TIME Magazine Selects the 200 Best Inventions of 2023
For over two decades, TIME's editors have been spotlighting the most influential new products and ideas in their annual "Best Inventions" issue. To create this year's list, they invited nominations from correspondents around the world, as well as through an online application process. Afterward, they evaluated each contender based on key factors like originality, effectiveness, ambition, and impact. These innovations were then categorized, ranging from AI to transportation.
Artificial Intelligence
- ChatGPT powered by GPT-4 – An OpenAI technology that's changing the game. This chatbot can think verbally, explain complex concepts in simple terms, outperform students in exams, and even clarify why a joke is funny.
Software and Apps
- Spotify DJ – A virtual DJ driven by AI. It not only creates user-preference playlists but also adds vocal commentary between tracks, just like a real DJ.
Consumer Electronics
- Nokia G22 – This smartphone earned its place as an example of a device with straightforward repairability. During its development, the manufacturer collaborated with the well-known iFixit lab to assist in its design.
Design
- Iambic Model T – $550 sneakers crafted from photos of feet and specific questionnaire data. AI algorithms use this information to create a unique plastic last, which is the foundation for personalized leather sneakers.
Experimental Developments
- NASA MOXIE – A small device on the Perseverance rover on Mars, which extracts oxygen from the limited supply of carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere. Its efficiency is modest but adequate to confirm the technology's functionality.
Fitness
- Bhout Bag – The first boxing bag with artificial intelligence, various sensors, and a 3D camera with computer vision. It can measure the accuracy, force, speed, and technique of each strike in less than 250 milliseconds. A mobile app uses this data for personalized training.
Robotics
- ClearSpace-1 – A literal space drone-evacuator for orbital debris, such as old satellites. It captures them with robotic "pincers" and re-enters the atmosphere, burning up along with the debris.
Transportation
- Zoox Autonomous Employee Shuttle Service – A fully autonomous shuttle from Amazon that is already delivering employees to work on public roads.
In a separate mention, TIME also recognized the Beats Studio Buds+ headphones for their design and significant hardware upgrades. Additionally, they highlighted the unique folding scooter, the Honda Motocompacto.
It's also worth noting the Dedrone City-Wide Drone Detection, which creates a virtual shield around a geographic area, alerting of drone intrusions within seconds.
Previously, The Gaze shared stories about inventions you use every day that originate from New Europe.