|
If you own a small business, you are part of a very influential group of
innovators. In fact, because of small businesses that challenge traditional
methods and push the envelope, you can look forward to new, useful products that
will change the way you conduct business and your everyday experiences.
Entrepreneurs across the United States are receiving grants from the National
Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency, to conduct research and
develop new products. Funding under the NSF’s Small Business Innovation Research
Program totals approximately $88 million per year. Most of these new ideas and
products come out of four main research areas: biotechnology, information
technology, electronics and advanced materials.
Some of the new products that are in development by different companies:
Traffic Jam Assistance. Cell phone signals from drivers can
be collected to determine traffic speed and congestion. This information,
combined with other data, will help you find better routes. Drivers can be
alerted through cell phone messages, in-car navigational systems or electronic
road signs.
Bag Screening Technology. A faster screening process will be
available at airports, factories and office buildings with new X-ray and
computer technology. Enhanced screening will also improve safety by allowing the
authorities to react quicker when weapons are spotted by computers that
cross-check items with a database of dangerous goods.
Fingerprint and voice recognition. Workers will be able to
be identified before they enter a building or log onto a computer with low-cost
touch-sensor technology. This technology will do a better job of identifying
fingerprints than past efforts. Also, microphones are combined with motion
sensors to aid in voice recognition.
Gloves Versus a Computer Mouse. Fingers can be moved in any
direction inside special gloves to reflect up, down or sideways motions and
apply pressure to simulate the abilities of a mouse or a laptop's touchpad. The
gloves also have gaming, industrial, military, robotics and prosthetics uses.
If you own a company that would like to be considered for research, details
are available at www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/sbir/.
| 
