What is vehicle-to-grid technology?

Vehicle-to-grid technology refers to the ability of a smart grid to draw unused energy from an electric vehicle. This is also known as bi-directional charging.

How does the development of underwater robots compare to moon rovers or Mars rovers?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Developing and operating robots underwater involves many tough challenges reminiscent of those required to operate the lunar or Mars rovers. In both cases, the robots must operate with limited, often non-robust communication capabilities. They must operate in harsh environments which are often less-known beforehand, and must be equipped to deal with complications arising in such environments. The terrain is also often not well-understood prior to the robot’s missions in both these cases."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4483,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16777215},"10":2,"11":4,"15":"Arial"}">Developing and operating robots underwater involves many tough challenges reminiscent of those required to operate the lunar or Mars rovers. In both cases, the robots must operate with limited, often non-robust communication capabilities. They must operate in harsh environments which are often less-known beforehand, and must be equipped to deal with complications arising in such environments. The terrain is also often not well-understood prior to the robot’s missions in both these cases.

How can technology make cars more efficient?

Human drivers tend to under-react at first (since they are not always undistracted) and then overreact. This uneven driving profile happens to consume more fuel. By reacting correctly at all times, by modulating the acceleration/deceleration profile, by planning ahead at the upcoming traffic light or stop intersection, by generating a more eco-friendly source-to-destination route, automation technologies can save 20% or more in fuel consumption.

How can technology help online retailers and package delivery services be more sustainable?

Delivery services can be improved in several ways. One is energy conservation through more efficient delivery routes that reduce the number of trips. Delivery services will optimize travel routes and by networking into smart cities technologies. This will enable off-peak energy/ traffic congestion times and also offer new delivery options via self-driving vehicles.

Karen Panetta IEEE Fellow, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, IEEE Education Society, IEEE Computer Society, IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society, IEEE Signal Processing Society, IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society

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