Alexander Kendrick, a sixteen year-old of Los Alamos, New Mexico, is the winner of the 2009 International Science Fair for his low-frequency underground-capable radio. The underground device allows digital data to be successfully transmitted from deeper underground than ever before possible.
The applied technology has the potential to improve the transmission of scientific data that can be corrupted by humans and in cases where underground rescues are needed. Cell phones and walkie-talkies don't work underground, but Kendrick's undergound digital communication does.
Listen to the NPR story here.
Cave-Ready Radios
Teen Creates Low-Frequency Underground Digital Communication
Trend Themes
1. Low-frequency Underground Communication - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Development of communication devices that can transmit digital data from deep underground, improving scientific data transmission and facilitating underground rescues.
2. Corruption-resistant Data Transmission - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing technology that can transmit data with minimal corruption caused by human interference.
3. Underground Communication Devices - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating communication devices specifically designed for underground use, surpassing the limitations of traditional cell phones and walkie-talkies.
Industry Implications
1. Scientific Research - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integration of low-frequency underground communication technology to enhance the transmission of scientific data in underground environments.
2. Emergency Services - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing low-frequency underground communication devices to facilitate efficient communication during underground rescue operations.
3. Telecommunications - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing underground communication solutions to address the limitations of traditional cell phones and walkie-talkies in underground environments.