Computex 2016: Intel Helps Makers Create And Innovate

Kicking things off on Intel’s side of Computex 2016 is an event it dubs as “Meet The Makers”. The purpose of the event is to showcase “smart” creations that its Makers have created using the Edison Compute Module. Despite being low-key and not as “flashy” as the other products showcased on the show floor of Computex 2016, the innovations that are displayed here can at least one day contribute to a better and smarter future.

Here are some of them:

Smart X Lab

The first innovation comes from Max Yeh, a member of the Smart X Lab team. According to Yeh, the Smart X Lab technology allows for positional tracking that is mainly targeted at senior citizens. In order to do this, the technology tracks users using a small, easily negligible device that can be carried around by a particular user. In addition, Smart X Lab also has a belt-like device that monitors breathing activities of the wearer.

Loopd

Next up is the Loopd, which was created by Allen Houng and his team. Loopd is basically a device that allows users to interchange certain personal details to one another; think of it as a smart business card. The device starts to interact and exchange information to one another by a single tap – like NFC in smartphones. The creators mentioned that this device can also be used for event organisers and companies to analyse the interactions between a user and whatever is being showcased.

Plant Fairy

This next creation is made by a group of students that call themselves as M.I.R.C.P. The Plant Fairy is essentially what one expects it to be: a plant monitor. According to the makers, the Plant Fairy was created to create awareness of the importance of caring for plants. Immediately, the first thing that stands out is the rather adorable Plant Fairy itself. By equipping the the plant with various sensors, the Plant Fairy will interact with users by translating the condition of the plant into emotions. So, when the plant lacks water, the Plant Fairy will.. well, cry. Oh, it can also interact with the Line app to show weather forecasts as well.

Just Talking

Interestingly, not all innovations displayed here are aimed at adults and senior citizens, there’s also one for the kids. Just Talking is created by David Cheng along with his team members and it is essentially a toy car- that’s very smart. For one, it has facial and voice recognition, which will ensure that the toy car can only be accessible to the “owner”. Whilst currently still in the development phase, the creators have mentioned that future improvements will include collision detection technology.

Sota

Sota is basically Google Home.. if it had arms and a face. Like Google Home, Sota is able to control compatible appliances in one’s home. Sota is currently able to turn on lamps, control thermostats and lock doors. The trigger word to tell Sota to perform a task is “Hello Sota”. Sota is created by folks over at VStone and according to them, a mass production proposal is still being considered for now.