Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the most frequently mentioned theme among the key disruptive technologies in the discussions of the world’s leading CEO’s during the first half (H1) of 2019, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

An analysis of GlobalData’s CEO Influencer Platform, which tracks over 300 of the world’s leading CEO’s from blue chip companies and unicorns, and their discussions pertaining to emerging trends, pain areas, new fields of innovation and other popular areas on Twitter, reveals that Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) were the other disruptive technologies which received huge coverage during the period.

The Institute of Software Science of Taltech University and startup company Thinnect  are developing technology that can monitor urban air and measure traffic flows via hundreds of sensors powered by solar panels and connected by mesh network.

Sensor hubs are placed to street lighting posts of Tallinn and are connected to a network. Different combinations of sensors can measure noise, sound radars can analyse traffic conditions and microphone arrays can record anything for further scientific research. For example, a student of taltech collected birdsongs and analysed different bird species heard my microphone arrays over the city.

Skeleton Technologies, the European market leader for ultracapacitors and energy storage systems for transportation and grid applications, will supply ultracapacitor systems to Škoda Electric, a traction equipment manufacturer, for 114 trams to be delivered by Škoda Transportation to Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Ludwigshafen in Germany.

The ultracapacitor system recuperates the braking energy of the trams and uses it for re-acceleration, saving energy and decreasing costs. Ultracapacitors are ideal for this application due to their high efficiency, reliability, and ability to recharge in seconds.

Technology company from Estonia - Cleveron introduces Cleveron 501, a one-of-a-kind grocery robot that enables grocery pick-up in just 20 seconds. Cleveron 501 is an efficient delivery alternative to home delivery, making grocery click and collect cheaper, faster and more convenient for both grocers and consumers.  

bONE Tech today introduced IceBRKR, the world’s first ski goggles to integrate bone conduction audio and Bluetooth 5.0 MESH Intercom technology to make the skiing or snowboarding experience more entertaining and safe. The Kickstarter Campaign, which launched last week with a funding goal of $30,000 USD, features a limited Super Early Bird special of $79 USD, as well as several other rewards for backers. Goal is reached and funding almost doubled from desired amount, until $59,865 now.

20 cameras, state of the art sensors and virtual reality glasses. It may look like the studio of a tech start up, but it isn’t; it’s SEAT’s biomechanics lab located in the CARS Health and Rehabilitation Centre in Martorell.

Skeleton Technologies, the European market leader for ultracapacitors and energy storage systems for transportation and grid applications, is entering into a strategic partnership with the Spanish company Epic Power to reduce the power consumption of elevators by up to 50%, enabling significant cost savings. The system is already in use in a number of public, residential, and commercial buildings throughout Europe.

Tallinn University of Technology is signing a co-operation agreement with Florida Polytechnic University on the 10th of April, to join forces for future development and increasing security of automated vehicles (AV).

Self-driving cars and other autonomous systems are one of the most paradigm-changing technological developments in today's world. Transportation is affecting every single person and has a large impact on economic development. There will be huge challenges to solve and international cooperation is crucial here.

2019 marks the year for 5th-Generation Wireless Systems (5G) to come to life, with large scale 5G roll-out and more than thirty 5G devices rushing into the market, including 5G smartphones, industry and production solutions and much more.

Telia, Ericsson and Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) have launched Sweden’s first 5G network for industrial use today at Volvo CE’s facility in Eskilstuna, Sweden. Volvo CE is among the first in the world to use 5G technology to test remote-controlled machines and autonomous solutions.

The 5G network will be used at Volvo CE’s research and development facility in Eskilstuna to further develop solutions for remote control of construction machinery and fully-automated solutions. It will also be used to increase understanding of how connected machines can create added value for the customer.