🚀 First ever Bluetooth link via satellites, from phone to pro camera, AI-powered tiny drone-jamming trucks

On March 4, SpaceX's Transporter-10 mission launched two satellites belonging to Seattle-based Hubble Network into orbit. These satellites have established a Bluetooth connection from over 370 miles (600 km) away, a feat previously considered to be impossible.

Hubble Network's solution uses off-the-shelf 3.5 mm Bluetooth chips upgraded with software that allows them to communicate over long distances using low power. For a deeper look at the details, read today’s Must-Read.

🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on jobs.interestingengineering.com:

> Staff Engineer, full-service civil engineering and land surveying
> Sr. Embedded Systems Software Engineer

🎙 New podcast  Democratizing Autonomous Drone Delivery at Scale

Reading Time: 4 mins

Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? Subscribe here.

MUST READ

🚀 US achieves 1st-ever space Bluetooth link using satellites

Hubble Network’s satellites are equipped with a phased array antenna which works like a magnifying glass, picking up low-power signals from chips on the ground.

The company claims to have solved the problem of global connectivity by reducing battery drain by 20x and operating costs by 50x.

Hubble intends to follow this launch up with two more satellites in the following months and make a ‘beta’ constellation. By late 2025-early 2026, the startup plans to launch 32 satellites in a single go to complete its production constellation.

📷 Transparent filter with 10,000-pixel power turns phone into pro camera

UCLA researchers have developed a technology that can significantly enhance inexpensive cameras by reducing glare in their images.

This compact device measures 0.4 by 0.4 inches (1 by 1 centimeter), featuring a ultra-thin transparent chip comprising a 100-by-100 pixel array. The team showcased an application integrating their device with a smartphone camera to diminish glare in images.

The team believe that their device could be used in enhanced autonomous vehicle sensing, cameras that can identify some objects while hiding others, image encryption, and the quick and accurate identification of flaws in robotic assembly lines, to name just a few.

🪖 Russia deploys AI-powered tiny trucks to jam Ukrainian drones 

Russian forces have reportedly begun to deploy a new autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with drone-jamming capabilities, dubbed “Abzats.”

Abzats are capable of moving at a speed of 3 mph (5 kph) to 15.5 mph (25 kph) while carrying a payload of up to 265 pounds (120 kg). The drone’s electronic warfare (EW) package can interfere with all Ukrainian-used signals within a range of 94 feet (300 meters) to 1,969 feet (600 meters).

Both sides in the conflict are utilizing AI to try to take down enemy drones and disrupt their missions. Furthermore, ground robotic platforms are increasingly being deployed on the battlefields of the Ukrainian-Russian war.

Love what you're reading, but too many emails? Sign up to IE+ to get Blueprint Weekly, our exclusive weekly premium newsletter that gives all the insights you love in a more digestible weekly format– plus, enjoy an Ad-Free experience on our website. Try IE+ today for just $1 in the first month. Subscribe here

HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY

SCIENCE

> A research team used physics and statistical theory to confirm the socio-psychological theory that people strive for cognitive consistency in their attitudes and perceptions. (More)

> Scientists have developed a sensitive heart monitor inspired by the auditory anatomy of sea turtles, which could potentially help detect cardiovascular issues early. (More)

> New research has developed a bandage made of plant-based materials that can accelerate the healing process of burn wounds. (More)

ENERGY

> Indian automobile manufacturer Bajaj Motors is set to release a motorbike powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), a move that could dramatically reduce the environmental impact of motorbikes. (More)

> A new technology, Perovskite solar cells, could surpass silicon-based solar cells due to their variable light absorption, environmentally friendly and cost-effective construction. (More)

> A study of air pollution in U.S. homes found that households with gas or propane stoves regularly breathe unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide. (More)

INNOVATION

> Researchers have found that the red-headed centipede and Chinese medicine may be key for kidney treatment. (More)

> A new smart dog collar could help prove whether or not dogs can sense earthquakes before humans do. (More)

> A new coin-type sodium-based battery that can charge rapidly “in seconds” could potentially power everything in the future. (More)

VIDEO

> Dubai is set to construct the world’s largest airport. When complete, the Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport, will redefine air travel. (More)

> Amid the current geopolitical happenings in the Middle East, Israel and Iran stand out as key military powers. (More)

> The Kronos, a stealth submarine, is attracting attention from military strategists and commercial interests alike. A key feature of this stealth marvel includes 180-degree turns at top speed. (More)

IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS

In yesterday’s quiz, we asked, Can you solve this?

The answer is: A= 7/2 , B= 9/2, C= 19/2, D= 7/2

Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on Instagram and Facebook! 

FROM THE WEB

> Some scientists can't stop using AI to write research papers

> US updates EV tax credit rules, enabling more electric cars to be eligible

> Kaspersky hits back at claims its AI helped Russia develop military drone systems

> What causes the placebo effect?

> AI Catholic 'priest' defrocked after recommending Gatorade baptism

> Google bans advertisers from promoting deepfake porn services