The 50 greatest innovations of 2024 | Popular Science

The 50 greatest innovations of 2024 | Popular Science 01/01/2025, 12:39
The 50 greatest innovations of

2024
The 37th annual Best of What's New awards.
By Popular Science Team
From Apple to NASA, and electric drums to vegan cheese.
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In 1988, we launched the Best of What’s New Awards. The original list
highlighted “the very things that make our lives more comfortable, more
rewarding, more exciting, and more fun,” to quote then-Publisher Grant A.
Burnett.
A few items from our 1988 Best of What’s New list. Image: Popular Science
Now, in 2024, we continue our decades-old tradition of honoring big

ideas. We even see hints of our original honorees in this year’s list: Sea-
https://www.popsci.com/technology/best-of-whats-new-2024/?utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew Page 1 of 36
Doo and Ford made both lists, 36 years apart. We’re proud to bring you
promising innovations—from things that make life at home easier to literal
out-of-this-world explorations. This is the Best of What’s New 2024.
Gadgets
Entertainment
Aerospace
Personal Care
Auto
Engineering
Sports & Outdoors
Home
Emergency Services
Health
Gadgets
Had you asked me at the beginning of 2024 what our best gadgets list
would look like, I’d have guessed it would be filled with quirky AI-driven
devices like the rabbit R1 or the Humane Ai Pin. “Now with AI” is a phrase
that has dominated consumer electronics in the 2020s. These devices
promised unadulterated access to the power of neural networks in ways
that would seamlessly integrate into our lives without relying on phones or
smart fridges. Then, the devices came out. The software is slow and
buggy, and the hardware is clunky. Maybe the stand-alone AI device will
still have its year, and we’ll look back and chuckle at these humble
beginnings. In reality, 2024’s big breakthrough came from Apple in the
form of its long-rumored Vision Pro headset. The device has its own
hurdles to clear, but after just a few minutes of using it, it was clear that
it’s something different, important, and honestly pretty amazing. The list
also includes Sony’s innovative pro-grade camera, the most accessible
drone we’ve ever used, and a no-fun phone—no fun in a good way, of
course.
Innovation of the Year

Vision Pro from Apple: A new dimension for augmented
reality
Credible rumors of Apple’s VR bounced around the gadget blogs and tech
sites for nearly a decade. It was consumer tech’s sasquatch in that people
claimed to have seen it, but no one knew if it even existed. Then, the
Vision Pro emerged from the proverbial forest in February with a
surprising design and a massive $3,500 price tag. It also came toting a
new R-series chip and a dedicated OS meant for spatial computing.
From a hardware perspective, this headset offers a 23-million-pixel

screen, which dishes out more than 4K quality to each eye. It’s a true AR
device, so external cameras pump a real-time view of the outside world
into the display. Virtual displays, AR game boards, and other digital
artifacts integrate seamlessly into your view of the real world. It’s actually
jarring to take the headset off and see the real world free of floating UI.
There are no controllers to use, buttons to press, or other obstacles

between a user and the augmented space.
While AR headsets have existed before, this one gets our award because
of how much potential it shows. It’s part of Apple’s overall hardware plan.
The new iPhone cameras have a specific arrangement to shoot spatial
video for consumption in AR. Familiar apps can offer augmented
experiences specifically meant for headsets. We expect the next version
of the hardware will skip the creepy image of your eyes that shows up on
the exterior screen. Still, we’re curious to see what Apple does next,
because a consumer-friendly price on an experience like this could be a
true game changer.
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A9 III from Sony: The first consumer mirrorless camera

to eradicate wiggly images
Take a photo or video of a very fast-moving object with a typical digital

camera (including the one in your smartphone), and there’s a chance
you’ll notice the dreaded wobble effect. Digital camera sensors don’t
capture every pixel at the same time; rather, they scan horizontal rows in
sequence, which can cause fast-moving objects to look warped or
distorted. Sony’s A9 III employs a global shutter, which means it fires
every pixel simultaneously. As a result, it can capture images at shutter
speeds up to 1/80,000th of a second, without distorting objects in the
frame. The company achieves this with a newly designed stacked sensor,
which means the same chip that captures the light also has computing
hardware built into it. Consequently, it can operate faster than a typical
camera system since everything is integrated together. The speed
requires some trade-offs, like slightly noisier images when shooting in low
light, but that’s a small price to pay for the fastest consumer camera on
the market.
DJI Neo: A sub-$200 drone that isn’t a toy
Most cheap drones are little more than toys. They offer lousy cameras,
barebones (if any) flight sensors, laggy controls, and cheap parts. DJI’s
Neo drone weighs just 135 grams (well under the limit that would require
registration with the FAA before flight) and can take off from a pilot’s
palm. It takes commands from a smartphone app via Wi-Fi, which makes
it accessible for super-green amateur pilots, but it’s also compatible with
DJI controllers for upgrading down the line. The drone can automatically
track and follow a subject or perform many pre-programmed flight paths
like much bigger and more expensive models. The Neo feels like a real
drone and not a toy. We recommend getting extra batteries if you buy one
yourself—each cell only realistically gets you 15 minutes of flight time—but
this is a big deal for content creators who want to shoot aerial 4K before
those brand deal dollars start pouring in.
Palma by BOOX: An e-ink phone that’s no-fun in a good

way
Smartphones are too much fun. Those glowing, brightly colored screens
lather our brains in dopamine, soak up our free time, and make us
painfully aware of things like The Rizzler. The BOOX Palma attempts to
remedy those issues with its 6.13-inch e-ink display. It’s a monochrome
screen that refreshes slowly like an e-reader. It technically runs full
Android but won’t allow you to doom scroll. Instead, it encourages users
to navigate essential apps and information by creating simple widgets.
Text looks fantastic on the 1,200 dpi screen, and it’s a great way to
consume information in a much healthier way. It won’t replace your phone
in all situations, but it’s great for weaning yourself off those late-night
TikTok marathons.
Snapdragon X series chips by Qualcomm: An AI-

powered brain built for Windows computers
You’re probably familiar with the big chip makers that power almost every
laptop. You choose from AMD, Intel, or Apple. This year, Qualcomm
introduced its Snapdragon X Elite chip, which is meant to extend the
company’s approach to mobile hardware into full-fledged PCs and
powerful tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro. Both Intel and AMD split
their chip’s cores into high-power and efficiency categories to balance
overall performance with battery life. Qualcomm’s chips, however,
designate all of their cores as “high performance.” That comes with a
promise of long battery life without serious drops in performance when
unplugged from a power adapter. The first generation of Copilot+ PCs
have largely focused on thinness and performance, but we’re hopeful this
new chip will be the key to all the weird form factor Windows PCs we’ve
been wishing for.
Entertainment
Every year, we learn about new companies from brilliant people with big
ideas. They come from every corner of the planet to provide us with cool
innovations to write about and nerd out over. However, it’s not often that
we give an award to a company that’s been around for 401 years. That’s
not a typo. Our category award winner this year, Zildjian, was founded in
1623. It has an extensive archive of its historic cymbals, which played a
huge role in the development of its now award-winning electronic
drumset. You’ll also find a pair of TV technologies on the list from the big
players, LG and Samsung. Despite being a horrible year for big
blockbusters, it was a good year for TVs. Did you all see Megalopolis?
Yeah, neither did we.
Grand Award Winner, Entertainment

ALCHEM-E by Zildjian: A truly hybrid electric acoustic
drumset
Zildjian has been making cymbals since the 1600s, but its first foray into
electronic drums made a big wave. The ALCHEM-E drum kits employ real
7-ply maple drum shells. With typical drum heads, they play just like you’d
expect a high-end kit to perform. Switch to the mesh heads, however, and
the kit becomes a full-fledged electronic kit controlled by a digital
controller called the E-VAULT. Digital triggers reside under the mesh
drumheads, providing exceptionally quick response and sensitivity. Even
more impressive are the cymbals. These aren’t rubber slabs; they’re real
Zildjian cymbals with scores of laser-cut holes that drastically reduce their
acoustic output. Attaching the cymbal trigger makes it fully digital,
allowing players to select a wide array of actual cymbal sounds
meticulously sampled from the company’s extensive archive. They even
sound different depending on where you hit the cymbal, so the bell
produces a pronounced “ping” while the edge lets players crash away like
they’re Nirvana-era Dave Grohl. This kit feels like a real drumset because
it is a real drumset.
LG Signature OLED T: A transparent OLED TV
LG largely dominates the OLED TV market, and it has for years.

Throughout that reign, we’ve seen many OLED innovations from the
company, including a roll-up TV. Then, it showed off an OLED TV in a
suitcase at this year’s CES. Most impressive, though, is the company’s
transparent TV, the Signature OLED T. While the Signature OLED T
doesn’t change shape, it does transform. A layer of contrast film sits
behind the OLED panel to provide a black background for when viewers
want a typical TV experience. A button press, however, converts that film
to full transparency by physically moving out of the way, which leaves only
the lit pixels suspended on a clear (at least mostly clear) panel. In person,
it looks amazing. You get a clear view of whatever’s behind the TV and a
relatively bright on-screen image. Maybe next year, they’ll combine this
with the suitcase TV concept to create the coolest and least practical TV
ever.
Samsung S95D OLED TV: A glare-resistant surface that

changes the game for OLED TVs
OLED TVs provide exceptional color and contrast, but they struggle to hit
the overall brightness levels necessary for providing a good picture in a

room with lots of ambient light. Even a little errant illumination can wash
out a typical OLED. Samsung has applied a proprietary coating to the
surface of its typically glossy TVs to create a matte finish. By essentially
roughing up the screen with an invisible texture layer, the screen’s surface
scatters light rather than reflecting it directly back at your eye in a singular
direction (known as specular reflections). Paired with the Quantum-Dot-
powered QD-OLED display, this OLED provides a great picture in rooms
where other OLEDs would suffer. This is the best TV we’ve tested so far,
largely thanks to that extra layer of texture.
Snap Tap by Razer: A faster way to move in PC games
If you’re not a PC gamer, this may not seem like a big deal, so you might
have to ask your Valorant-playing kid about Snap Tap’s impact. With a
typical keyboard setup, pressing two opposing-direction keys at the same
time will cause your on-screen character to stop in their tracks. For
instance, if you’re moving left and press the right key without letting up
the left key, you’ll simply stop and, as a result, probably lose your game.
Snap Tap registers the last input and gives it priority, so if you’re moving
left and press the right key, you’ll move to the right whether you have two
keys pressed down or not. Is it tedious? Perhaps. But it’s a huge deal for
competitive gamers, from living room warriors to world championship
competitors. The best part is that it doesn’t require a single specific
keyboard to implement. Razer has added it as a feature to several boards
already in its lineup.
MW75 Neuro by Master & Dynamic: Brain-tracking

headphones that tell you when to take a break
When you’re cruising headphone spec sheets, you probably don’t expect
to see electroencephalography on the list. More commonly known as EEG,
this tech records brain activity from electrical impulses caused by firing
neurons. These high-end headphones were developed as a collaboration

between luxury audio company Master & Dynamic and Neurable. Each
soft earcup employs dry fabric EEG sensors to monitor brain activity,
which the companion smartphone app analyzes using AI. The app uses
that data to suggest when wearers’ brains are working at maximum
capacity. It recommends the best times to buckle down and work and,
more importantly, when to take a break. This isn’t meant as a medical
device, but it provides a unique and easily implemented way to improve
efficiency. Even if you turn off the EEG, they’re still big headphones that
will block out workplace distractions.
Aerospace
The past year in aerospace was so full of exciting developments that we
had a tough time picking a final five. From the rise in sustainable and
green aviation to the overall growth in public and private space
innovations, 2024 has been an inflection point for the future of flight tech.
The boldest breakthroughs, though, came in the form of a flying taxi
powered by hydrogen, a rocket plane that can reach outer space,
commercial astronauts outside their spacecraft, the potential return of
supersonic air travel, and the launch of a mission to find life beyond the
asteroid belt.
Grand Award Winner, Aerospace

Hydrogen-electric VTOL air taxi by Joby: Fly from
Boston to Washington without visiting an airport and
with no emissions
Between the negative impact of carbon emissions and the headache of

TSA lines, flying often feels like more hassle than it’s worth. But Joby
Aviation’s hydrogen-powered air taxi might just be the breath of fresh (and
clean) air we’ve been waiting for. By swapping out traditional batteries for
a cutting-edge liquid hydrogen fuel system, Joby has supercharged the
range of its electric vertical takeoff aircraft beyond its original roughly 150
miles on battery power. To prove it, they pulled off a 523-mile test flight in
July, showing off what could soon redefine regional travel. As if on cue,
the FAA in October introduced its first new category of civilian aircraft
since the helicopter debuted in the 1940s, clearing the runway for air taxis
to potentially become as common as choppers in our daily lives.
Mk-II Aurora rocket-powered aircraft by Dawn

Aerospace: A rapidly reusable spacecraft
One of the biggest challenges to the commercialization of space remains

relatively high launch costs. Dawn Aerospace’s Mk-II Aurora offers a
solution to this problem by combining rocket-powered performance with
the operational flexibility of an aircraft. Though still in the testing stages,
the Aurora is designed to demonstrate rapid reusability, allowing it to
complete multiple flights in one day. This is a key step toward making
commercial space as accessible and efficient as commercial aviation. The
Aurora’s innovative design allows it to take off from standard runways
without requiring exclusive airspace, making it ideal for applications
including atmospheric research, Earth observation, and microgravity
experiments. As a technology demonstrator, it also serves as a foundation
for development, perhaps one day proving that the sky is no longer the
limit for runway-based flight.
Polaris Dawn spacewalk by SpaceX: First EVA by private

astronauts
Imagine stepping out of your cozy spacecraft into the vast, uncharted
expanse of space—no government agency holding your hand, just you,
your crew, and the infinite cosmos. That’s precisely what the Polaris Dawn
team achieved on September 12th with the first-ever commercial
spacewalk. By venturing into the void without the usual safety net of
governmental oversight, the Polaris Dawn mission has opened the door to
a future where space isn’t just the playground of governments. Instead,
it’s accessible to private enterprises and, possibly someday, everyday
adventurers. The Polaris Dawn spacewalk also tested SpaceX’s new EVA
suits to show that private companies can develop and deploy the
technology needed for humans to survive in outer space.
X-59 Quiet Supersonic Transport by NASA and

Lockheed Martin: A return to supersonic air travel
NASA’s Quesst Mission is attempting to make sonic boom-free supersonic

travel a reality with their X-59 supersonic aircraft. Traditional supersonic
planes like the Concorde were notorious for their earth-shaking sonic
booms, limiting their ability to fly over land. The X-59, which made its
public debut in January, is designed to eliminate the boom and replace it
with a soft “thump” using clever engineering like a super-streamlined
body and advanced aerodynamic features. If successful, the X-59 could
pave the way for the resumption of supersonic passenger flights over
populated areas, cutting travel times dramatically without disturbing
communities. After test flights to ensure safety in 2025, NASA plans to fly
the X-59 over various US cities, gathering public feedback to help rewrite
aviation regulations that currently ban overland supersonic flights.
Europa Clipper by NASA: Searching for life’s ingredients

in Jupiter’s orbit
Just launched in October, the Europa Clipper is NASA’s newest research

probe. It’s set to investigate one of the solar system’s most intriguing
mysteries: Does Jupiter’s icy moon Europa have what it takes to support
life? Europa is theorized to have a vast, salty ocean beneath its frozen
crust—an environment ripe for life as we know it. That’s where the Clipper
comes in: It’s equipped with cutting-edge instruments to detect evidence
of water or any potential signs of life. When it reaches Europa in 2031, the
spacecraft will make dozens of flybys, capturing detailed images of the
moon’s surface and analyzing plumes of water vapor thought to erupt
from cracks in its icy crust. By exploring what may lie beneath Europa’s
surface, the Clipper could redefine our understanding of Europa and
guide future missions.
Personal Care
Plenty of personal care products—the treatments and gadgets that fill our
medicine cabinets, home gyms, and vanities—promise innovation. Yet few
actually deliver. Companies that craft cosmetics, supplements, fitness
tools, and other wellness aids tend to go hard on buzzwords without
putting in the research to make something truly new. That doesn’t mean
there aren’t worthwhile, forward-thinking personal care products
available, though, and this year brought some notable offerings. From
high-tech sleep and activity trackers that make peak performance
possible to cutting-edge hair dryers that give your scalp a break from
burns, these five beauty and wellness products actually back up their big
promises.
Grand Award Winner, Personal Care

Oura Ring 4 by Oura: A wellness tracker with a slimmer
profile and beefier features
It takes a lot for an activity tracker to win a Best of What’s New Award and
even more for the same brand to win twice. In 2021, we gave the Oura 3
fitness tracker a nod for its forward-thinking approach to incorporating
period tracking into its smart ring app. The Oura Ring 4, which launched
on October 3, is more than just a refresh. This model is notably more
comfortable thanks to flatter sensors within the band. But Oura’s new
Smart Sensing algorithm ensures the slimmer band is more capable than
ever.
The ring’s sensors—red and infrared LEDs for measuring blood oxygen
levels, green and infrared LEDs to track heart rate and respiration, a digital
thermometer, and an accelerometer—turn on and off based on your
activity and your unique physiology. The result is a ring that can run for up
to eight days on a single charge while improving accuracy over Oura 3.
The Oura App redesign is nothing to sneeze at, either. It offers a uniquely
customizable platform for turning the Oura Ring 4’s ample data into useful
insights on sleep quality, recovery, stress, fitness, and fertility. With a full
range of ring sizes and luxe-looking finishes, the Oura 4 ring might be the
most wearable wearable we’ve ever tried.
Custom-Jet Oral Health System by Proclaim: Finally, a

true alternative to flossing
It is a truth universally acknowledged that flossing is a pain in the butt. But

while using a water flosser might be better than simply brushing and
calling it a night, some dentists won’t take kindly to you replacing your
floss with a gadget. The Proclaim Custom-Jet Oral Health System might
be the one exception. After all, Proclaim might look like another water
flosser at first glance, but it’s in a league of its own. The device features a
custom-molded mouthpiece—3D scanned at a dentist’s office and then
manufactured by Proclaim—that places up to 60 water jets at just the right
spots to clean between your teeth and beneath your gum line. The 360-
degree power wash takes just seconds. You can even swap out multiple
mouthpieces on a single device, so one unit can clean a whole
household’s teeth.
Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment by Olaplex: A

quick fix for damaged curls
In the last few years, Olaplex has become synonymous with bond repair
treatments—products that promise to reform the broken links between
keratin proteins that make hair frizzy, dry, and brittle. The brand’s new
Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment uses a proprietary peptide to give
curls a targeted boost. The same damage that can make straight hair look
rough can actually change the shape of a curl and even make it less curly.
The Bond Shaper penetrates hair to rebuild curl-shaping disulfide bonds.
This quick and painless salon treatment leaves curls looking bouncier and
healthier, making it the first salon-strength bond repair treatment we’ve
seen that doesn’t focus on making hair as smooth and sleek as possible.
Pod 4 by Eight Sleep: Personalized bed temperatures

that feel just right
The sleep aid market is booming, but this smart mattress topper stands
out. With a form factor not much thicker than a fitted sheet, the Pod 4
silently circulates water as you sleep to cool or heat you by as much as 10
degrees. It’s more efficient than blasting the heat or the AC, but that’s not
all it has going for it. The topper is split into two independent zones,
allowing co-sleepers to set precise microclimates for each side. The
Autopilot algorithm uses data from the topper’s 36 biometric sensors to
recalibrate the temperature throughout the night to maximize sleep
quality. Users can also tap inconspicuous buttons on either side of the
topper to adjust the temperature without opening the Eight Sleep app.
Supersonic Nural by Dyson: An incredibly smart dryer

that protects your scalp
These days, Dyson is arguably even better known for its game-changing
haircare tools than its vacuums. Now, the company has turned its
attention to an oft-neglected aspect of hair styling: the scalp. The Dyson
Supersonic Nural offers all the power people have come to expect from
the brand’s flagship hair dryer but with one high-tech upgrade. The
device is packed with sensors to keep you from overheating your hair and
scalp. It measures the distance between the dryer and your head with a
Time of Flight (ToF) sensor—a piece of tech more often found in
autonomous cars and robots that bounces light off objects and clocks
how quickly the wave returns. As the dryer moves closer to hair and skin,
it automatically lowers its temperature to optimize hair and scalp health
without compromising drying speed.
Auto
In 2024, all that’s shiny and new in the automotive world isn’t just electric
vehicles. As the industry figures out how to shore up charging
infrastructure for EVs and builds the next generation of them, other
technologies are coming to light. That includes cutting-edge in-cabin
technology, upgraded audio systems, and even a seat belt built for breast
cancer survivors that we think is pretty darn creative. While it doesn’t
have wheels, Sea-Doo’s newest racing machine is an absolute rocket on
the water, capable of outrunning even hungry alligators. Rivian, Scout,
Cadillac, and others have EVs in the works that we’re looking forward to
seeing in the next year or two. Until then, here’s our list of automotive
innovations worth talking about.
Grand Award Winner, Auto

Nautilus by Lincoln: Finally, a technology layout that
makes sense and looks good
It’s common to see a tablet-sized touchscreen in current vehicles, some

better placed than others. Lincoln re-envisioned how drivers interact with
and view information with a new 48-inch panoramic display that spans
the entire dash. The display may be personalized by using the separate
11.1-inch touchscreen as a control center, prioritizing information most
important to the driver. It’s part of a technology smorgasbord Lincoln

provided as part of its comprehensive infotainment suite, including a
Google platform, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, and more. Web
surfing and content streaming are available while parked, with video
conferencing apps coming soon. Simply put, the Nautilus is a mobile
communication center with luxury seats.
QX80 by Infiniti: An audio system worth the upgrade
After a long-awaited update, the new QX80 has an upgraded 450-hp 3.5-
liter twin-turbocharged engine. That’s 50 horsepower more than the
outgoing QX80 engine. But the real treat is a sweet new infotainment
setup and an audio system from high-end audio company Klipsch. This is
Klipsch’s first time in a full-size luxury SUV, and it seems the firm pulled
out all the stops to make an impression: The top-of-the-line option
includes 24 crisp speakers. When the Individual Audio setting is selected,
the driver’s headrest speaker funnels navigation directions, music, or
phone calls directly to them while passengers continue listening to music
or napping quietly. It’s also a good way for a Gen X parent to listen to their
playlist without the Gen Z kids in the back complaining about the song
selections.
RXP-X by Sea-Doo: A water-carving machine that

shatters records
Sea-Doo calls its latest personal watercraft, the RXP-X, “a superbike on

the water.” It delivers on that promise with a brand-new engine bringing
325-hp and a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds to the party. It’s blisteringly fast
and boasts an incredibly tight turning radius with impressive stability.
Starting with the 1630-cc Rotax ACE 1630 platform, Sea-Doo re-
envisioned the engine components with a redesigned intake system, a
new planetary-driven turbo booster, an updated engine control module,
and a cutting-edge fuel pump system. Those stats all fade to black when
on the watercraft. With a top speed exceeding 70 miles per hour, the RXP-
X is as ready for buoy racing as a thoroughbred is to exit the paddock.
Toyota Tacoma Bluetooth speaker by JBL: Solid state

batteries in action
Toyota presented an all-new Tacoma this year, with a refreshed shape and
a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Powering those endorphins inside
the cabin is a 10-speaker JBL audio system with a removable Bluetooth
speaker. The portable speaker is a novelty by itself, as the audio system
works with or without it in place. The real twist, though, is the solid state
battery inside. As such, the speaker is less susceptible to degradation
from heat blazing in through the windshield. After all, solid state batteries
are lighter, denser, safer, and less likely to leak than a typical lithium-ion
battery.
SupportBelt by Ford: Engineered compassion for breast

cancer survivors
Breast cancer patients who undergo mastectomies suffer from pain from
open wounds, scars, and swelling. Wearing a seat belt adds additional
discomfort for the 100,000 or so people every year in America who
undergo a mastectomy. In response to this, Ford developed the
SupportBelt, a contoured pad that attaches to a standard seat belt to
relieve pressure and tenderness around the chest. Made with soft,
recycled suede-like material and a simple hook-and-eye fastening
system, the belt attachment is a thoughtful innovation. Kudos to Ford for
offering it as a free accessory through its merchandise site.
Engineering
To keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius,
we need to cut emissions in half by 2035—even as we will likely hit

another record for burning fossil fuels this year. Still, the brilliant
engineering demonstrated in this year’s winning projects provides hope
that we can rise to the challenge. A new kind of thermal battery will allow
us to decarbonize the heat that powers the industrial processes behind
everything from cement to chemicals. Newly inexpensive lasers are
helping turn ore into pure iron for steelmaking using renewable electricity.
Food challenges have generated different types of innovation: Instead of
hauling agricultural waste to decompose in the dump, why not create a
harvester-style robot that can process it into carbon-sequestering, soil-
enriching biochar? To fight pests, a technique called mRNA interference
allows bioengineers to create a precision poison for a particularly
troublesome beetle. The most miraculous achievement in food this year
may be an AI-formulated vegan cheese that is actually delicious.
Grand Award Winner, Engineering

Joule Hive “firebrick” thermal battery by Electrified
Thermal Solutions (ETS): A cleaner 21st-century
firebrick
Though wind and solar costs are falling, battery costs remain a lingering
roadblock to decarbonizing the economy. After all, the sun is not always
shining, and the wind is not always blowing. This issue is particularly
problematic for heavy industries like cement, steel, glass, and chemical
production, which require very high temperatures and typically keep
furnaces running 24/7. Burning fossil fuels to produce heat for heavy
industry accounts for about 17% of the world’s CO2 emissions.
An impressive solution to this problem is the Joule Hive, a 21st-century

application of a technology that dates back to the Bronze Age: firebricks,
which store heat in insulated structures. The Joule Hive uses clean
electricity to maintain temperatures as high as 3,270 degrees Fahrenheit
in a shipping container-sized box full of hot ceramic bricks. Channels in

the box dole out heat to factory processes via a cold air stream, which the
Joule Hive heats up to near-flame temperatures. Nearly ten years of
research at MIT resulted in tweaking metal oxides to perform as the Joule
Hive firebricks. These bricks consist of certain compounds that are
electrically conductive interspersed with others that provide insulation to
contain the heat.
Unlike your old toaster, in which electricity combines with oxidation from
the air to eventually burn out the heating element, the Joule Hive
firebricks are already oxidized. This high-tech take on ancient technology
lets the Joule Hive reach higher temperatures and requires less
maintenance than competitors. A recent Stanford study found that if
deployed widely around the world, firebricks heated via renewable
electricity could eliminate 90% of the fossil fuels heavy industry burns for
heat. For its first commercial-scale installation, ETS will deploy a Joule
Hive at San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute in 2025.
Mobile biochar farm robot by Applied Carbon: Gathering

agricultural waste and turning it into biochar in the field
Nine of the ten companies that have removed the most carbon from the
environment use modern versions of an ancient method known as
biochar. Heating wood scraps or particularly dense agricultural waste like
nutshells in oxygen-deprived environments—a process called pyrolysis—
turns the biomass into black carbon, also called biochar, that bacteria and
fungi cannot further decompose. But there’s a scale-up problem: There
simply isn’t enough dense wood waste to sequester billions of tons of
carbon.
Applied Carbon’s breakthrough was to develop a new pyrolyzing chamber

that can handle the prodigious waste left after corn, wheat, and sugar
harvests, even though the piles of stalks, husks, and leaves are not very
dense. The Applied Carbon robot pyrolizes the waste in the field,
producing synthesis gas as a helpful co-product that the robot scrubs and
then burns to help maintain temperatures over 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit
in the chamber. Making the biochar in the same field where it will be
deposited saves additional emissions and costs of driving the material to a
central facility and back. Over the summer, the company deployed four
robots into corn fields in the Texas panhandle to process the waste into
biochar and sell carbon credits.
In the long term, the company plans to sell or lease larger versions of the
robots, estimating that waste from the world’s row plants can sequester
roughly 2 billion tons of CO2 as biochar each year. Co-founder Jason
Aramburu half-jokingly likens his future vehicles to the Jawa crawlers from
Star Wars—ones that scavenge for stalks and corncobs instead of dead
robots.
Calantha by GreenLight Biosciences: Precision

biopesticide using messenger RNA interference
The Colorado potato beetle is one of the most rapacious and pesticide-
resistant bugs, feasting on tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, and, of
course, spuds. The bug has developed resistance to dozens of chemicals
and causes about $500 million in annual crop damage worldwide. Rather
than escalate the arms race of stronger and higher-dose chemicals to kill
it, Calantha, created by GreenLight Biosciences, is a precision poison
guided to interfere with the reproduction of crucial proteins in the beetle’s
body. The precision-targeted pesticide is highly effective. Even better,
the researchers at GreenLight Biosciences combed through bioinformatic
databases to find just the right gene to disrupt to avoid collateral damage
to honeybees and other harmless species.
An application of work that won the Nobel Prize in 2006, Calantha

consists of double-stranded RNA that farmers can “drop in” to
conventional sprayers, like a typical pesticide. The beetle ingests the RNA,
triggering interference by binding to messenger RNA instructions for a
gene called PSMB5, which is critical for the elimination of damaged
proteins. These mRNAs are then targeted for degradation in the gut cells
of the beetle, causing damaged proteins to build up to fatal levels in the
insect.
Despite its success, Calantha is not immune to the threat of beetles

evolving an immunity, so GreenLight recommends that farmers rotate
Calantha with conventional pesticides. Still, the company is betting that
any technology that reduces chemical use will be a major driver of
consumer acceptance. Calantha has sold out its first two batches and
now has taken over 10% of the market for potato beetle pesticide.
Vegan cheese by Climax Foods: Plant-based blue, brie,

and feta cheeses formulated by AI
Cheese has a worse greenhouse gas footprint than pork or chicken, but
until now, vegan makers haven’t been able to crack the code for flavor,
texture, and overall deliciousness. To tackle this, California-based Climax
Foods built a training set of metrics for cheese characteristics such as
scent and stretchability. Then, they used AI and educated guesswork by
cheesemakers to develop plant-based formulations that hit the same
benchmarks as dairy cheese.
Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn said the resulting blue cheese,

with top ingredients of pumpkin seeds, hemp protein powder, lima beans,
and coconut oil, is “beyond imagination for a vegan cheese.” Climax
became the first ever vegan cheesemaker to win a prestigious Good Food
award—though dairy complaints caused the prize to be rescinded at the
last minute, with shades of the protectionist, legal skulduggery faced by
non-dairy milk products.
For now, Climax is trying to scale up to capitalize on the good press,

though it has faced furloughs while seeking additional investment
“runway.” The company has a licensing agreement with the “Laughing
Cow” maker Bel Group and a second, still-unnamed producer. In the
meantime, the blue cheese is available online and at select restaurants in
California, New York City, and Las Vegas.
Laser furnace by Limelight Steel: Laser processing of

iron ore for steel with 95% fewer emissions
In 1985, a 1-watt laser cost about $1 million. Today, a laser of that same
size costs just $1. Oakland-based Limelight Steel is capitalizing on this
“Moore’s Law of lasers” to re-invent iron ore processing for steel to
reduce emissions. After all, 75% of the world’s steelmaking industry still
uses coal-fired blast furnaces, and the industry as a whole accounts for
about 8% of global emissions. The Limelight Steel process directs laser
light via mirrors and lenses onto the surface of ore, raising it to
temperatures above 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The proprietary set of
conditions created by the lasers breaks the bonds between iron and
oxygen in the ore without needing carbon or expensive green hydrogen to
act like a bouncer that carries the unwanted oxygen away. Limelight then
follows standard steelmaking techniques to create a slag of impurities at
the top of the brew, allowing dense pure iron to flow out through a channel
below. Finally, steelmakers alloy the pure iron with small amounts of
carbon and other elements to make different grades of steel.
CTO and co-founder Andy Zhao says the lasers approach 70-80%
efficiency in converting electricity into light energy. When powered by
renewable electricity, the process produces 95% fewer emissions than
traditional steelmaking. Having used a $2.9 million grant from ARPA-E to
demonstrate proof of concept, Limelight is now planning a pilot-scale
plant in 2025 capable of producing 100 tons annually.
Sports & Outdoors

Moving your body is for everyone, regardless of experience level, skill, or
location. This year’s Best of What’s New innovations make getting outside
and active easier in many ways. A tightly woven shirt stops itchy mosquito
bites sans chemicals. An electric fishing reel cuts the cord and ditches
heavy batteries once and for all. An app combines avalanche education
with hard-to-find reports for safer snowshoeing and skiing. A waterproof
jacket uses a battery membrane to maintain its breathability and
waterproofing. An exercise bike with cutting-edge technology takes the
experience of a peaceful ride and brings it inside. Overall, the best sports
and outdoor innovations take the “rough” out of “roughing it.”
Grand Award Winner, Sports and Outdoors

HoloBike by Saga: A relaxing yet immersive bike ride in
your house
“Riding a bike outdoors” and “riding a bike at the gym” are vastly different
experiences. One feels immersive and relaxing; the other can feel tortuous
and monotonous. Samuel Matson, the founder of Saga and a former
Google VR designer, noticed that same dichotomy after returning from a
sabbatical during the pandemic, which he spent cycling in the Andes
Mountains in Colombia. Wearing a bulky VR headset isn’t ideal for a
cycling workout, though. Instead, the HoloBike forgoes a wearable
headset for a lenticular-inspired, high-resolution screen that utilizes optic
flow, the same phenomenon that is the basis for eye movement
desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Eye-tracking cameras
adjust the scene based on where you’re looking for an immersive
experience. The 3D environments are made using AI-powered scans of
real trails and resemble an open-world video game. Best of all, the
HoloBike has roughly the same footprint as a Peloton, meaning it won’t
take up too much space in your house. It’s currently available for pre-
order online.
Mosquito Protection Technology by Royal Robbins: A

chemical-free way to stop mosquitoes
There are a few ways to prevent mosquito bites in the woods effectively.
Almost all of them require chemicals, from DEET in bug spray to pyrethrin-
treated clothing, that wash away and potentially enter the water system—
all except Royal Robbins’ Mosquito Protection Technology (MPT). MPT
uses an incredibly tight weave that prevents mosquitoes from getting their
proboscis through without sacrificing breathability. The fabric is also
made to resist deforming, meaning a spin through the washing machine
won’t affect protection. It’s set to launch in spring 2025.
Fathom Electric Reel by Penn: Bye-bye, cords
Electric reels for sea fishing are typically powered by a cord plugged into a
power source. If you’ve been on a boat, you know that “wet surface” and
“thing that can be tripped on” don’t mix. The Fathom Electric reel ditches
those cords for a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Despite the battery, the
reels are impressively lightweight at 60, 71, and 84 ounces, depending on
size. The reel also has bonus features like an easy-to-use LED display
with customizable settings.
Aspect Avy App: Avalanche safety made simple
According to FEMA, an average of 28 people die in avalanches every

winter in the United States. Getting accurate avalanche data involves lots
of research, and reports are typically written for professionals. Even the
most advanced professional guide makes assumptions when looking at
avalanche data. The Aspect Avy app combines historical data, live data
from the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale, “avalanche
problems,” and LiDAR mapping to give those visiting or living in snow
country an accurate, dynamic view of daily conditions. The app’s “go” and
“no’go” slope categorizations make it easier to understand reports and
make safe decisions in the mountains. They also keep winter explorers out
of the runout zone if an avalanche is likely to occur above them.
M10 collection by Patagonia: A waterproof jacket made

with battery membranes
Starting in 2025, several states including New York and California will ban
the sale of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in apparel. Other
states are set to follow in the years after. PFAS has been integral to
waterproofing—and can be found in other components like zippers and
webbing—yet they’re forever chemicals, and harmful to the environment.
Patagonia’s built-from-the-ground-up M10 collection is an indication of
what’s to come in the textile space. The waterproof membrane is
borrowed from the car battery industry, which uses mechanically made
nanoporous membranes to separate ions. In the M10, these consistent-
sized pores keep rain and snow out without PFAS but let heat and sweat
escape even better than the rain jackets and ski shells we’re used to.
Home
We’re big fans of staying home here at Popular Science. That’s why we
truly appreciate any innovation that improves our living space. As home
tech progresses, we have more and more access to in-home experiences
that used to require going out. Our category award winner, GE’s Profile
Indoor Pellet Smoker, cooks true low-and-slow barbecue in your kitchen
without asphyxiating everyone in the house. Have you recently checked
the price of a brisket plate at your local BBQ joint? Brutal. Weber’s Slate
griddle also provides a game-changing cooking experience. EcoFlow’s
new solar generator system can back up your whole home, and DeWalt’s
new battery-powered power tools are tougher than concrete—literally.
Grand Award Winner, Home

Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker by GE: The first
legitimate smoker that works in your kitchen
The Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker by GE is the best kitchen gadget
we tested this year by far, thanks to its clever design that allows for true
indoor smoking for the first time. This countertop device employs two
heating elements. One provides the heat that cooks the food. The other
burns wood pellets, just like the ones required for an outdoor smoker. As
the pellets burn, fans pump flavorful smoke into the cooking chamber.
Once it has passed over the food, it’s drawn into the back wall, which
contains a filtration system that works similarly to a catalytic converter in a
car. The conversion process draws the particles out of the smoke and
ejects it as simple, harmless hot air. The results are truly impressive, even
for barbecue snobs like us. It’s quick, effective, and easy to clean. Never
settle for crock pot pulled pork ever again.
Slate Rust-Resistant Griddle by Weber: A flat-top that

won’t deteriorate
Flat-top griddles are perfect for cooking anything from burgers to

pancakes, but they’re prone to rusting. That’s a tough sell when these
cookers are meant to be kept outside. Weber designed its new Slate
Griddle to resist the scourge of moisture. It’s built with carbon steel that is
hardened under extremely hot temperatures. That bonds the griddle’s
surface, preventing moisture from gathering on it and rust from forming.
That makes them considerably more durable than the typical cold-rolled
steel used in similar setups. Plus, the extra-hard surface can stand up to
endless scraping and chopping with metal utensils, so feel free to get your
Benihana chef impression just right.
Visage Zeno by Lockly: A smart lock that sees you

coming
Apps, number pads, and fingerprint sensors have made house keys feel
antiquated for years, but this is the first time facial recognition has shown
up in a smart lock designed for home use. Two infrared sensors see your
face as you approach the door and unlock the deadbolt without you
needing to touch anything. The device stores all facial recognition
information onboard, so it doesn’t need to send your data to a server to
work. The whole facial unlock process takes roughly one second and
happens seamlessly, which you’ll especially appreciate when you have an
arm full of groceries. Of course, it also connects to a companion app and
includes an advanced fingerprint sensor if you don’t want to open the
door with your face.
DELTA Pro 3 by EcoFlow: A portable battery-powered

generator that can power a whole home
Gas-powered generators are expensive, loud, and pricey to run. They’re

also typically hard-wired into the house, meaning they aren’t very useful
when you need to move around. EcoFlow’s massive DELTA Pro 3 solar
generator packs a built-in 4kWh battery inside, but it’s expandable all the
way up to 48kWh with additional battery packs. Fully maxed out, that’s
about as much power storage as you’d get from a small electric car like
the Nissan Leaf. It has wheels and a handle, so it’s relatively easy to move
around despite its 113-pound weight. You can easily hook it up to an RV or
home as an emergency generator. The generator connects via a home
panel, an inlet box, or a manual transfer switch, so it’s extremely versatile
and could even help a neighbor in need during an emergency.
POWERSHIFT by DeWalt: Battery-powered tools that are

literally tougher than concrete
You may never need to use a core drill or a plate compactor during your
simple home repair projects, but they’re common tools in the construction
industry. Unfortunately, they typically still rely on gas or power from a cord
due to their huge power requirements. DeWalt’s new POWERSHIFT tools,
however, rely on rechargeable cells to get the job done. DeWalt claims the
switch to battery power cuts carbon emissions from these burly tools by
more than half. Despite their efficiency, they’re rugged enough to do the
job; the 554WH battery pack can deliver up to seven horsepower. The
collection currently offers six tools with plans to expand.
Emergency Services
Technology’s role in improving emergency services expanded dramatically
in 2024, as cutting-edge innovations have been applied to real-world and
life-saving applications. Whether it’s medical alert technology with
extended connectivity or a satellite fire detection system with enhanced
detection capabilities, novel solutions are being deployed to address
safety threats. As climate change continues to alter our world and natural
disasters become potentially more dangerous, the need for improvements
and new ideas like the ones we’ve selected here will only increase.
Grand Award Winner, Emergency Services

FireSat wildfire detection system by Google Research:
Spotting fires from space before they get out of control
With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires,

early detection has become critical to saving lives, ecosystems, and
property. Through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Google
Research has developed FireSat to use an array of advanced infrared
sensors onboard satellites to spot fires as small as a classroom, day or
night, anywhere on Earth. This technology will hopefully enable rapid
alerts to first responders, often within minutes, giving them a critical edge.
By mapping fire spread and behavior in real time, FireSat also supports
smarter evacuation planning and resource allocation. Beyond
emergencies, FireSat’s data aids scientists who study climate impacts,
forest management, and fire ecology. It’s a prime example of how space-
based technology can tackle on-Earth problems.
C-THRU visual communication platform by Qwake: A

heads-up display for emergency responders
The C-THRU visual communication and personal navigation platform

promises enhanced situational awareness for first responders, particularly
firefighters. Navigating smoke-filled environments can be disorienting and
dangerous, but C-THRU tackles this challenge using advanced
augmented reality (AR) technology. Equipped with a helmet-mounted
display, the platform uses thermal imaging and AI-driven navigation to
provide clear visual overlays in low-visibility conditions. Firefighters can
effectively see through smoke, identify structural layouts, and detect heat
sources like trapped individuals or fire hotspots. This reduces reliance on
guesswork, speeding up rescue operations and minimizing risks. C-THRU
also facilitates hands-free communication by combining real-time data,
navigation support, and enhanced communication with incident
commanders.
C2SMARTER Digital Twin AI model by New York

University and FDNY: Modeling the disaster response of
the future
The partnership between the C2SMARTER Digital Twin AI platform and

the New York Fire Department could be a visionary step toward smarter
and safer emergency response. By creating a “Traffic Digital Twin” of
parts of New York City, this collaboration provides FDNY with a dynamic,
real-time simulation of the city’s infrastructure, traffic patterns, and
building layouts. Since every second counts in emergencies like fires or
natural disasters, the C2SMARTER platform uses artificial intelligence to

analyze evolving scenarios, such as blocked streets, helping first
responders plan faster and safer routes. This blend of AI and on-the-
ground expertise shows technology’s potential to save lives and
strengthen community resilience.
MGMini Medical Alert Necklace System by Medical

Guardian: Medical monitoring even in remote locations
The MGMini Medical Alert Necklace System for seniors is the first medical
alert device to use eSIM technology, making it a breakthrough in personal
safety and healthcare access. Unlike traditional medical alert systems tied
to a single carrier, the MGMini dynamically switches among service
providers, ensuring reliable 24/7 connectivity, even in areas with weak cell
signals. This technology can be a game-changer for seniors living in rural
or underserved areas where coverage gaps can delay critical emergency
responses. The MGMini also provides peace of mind with real-time GPS
tracking, fall detection, and instant SOS feature standard to products in
this category.
Prolonged Casualty Care Pro Female Simulators by

Operative Experience: Saving lives with anatomical
accuracy
The Prolonged Casualty Care Pro Female manikin-style simulator

addresses a longstanding gap in the realism and inclusivity of emergency
care simulations. Traditionally, medical manikins have been gender-neutral
or male-focused, leaving critical aspects of female anatomy
unrepresented. U.S. military researchers have found that women who
suffered abdominal and chest wounds survived at much lower rates than
men, chiefly because first responders had little training experience with
women and hesitated in emergency scenarios. Operative Experience’s
new female manikins include realistic tissue responses and bleeding
simulations, enabling hands-on practice in high-stakes scenarios. The

new simulators are the first to be used by the U.S. Army and were
deployed to 23 Army Medical Simulation Training Centers in September.
Health
Colonoscopies are a powerful tool in the fight against colorectal cancer,
the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Yet some 30 percent of eligible adults are not up to date on
recommended screenings, according to the National Cancer Institute.
That’s what makes Shield by Guardant Health, a simpler alternative to the
traditional and more invasive colonoscopy, such a game-changer. . With
Medicare coverage in place and private insurers to follow, it’s set to reach
millions.
That impact is why Popular Science chose it as the 2024 Health category
winner This year’s list also includes pig-to-human kidney transplants, a
needle-free solution for severe allergic reactions, an inflatable bike
helmet, and a new use for period blood.
Grand Award Winner, Health

Shield by Guardant Health: A new option for colon
cancer screening
The American Cancer Society recommends regular colonoscopies for

those with average risk for colon cancer starting at age 45. But prepping
for a colonoscopy, including guzzling that nasty laxative solution, is no fun
—and one reason why people avoid the procedure. By contrast, all Shield
requires is a simple blood test; it’s used to hunt for signs of colon cancer
in the bloodstream— such as specific kinds of DNA that could signal a
tumor or precancerous growth—and flag the need for a colonoscopy.
The FDA approved Shield in 2024 after a study of nearly 8,000 people
found the test uncovered colorectal cancers in about 83% of participants
whose cancer was also diagnosed via colonoscopy. It’s less effective for
precancerous growths, finding just 13.2%.
Another FDA-approved colon cancer screening requires stool samples to

be collected at home and mailed in. However, research shows that many
people who use stool tests don’t follow up on a positive result by getting a
colonoscopy. Likewise, with the Shield test, it remains critical that
individuals follow up on a positive result by getting a colonoscopy.
Pig-to-human transplants at Mass General and NYU

Langone Health: A groundbreaking source for much-
needed organs
An average of 17 people die every day awaiting an organ transplant,

according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. However, a new
source of organs is emerging from a surprising place: pigs. In 2024,
doctors transplanted pig kidneys genetically edited to make them more
suitable for humans into a 62-year-old male patient at Massachusetts
General Hospital and a 54-year-old female patient at NYU Langone
Health; she also received a pig’s thymus gland to reduce the likelihood of
rejection. Both patients, who were already critically ill, have died. But
experts say these groundbreaking transplants represent a crucial step
forward, offering a potential solution for the dire shortage of human donor
organs.
neffy by ARS Pharmaceuticals: A needle-free treatment

for severe allergic reactions
Needles are no longer the only way to swiftly deliver life-saving

epinephrine to people suffering from anaphylaxis or other severe allergic
reactions to food, medicine, insect stings, or other allergens. Enter neffy,
an FDA-approved emergency nasal spray for kids and adults who weigh
66 pounds or more. Neffy, which some commercial insurance plans cover,
is the first alternative to epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen, offering an
innovative solution for allergy sufferers who hate needles and may have
delayed treatment because of it. It’s important to remember, though, that
experts still recommend an ER visit for close monitoring after treatment
for anaphylaxis, with neffy or an auto-injector.
aH-1 bike helmet from Ventete: An inflatable bike helmet
Whether you’re a bike commuter or a weekend rider, lugging around a

clunky helmet can be a drag. But not donning one comes with serious
risks. More than 60% of the nearly 1,100 bicyclists killed in the U.S. in
2022 weren’t wearing a helmet, according to the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety. The sleek Ventete aH-1 might convince more people to
put one on. The inflatable helmet, now only available in the UK and across
Europe, can easily slip into a bag when not in use. When deflated, it
requires less space than a laptop. It comes with a USB-C rechargeable
pump, which inflates it in about 30 seconds. Most importantly, it’s proven
to protect our noggins, meeting rigorous safety standards in the UK and
EU.
Q-Pad by Qvin: A new use for period blood
For the millions who menstruate, getting vital health information just got a
lot easier. Instead of going to the doctor for a blood sugar test, they only
need to wear a Q-Pad by Qvin during their period. The Q-Pad collects a
sample of menstrual blood on a removable strip, which users then send to
an approved lab for testing. Qvin delivers results via email or its app. The
test, which retails for $29, is currently cleared by the FDA to measure
average blood sugar (hemoglobin A1c) levels for diabetes management.
More tests are in development, including for thyroid health, inflammation,
fertility, perimenopause, and HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer.
BOWN 2024 Credits:
Package Leads: Annie Colbert and Stan Horaczek
Editors, writers, and researchers: John Alexander, Berne Broudy, Annie

Colbert, Rachel Feltman, Abby Ferguson, Alan Haburchak, Sarah Hall,
Stan Horaczek, Cole Paxton, Amanda Reed, Andrew Rosenblum, Kristin
Shaw
Fact checker: Alex Schwartz
Art Director: Tag Hartman-Simkins
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The 50 greatest innovations of 2024 | Popular Science 01/01/2025, 12:39

The 50 greatest innovations of

From Apple to NASA, and electric drums to vegan cheese.

Now, in 2024, we continue our decades-old tradition of honoring big

Innovation of the Year

From a hardware perspective, this headset offers a 23-million-pixel

There are no controllers to use, buttons to press, or other obstacles

Get the Popular Science newsletter

A9 III from Sony: The first consumer mirrorless camera

Take a photo or video of a very fast-moving object with a typical digital

DJI Neo: A sub-$200 drone that isn’t a toy

Palma by BOOX: An e-ink phone that’s no-fun in a good

Snapdragon X series chips by Qualcomm: An AI-

Grand Award Winner, Entertainment

LG Signature OLED T: A transparent OLED TV

LG largely dominates the OLED TV market, and it has for years.

Samsung S95D OLED TV: A glare-resistant surface that

the overall brightness levels necessary for providing a good picture in a

Snap Tap by Razer: A faster way to move in PC games

MW75 Neuro by Master & Dynamic: Brain-tracking

neurons. These high-end headphones were developed as a collaboration

Grand Award Winner, Aerospace

Between the negative impact of carbon emissions and the headache of

Mk-II Aurora rocket-powered aircraft by Dawn

One of the biggest challenges to the commercialization of space remains

Polaris Dawn spacewalk by SpaceX: First EVA by private

X-59 Quiet Supersonic Transport by NASA and

NASA’s Quesst Mission is attempting to make sonic boom-free supersonic

Europa Clipper by NASA: Searching for life’s ingredients

Just launched in October, the Europa Clipper is NASA’s newest research

Grand Award Winner, Personal Care

Custom-Jet Oral Health System by Proclaim: Finally, a

It is a truth universally acknowledged that flossing is a pain in the butt. But

Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment by Olaplex: A

Pod 4 by Eight Sleep: Personalized bed temperatures

Supersonic Nural by Dyson: An incredibly smart dryer

Grand Award Winner, Auto

It’s common to see a tablet-sized touchscreen in current vehicles, some

important to the driver. It’s part of a technology smorgasbord Lincoln

QX80 by Infiniti: An audio system worth the upgrade

RXP-X by Sea-Doo: A water-carving machine that

Sea-Doo calls its latest personal watercraft, the RXP-X, “a superbike on

Toyota Tacoma Bluetooth speaker by JBL: Solid state

SupportBelt by Ford: Engineered compassion for breast

we need to cut emissions in half by 2035—even as we will likely hit

Grand Award Winner, Engineering

An impressive solution to this problem is the Joule Hive, a 21st-century

in a shipping container-sized box full of hot ceramic bricks. Channels in

Mobile biochar farm robot by Applied Carbon: Gathering

Applied Carbon’s breakthrough was to develop a new pyrolyzing chamber

Calantha by GreenLight Biosciences: Precision

An application of work that won the Nobel Prize in 2006, Calantha

Despite its success, Calantha is not immune to the threat of beetles

Vegan cheese by Climax Foods: Plant-based blue, brie,

Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn said the resulting blue cheese,

For now, Climax is trying to scale up to capitalize on the good press,

Laser furnace by Limelight Steel: Laser processing of

Sports & Outdoors

Grand Award Winner, Sports and Outdoors

Mosquito Protection Technology by Royal Robbins: A