It’s rare for an entrepreneur to lift a plant and showcase it as the latest breakthrough in consumer technology at the CES Tech Mega Show in Las Vegas.
But for NeoPlants co-founder Patrick Torbey, the annual New Year’s gathering shouldn’t be “just about mechanical technology and electronics.”
“It’s also about the natural technologies that can be exploited using these very good engineering techniques,” Torbey said. AFP.
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NeoPlants, a Paris-based start-up, has bioengineered plants that can clean indoor air of toxic pollutants “by doing the work of 30 regular houseplants,” according to its website. I was showing off my plants.
Since the Sin City Expo began 50 years ago, CES has seen a steady increase in the number of technologies aimed at helping the environment.
But observers often question the seriousness of the consumer tech industry’s efforts to protect the environment. The real excitement is centered around smart TVs and robots, rather than more complex and less profitable planet-saving projects.
“Until it becomes really, really important to consumers, this trend will just sit on the sidelines,” said Ben Arnold, a consumer electronics analyst at research firm NPD.
“As someone who studies the market, I have yet to see where[environmentally oriented technology]will make a difference in terms of units and dollars,” he added.
Ran Roth, head of technology company Sensibo, agreed that successful devices make economic sense, and believed his product would do just that.
Roth’s device uses artificial intelligence and sensors to better manage air conditioning. This is a key concern in the often scorching heat of Israel, where his company is based.
Sensibo’s sensors measure humidity and temperature and use software that learns your habits, saving you energy and money.
Roth said there must be a “pathway to profitability” if the new technology is to be successful.
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“The beauty of smart thermostats is that they are readily available and offer the best return on investment,” said Ross, noting that air conditioning is a “human right.”
But as the climate emergency worsens, industry observers said major tech companies are under more pressure to commit to sustainability goals.
Forrester Research’s Abhijit Sunil said:
“That is why many organizations have been cautious about mentioning it as a sustainability initiative and are now being as transparent as possible,” he said.
Sunil said the real environmental progress has been made in the industrial sector, agreeing that the consumer gadget business may be lagging behind in doubling down on its environmental efforts. bottom.
Designing, manufacturing and packaging products with an eye on a company’s waste and carbon footprint is an easy achievement when it comes to environmental technology, he said.
One such company, ACWA Robotics, won recognition at CES for a robot dedicated to detecting and preventing leaks in underground pipes.
In France, where the startup is located, it is estimated that 20% of drinking water is lost due to leaking pipes.
Fighting for the environment “is a 100-year-old challenge,” ACWA Robotics engineer Elise Lengrand told AFP.
“I think it would be really cool to make a big TV or something, but this is what really matters,” she said.
