Google’s Solve for X Project Dan Trout COSC 380

Roadmap What is Solve for X? Why Solve for X? Projects proposed Microsystems on the eye Stretchable electronics Collaborative science Summary References Questions

What is Solve for X? Brand new Forum to propose and discuss ideas Steps Huge problem Radical solution Breakthrough technology Several fields Far away http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDDy7QSdt6A

Why Solve for X? Innovate Solve global problems Ideas from around the world Take advantage of technology Science fiction

Microsystems on the Eye Babak Parviz – nanotechnology and micro systems Sensors that monitor health 24/7 No need for checkups Non-invasive, continuously operable, safe, low power

Microsystems cont. Several components included in lens Display Radio frequency data communication circuit Display drive circuit Semi-transparent display Biosensor module Radio frequency transfer antenna Display Right in front of your eyes Gaming, VR, augmented reality, supervision, night vision

Microsystems cont. So far, Extremely small radios Extremely small sensors Combine and integrate devices Successfully created contacts with glucose sensors

Stretchable Electronics Kevin Dowling – stretchable electronics technology Electronics limited in form (box, rigid) Push to become smaller and more functional Bio-inspired/conformal type systems

Stretchable Electronics cont. Microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) Using MEMS, etch silicon in a variety of ways Conform to body Can be used to run diagnostics and detect diseases

Collaborative Science Adrien Treuille – computer science and robotics Online multiplayer games Foldit EteRNA Anyone can play Players compensated for intellectual labor Promotes competition Real scientific discovery

Collaborative Science cont. Foldit – protein folding, over 100,000 players Key challenge of biology Typically done by supercomputers Predict how drugs will react to user’s proteins Help cure HIV/AIDS, cancer, or Alzheimer’s Worst human solution > best computer solution

Collaborative Science cont. EteRNA – fold RNA molecules Very similar to Foldit, used for scientific discovery Why is it important? Scientists do not understand all of RNA’s roles Eventually control living cells/disease-causing viruses Public can help do this!

Summary What is Solve for X and why it is important Projects Microsystems on the Eye Stretchable Electronics Collaborative Science Foldit EteRNA

References http://www.wesolveforx.com/ http://www.infoworld.com/t/applications/four-crazy-tech-ideas-googles-solve-x-project-186061?page=0,0 http://fold.it/portal/info/science http://eterna.cmu.edu/eterna_page.php?page=about

Questions?