We present to you the annual report of the best inventions of 2015 that have and will make the world better, smarter and in some cases more fun. Here are the ten best inventions of 2015, as chosen by the editors.
1. Best invention of 2015: Hoverboard: Hovering skateboards and scooters
Developers: various brands (Lexus, PhunkeeDuck, Hendo, etc.).
Hoverboard is one of the most viral products of the year, which has also found its fans among celebrities. And how does it work? When we step on hoverboard, it activates a pair of electric gyroscopes that automatically provide balance, allowing the user to accelerate forward, backward or around with their weight and body tilt. Prices range from US$350 to US$1,700, depending on the brand and its features.
2. Best Invention of 2015: The Lowline Lab: Underground Park
Developer: Dan Barasch and James Ramsey.
The Lowline Park will be a park like no other in the world. Architect James Ramsey is trying to turn an abandoned subway terminal in New York into a lush green space where flowers grow and where we find corners to sit in the sun. But in order for the underground park to offer visitors some sunlight, they had to create a system that captures sunlight from the surrounding rooftops via a fiber optic cable. To prove that this technology works, Barasch and Ramsey opened the Lowline Lab – a prototype or version of the final park that is gathering approvals and financial support.
www.thelowline.org
3. Best Invention of 2015: 6SensorLabs'Nima: A sensor that detects gluten in food
Developer: Has no sensor. | Price: 186 euros.
For the millions of people around the world who suffer from celiac disease and are sensitive to gluten, going to restaurants is often anxiety-inducing. The Nima sensor, which will begin its journey to its first customers at the beginning of next year, will reassure patients, as they will be able to test any type of food or drink with the sensor in less than two minutes. Food is tested by placing a food sample in the sensor. If the light on the sensor lights up, the food contains gluten, but if a smiley appears, the food can be consumed without worry.
www.nimasensor.com
4. Best Invention of 2015: Doppler Labs Here Active Listening: Bionic Ears
Developer: Doppler Labs. | Price: 233 euros.
If we are stuck in unbearable noise, we basically have two options: either we plug our ears or we simply leave the place of the noise. What if we could isolate disturbing sounds, mute them or just turn down the volume, just like we do with the TV, for example? New York's Doppler Labs offers a solution. Unlike other accessories, Here Active Listening together with a smart application allows us to choose which frequencies we want to filter. This means that we can stand in the noisiest room and have a perfectly normal conversation at the same time.
www.hereplus.me
5. The best invention of 2015: Microsoft HoloLens: glasses that change the way we see the world
Developer: Microsoft. | Price: 2806 euros.
The HoloLens glasses are based on the first holographic computing platform (Windows 10) and enable a user experience that goes beyond screens and previous interaction with computer content, as it transfers it to the real world. The headset with a wireless holographic computer shows the user holograms with three-dimensional objects over the real world, which can be controlled by hand movements. Developers will receive the glasses in the first half of 2016.
www.microsoft.com
READ MORE: 18 brilliant inventions that will change your life for the better
6. Best invention of 2015: Banza Chickpea Pasta: chickpea pasta
Developer: Banza. | Price: 4 euros.
At Banza, they decided to replace the classic wheat in the pasta with chickpeas. This pasta has twice as much protein, four times as much fiber and much less carbohydrates than classic pasta. It seems that they didn't miss out on the taste either: Banza pasta is the best-selling pasta in the USA.
www.eatbanza.com
7. The best invention of 2015: Safety Truck: a truck that shows drivers behind the truck if the road is empty
Developer: Samsung and Leo Burnett.
Safety Truck works by having a wireless camera attached to the front of the truck, which is connected to video screens on the back of the truck. So the driver behind the truck can see the road conditions on the screens during the day and also at night. An additional advantage of this remarkable idea is that the driver behind the truck can now prepare in time, even if the truck suddenly brakes due to animals on the road.
8. Best Invention of 2015: The Drinkable Book: A book that filters water
Developer: Teri Dankovich.
Around 663 million people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water. Partly because filtration is complicated and expensive. The Drinkable Book is none of that – thanks to a special process developed by scientists over several years, the book's pages act as water filters that kill more than 99 percent of harmful bacteria.
drinkablebook.tilt.com
9. Best Invention of 2015: Artiphon Instrument 1: A Musical Instrument Anyone Can Learn
Developer: Artiphon. | Price: 373 euros.
About 70 percent of people wish they knew how to play a musical instrument and that they did it regularly. Only 5 percent of people are successful in this. Artiphon Instrument 1 imitates dozens of musical instruments, not only in sound, but also in the way it is played. Artiphon can be played like a guitar or like a piano. Musical instruments can also be mixed and combined.
www.artiphon.com
10. Best Invention of 2015: Tesla Model X: By far the meanest and most environmentally friendly car
The developer: Tesla. | Price: around 122 thousand euros.
The Tesla Model X car was presented in September this year. It is a leap towards a reality in which electric cars are no longer just exotic, but also useful. The world's first luxury electric SUV has a range of around 402 kilometers, can carry seven passengers, its futuristic rear doors open like the wings of a bird (up), and it can accelerate from 0 to 96 kilometers per hour in 3.2 seconds.
