Also known as ‘tough tech’
This year’s theme for CES 2024 is “All On,” which means the world’s most innovative technologies are coming together to solve humanity’s challenges, and toughtech startups are at the center of it all. In summary, toughtech is a technology company that seeks to solve problems facing humanity through innovative technological solutions. They are pioneers in their field, taking on significant risks in bringing their technology to the market. However, if they can manage the high level of technical risk, they have the potential to create a substantial economic impact.
5mm which brightening the world
Radiofrequency energy could revolutionize cataract surgery by enabling instantaneous surgery. A South Korea-based startup called ’TI’ has developed a device called ‘imess‘ that simplifies the first stage of cataract surgery. During this stage, a circular cut in the sac surrounding the lens is made to insert an intraocular lens, which can be challenging and relies on the surgeon’s manual skills. imess uses radiofrequency to cut the anterior chamber of the eye quickly, accurately, and at a precise location, thus reducing the complexity of the surgery and eliminating health disparities. This development brings hope to those at risk of blindness due to cataracts.
Glass that glows in the dark
A transparent window with photovoltaic film surprised many people. Japan startup named ‘inQs’ has developed a new type of photovoltaic glass, known as ‘SQPV Glass’, that can generate electricity even in dark indoor environments. This is made possible by placing nanomaterials between two sheets of conductive glass, which convert light into electricity. The technology is more effective than traditional solar panels because it absorbs light from both glass surfaces. In the future, when the world’s power plants may face shutdown due to energy crisis, these glass windows could potentially become the heroes that save humanity.
Customize your nutrition
‘Toptable’, a startup in South Korea, has introduced a new market for 4D food printing. Their system, called ‘iink’, allows users to create personalized nutraceuticals with specific textures, sizes, and nutritional values. What’s unique about this technology is that it enables users to set the point at which the nutrients dissolve in the body. By utilizing four-dimensional stimuli such as pH, time, and heat, iink prints nutritional capsules that go beyond traditional 3D printing. This means that if someone is deficient in B vitamins, they can create a nutritional pill in the morning, set it to be digested after lunch, and avoid going to the pharmacy.
Is this bag ‘HOT’ nowadays?
Yes, it is. The hottest thing at CES 2024 was a portable microwave bag from Japan’s startup ‘willtex’. The bag is made of a conductive fabric that is designed to heat up quickly. It comes equipped with a built-in battery that allows it to reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees inside. With an app, we can adjust the temperature of the bag and reheat frozen food on the go. It only takes 5 minutes to heat up to 80 degrees when plugged in, meaning we can carry around a portable kitchen on our backs. (While this bag is a lot of fun, the price is anything but fun: about $200)
Air switch is turned on!
You can touch and manipulate holograms like ‘Iron Man’. The Holo Button, developed by Korea startup ‘Vtouch’, is a technology that enables you to touch and manipulate holograms in the air. It uses light interference to directly manipulate real holographic images, allowing you to interact with them as if they were physical objects. You can activate the Holo Button by pressing it on the holographic image in front of you. This non-contact technology has various applications, including security devices like kiosks, in-vehicle displays, and elevator buttons. Imagine a world where you can control a holographic screen in midair by simply flipping a switch!
