Concept / Prototype

Following a successful demonstration flight, the nation's space agency has retrieved a reusable first-stage booster from the South China Sea, advancing its 2030 crewed lunar landing ambitions.

A novel technique called DISH bypasses traditional layer-by-layer constraints, fabricating complex millimeter-scale structures in just 0.6 seconds using holographic light fields.

Researchers in China have developed a fully photonic processor capable of running large-scale AI models at speeds and efficiencies orders of magnitude beyond traditional silicon hardware.

Concordia researchers have unveiled "proximal sound printing," a 10× more precise acoustic 3D-printing technique that could revolutionize medical sensors and soft robotics.

A team of researchers in China has developed a new class of chips called "FLEXI" which combines high-durability silicon with on-device AI to enable sub-dollar, medical-grade health monitoring.

A team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has addressed the limitations of solid-state refrigerants by integrating cooling and heat transfer into a single fluid, offering a potential solution for cooling data centers and homes.

A new "hot-wire" laser technique allows for the additive manufacturing of industrial-grade cemented carbides, significantly reducing waste and cost.

Researchers have developed a highly stable organic molecule that can store twice as much energy as conventional alternatives, potentially revolutionizing how we store wind and solar power for months at a time.

A new mechanochemical method extracts 95% of lithium from spent batteries while also trapping carbon dioxide and creating high-performance catalysts for green hydrogen.

A new electric aircraft from CASC has completed its maiden flight in China. The new vehicle is a split-type electric aircraft, featuring detachable modules that allow it to transition between air and road travel.

A team of researchers at MIT has created microscopic devices that perform machine-learning math using only the heat already present in electronics, achieving over 99% accuracy.

For years it was the worst-kept secret in Silicon Valley: Project Titan, Apple's attempt to build its own car. But Apple never officially confirmed its existence, not even when it was reportedly finally canceled in early 2024. Now, Airbnb has provided this confirmation, breaking Apple's ironclad code of silence.

The Van Rysel FTP² e-bike concept has been revealed. According to the Decathlon sub-brand, the model could double the rider’s FTP. It has futuristic features, including an aerodynamic carbon fiber frame with a two-part fork and a cockpit with controls such as remote shoe tightening.

Nintendo Switch accessory maker Human Things has smashed its Kickstarter goal for Genki Grips, a modular ergonomic grip system designed to alleviate the hand cramps plaguing many Switch 2 owners. Despite a rocky history that includes a legal skirmish with Nintendo and mixed reception to earlier products, early backer momentum suggests strong demand for a more comfortable, customizable way to play on the handheld.

Wearable manufacturer Zepp Health is working on new ways to prove athletes with the best possible support, particularly during sporting activities. In this context, the Amazfit Helio Glasses are designed to display information directly in the field of vision during training sessions.

Razer has unveiled Project Mokoto, an audio headset with two cameras and a Snapdragon SoC. The headset is designed to allow AI to see what the wearer sees during interactions. It does not have a display and users can only hear AI responses.

Lenovo is previewing the ThinkPad Rollable XD as a concept device featuring a vertically expanding rollable display. The prototype basically explores adaptive screen layouts and context-aware design without any confirmed plans for commercial release.

The Pokepad is a mobile system that is particularly compact and comes with a special pen as the primary input device. For now, this is just a concept that’s not available for purchase.

A long-maligned Amiga port of Space Quest IV is being rebuilt from the ground up, as Spanish developer Darasco and the SCOP group deliver an enhanced OCS edition that finally leverages the machine’s true capabilities. Using custom tools, AI-assisted asset handling, and reconstructed visuals originating from the superior MS-DOS release, this 2025 fan project aims to redeem Sierra’s infamous 1991 effort with sharper graphics, richer palettes, and hardware-accurate performance.

MIT researchers have developed a technique to stack transistors and memory directly on the back of computer chips, potentially slashing the energy costs of AI and high-performance computing.

A major Chinese shipbuilder aims to revolutionize maritime trade with a zero-emission, nuclear-powered vessel capable of carrying 25,000 containers, though regulatory hurdles remain.

An enterprising developer has published a new free browser-based tool for splitting large 3D models into multiple parts, replete with a built-in jigsaw generator and an impressive number of quality of life features. The splitter is 100% free to use, and the dev says that it is also privacy-focussed, with all of the processing happening locally.

China has completed the production of a new 2-ton cargo aircraft capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), marking a significant landmark in the development of a multi-tiered aerial freight network.

After a long wait, Naya has finally finalised the design for the Float add-on for its premium split ergonomic wireless mechanical keyboard. The Float module is effectively an alternative to the infamous 3Dconnexion Space Mouse, and Naya is planning to release the Float module for its wireless mechanical keyboards sometime in December.

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its G-Class lineup with a more compact electric SUV, unofficially dubbed the "Baby-G". Now, initial spy photos of the prototype have surfaced.

A team primarily made up of MIT researchers has developed a new ultrasonic device that shakes water out of hydrogels, reducing H₂O recovery time from hours to minutes with 45 times the energy efficiency of traditional heat-based methods.

Noteworthy peripheral manufacturer Jsaux appears set to bring e-ink and/or pixel screen front panel(s) to Steam Machine, like a not-for-sale screen panel previously seen at Valve.

The Dubai Police, in collaboration with Luke & Mike Bell, have broken the world record for the fastest ground speed by a battery-powered, remote-controlled quadcopter, achieving a top speed of 580 km/h (360.4 mph).

An insane DIY drone built by Ben Biggs has broken the unofficial world record for the fastest drone with a mind-boggling top speed of 603 km/h (375 mph), surpassing the previous record by 18 km/h (7 mph).

Square CEO and Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey is bankrolling DiVine, and its founders say AI-generated clips won’t fly thanks to multiple checks integrated into the system to prevent uploads.

DIY engineer and YouTuber CNC Dan has made a major overhaul of a basic VR headset he built a while ago, adding 6 DoF and wireless controllers. While not perfect, the result is impressive.

Awekeys looks to be planning to make a set of metal keycaps for low profile mechanical keyboards, which would provide a more premium, more durable keycap option for ordinary wireless low-profile keyboards and exotic ergonomic split keyboards alike.

DIY engineer Erik Spijk has successfully built and flown what he calls “the flying little brother of the Vegas Sphere” — a drone named Zippy. Zippy is a drone with a POV (persistence of vision) display.

JoeScotto, a YouTuber and mechanical keyboard enthusiast known for some outlandish keyboard designs, has revived T9 typing with a fully 3D-printed, hand-wired mechanical keyboard. The tiny project has been published online for anyone to build the project for free, and it uses free, open-source firmware to achieve the T9 dialling features.

The Makera Z1 is an entry-level desktop CNC machine designed for cutting softer materials, like wood, plastics, composites, and softer non-ferrous metals. However, as a challenge, and to show what the Z1 is capable of, Makera released a video showing the Z1 machining a titanium part surprisingly effectively.

Abxylute founder and CEO Donald Zhang reveals the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into prototyping his company's latest game controller, the Abxylute M4 snap-on mobile controller.

Researchers in China have developed a new lithium-ion battery design that virtually eliminates heat from thermal runaway, drastically reducing the fire risk from damaged batteries.

A gaming PC that doubles as a kitchen appliance? SignalRGB has built a fully functional all-in-one rig inside a microwave, and it’s giving the $2,000 RGB-packed machine away to one lucky winner.

Toyota’s new Walk Me concept may redefine mobility assistance. Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the four-legged robotic chair walks, climbs, and even folds itself, offering new freedom to people with limited mobility.

A new Toyota Corolla Concept was recently revealed at an event in Japan. This next-generation vehicle has a refreshed design, with angular headlights and an unusual interior. Plus, the company has announced plans to release both battery and hydrogen-powered versions of the model in the future.

DIY engineer Luis has successfully designed, built, and flown a Star Wars-inspired X-wing drone that hit speeds of 216 km/h (134 mph). He revealed the project underwent 6 iterations to produce a working prototype.

Ohio State University researchers have demonstrated the ability to read and write data to shiitake mushrooms using an Arduino UNO microcontroller board and a simple test circuit. Roadblocks to commercialization include the storage unit size and hungry moms.

Two DIY engineers have designed, built, and flown the world's fastest drone — the Peregreen 3. The drone managed to hit 585 km/h (Mach 0.47), beating the previous record by 27 km/h (16.8 mph) and their previous record by 105 km/h (65.2 mph).

CopterPack, the company behind the backpack helicopter, has announced and showcased the third iteration of the machine — CopterPack Gen3. While it looks bulkier than the first generation, it uses a carbon fiber material with honeycomb structure to maintain a lightweight status.

DIY YouTuber Hoarder Sam, who is known for custom drone builds, has uploaded a video of a 22.3-millimeter (0.88-inch) drone, which he calls “the world's smallest FPV drone.” He achieved this using components from a commercial drone and 3D-printed parts as well.

YouTuber AlphaPhoenix has built a 2-billion-frames-per-second (fps) camera, an improved version of his 1-billion fps camera from last year. And for his first video with the camera, he recorded a laser bouncing back and forth between two mirrors.

As part of the lead-up to Wooting's 60HE v2 launch, the keyboard company released a cute web game that sees players compete in an online leaderboard, but it seems as though Wooting sneakily announced the pre-order date with the announcement of the mini game. Wooting has also given gamers an idea of what's to come for 80HE zinc case owners.

DIY YouTuber CNCDan has uploaded a video of his latest project — a VR headset, which, besides the 3D-printed parts, cost him about $150. He also made all the resources needed for the project open source.

A research team at Fudan University has successfully combined an atomically thin 2D memory module with a conventional silicon chip. The result — a fully functional hybrid chip that could lead to smaller, faster, and more powerful devices.

YouTuber Brady Y. Lin, who could be called a serial inventor, has uploaded a video of his latest invention — Stradex1. Stradex1 is a violin-inspired musical instrument, but more compact and possibly more intuitive. He also made the project open-source.