fill with startups trying to accelerate last-mile logistics with drone delivery, but Virginia Beach, Va.-based DroneUphas a stronger endorsement than most for its platform: a 2021 unspecified investment from Walmart, followed by the launch of drone delivery service ($3.99 for up to 10 pounds) that should reach 34 sites across six states by the end of 2022.
Purdue University
For making concrete self-aware through sensors
A Purdue project led by civil engineering professor Luna Lu aims to provide highway users with a gift that will keep on giving: concrete made self-aware through sensors tossed into the roadbed before the pour. These durable sensors will first report when the concrete has cured sufficiently, then continue to gauge its strength and alert when repairs are coming due.
Xwing
For letting existing planes fly without a crew
Despite what the moniker of this San Francisco startup might suggest, Xwing’s vision of autonomous aviation doesn’t involve futuristic drones out of any sci-fi movie. Instead, it retrofits existing aircraft with its Superpilot system to allow for uncrewed cargo delivery (still supervised by ground-based operators), lowering the cost of short-range air transport and alleviating the pilot shortage.
Zipline
For delivering blood and COVID-19 vaccines by drone
WINNERS: ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION
Exotec
For teaching robots to pick the right products
In the age of app-based shopping, warehouse logistics systems have become crucial. Exotec makes a system of shelving racks, bins, and small robots that pick and gather products for orders. Exotec’s robots, which can carry up to 66 lbs, can move around on the warehouse floor and also climb up the sides of the racks to retrieve bins containing products.
Locus Robotics
For giving warehouses a choice of specialized robots
During the pandemic, when consumers began to rely heavily on online shopping and home delivery, demand for automated warehouse logistics and robotics systems went way up. Locus Robotics was there to fill the need with its suite of three autonomous mobile robots, each with a unique skill set—such as the ability to tote 3,000-lb payloads—along with its bot management platform.
HONORABLE MENTION: ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION
Nuro
For building an autonomous vehicle tuned for last-mile delivery
Question & Answer
What has ClearFlame Engine Technologies developed for heavy trucks?
ClearFlame Engine Technologies has developed an ethanol conversion kit for heavy trucks, allowing them to run on ethanol sourced from corn without compromising performance.
Which company is making drone delivery a reality with a strong endorsement from Walmart?
Virginia-based DroneUp is making drone delivery a reality with a strong endorsement from Walmart, set to reach 34 sites across six states by the end of 2022.
What innovation has Purdue University developed to improve highway safety and durability?
Purdue University has developed a system to make concrete self-aware through sensors, improving highway safety and durability by monitoring concrete strength and alerting when repairs are needed.
How is Xwing addressing the pilot shortage and reducing short-range air transport costs?
Xwing retrofits existing aircraft for uncrewed cargo delivery, supervised by ground-based operators, to lower the cost of short-range air transport and alleviate the pilot shortage.
What essential supplies is Zipline delivering by drone?
Zipline is delivering essential medical supplies like blood and COVID-19 vaccines by drone, showcasing the potential of drone technologies in healthcare.
