How made-in-NTU technologies are changing our future
by Lester Kok / Illustrations and animations by Vivian Lim
Fireproofing wood
Now
NTU scientists have created a coating to prevent wood from going up in flames. Almost transparent, the coating does not conceal the natural beauty of the woodgrain and works by forming a protective layer of char that keeps the wood from catching fire when exposed to high heat.
Future
With timber being the only carbon-negative construction material – since it comes from sustainable forests that extract carbon dioxide from the air – building structures out of timber will help to combat global warming and climate change. One of the biggest drawbacks of wood is its flammability. Thanks to NTU’s new fireproof coating, buildings at higher risk of fire, such as petrol kiosks or even power stations, can be constructed out of wood.
Robots at your service
Now
New types of robots are being developed to help humans do a variety of tasks. Over at NTU’s new Centre for Advanced Robotics Technology Innovation, these robots being developed can “work” in manufacturing plants to help factory workers or act as social companions to
the elderly to aid them in their daily lives.
Future
From robo-dogs that can carry packages to your doorstep to robo-chefs that can prepare sumptuous meals for your family, robots may become integral members of every family. They will get better in their interactions, easing the load on caregivers or the elderly who live alone. As our population ages, they can take over monotonous, repetitive and strenuous jobs, freeing up time for the rest of us to lead more fulfilling lives, especially in our twilight years.
Turning pee into cement
Now
Eco-friendly cement from trash? Yes, it’s possible. Combining urea extracted from urine with bacteria and industrial sludge waste, NTU’s scientists have found a way to make biocement as a sustainable alternative to conventional cement that can “glue” ingredients like soil and gravel together.
Future
Down the road, expect to see construction waste reused to make strong and durable biocement for hardening soil and sand along coastlines to stop erosion and landslides or reduce water seepage. Biocement could also be used in the preservation of ancient structures and monuments since it is colourless. One novel use is in the prevention of dust and wind erosion in the desert.
This story was published in the Oct-Dec 2022 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in PDF format, click here.
