It may sound like science fiction, but this is the real deal: Yoky Matsuoka is figuring out how to make robotic arms that can be guided by the human brain.

Read More

Filed under: Mechanical, Trailblazers | Comments Off on Robotics for Real People

Tags: Biomedical, Biotechnology, Mechanical, Robotics

Is solar power the heavenly answer to our energy needs? Perhaps. Not only is sunlight clean, abundant, and everlasting — it’s free. Until recently, however, the cost of converting it into electricity was prohibitive — especially when compared with natural gas, which was cheap. But as they say, things change. New technologies are making solar power more cost-effective.

Read More

Filed under: Civil, Environmental, Materials | Comments Off on A Bright Future

Tags: Civil, Energy, Environmental, Green Technology, Materials

With his high school buddy, Adam Lowry created household cleaning products that are stylish, nice smelling, and kind to the environment. You may have seen his Method line at Target or Safeway stores. The cleaners are made with natural ingredients that are less toxic.

Read More

Filed under: Chemical, Environmental, Materials, Trailblazers | Comments Off on Soap Star

Tags: Chemical, Environmental, Materials

Coffee lover Michelle Gass spends her days figuring out what others like about coffee. She got a chemical engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and now is senior vice president of marketing and category at the Starbucks Corp.

Read More

Filed under: Chemical, Trailblazers | Comments Off on Java Queen

Tags: Chemical

Working for the SmithGroup architectural firm, Cynthia Cogil uses engineering to make buildings that are better for the environment. She helped design one that turns off the lights when it senses enough daylight coming in. Also, its roof collects water that gets filtered before coming out of the faucet. What’s more, the toilet doesn’t use water. Instead, chutes bring waste into a holding tank where it decomposes.

Read More

Filed under: Architectural, Environmental, Trailblazers | 1 Comment »

Tags: Architectural, Environmental, Green Technology