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A solar powered stove and battery to rival Elon Musk? Mark Cuban is interested

“Do you think you can put the fear of God in Elon Musk and put them out of business?” asked Mark Cuban on Shark Tank, a reality show about investors and entrepreneurs. His question was directed at Dr. Caitlin Powers, the CEO and founder of One Earth Designs. Elon Musk, the Tesla mastermind, had acquired SolarCity, a solar power business, in 2016. Powers, in contrast, had invented a solar powered stove that harnessed the energy of the sun to produce a powerful, fuel-free grill and her company was also in the process of developing a solar battery. Powers appeared on Shark Tank in hopes of securing an investor for One Earth Designs.

“Yes, I think we have the potential to do that,” she confidently responded. Powers received her doctorate from Harvard University and her solar energy research has been recognized by the US National Science Foundation, US Environmental Protection Agency, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. From her travels in the Himalayas, Powers had witnessed firsthand the negative effects of fuel-based indoor cooking among nomads and farmers living in resource-strapped regions. Her solution: the SolSource stove. With its unique geometrical design, it can convert 92% of the sun’s energy directly into cooking power at up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. It also heats up five times faster than a charcoal grill. “As long as you can see your shadow, you can cook with SolSource,” according to Powers.

Compact, clean, and safe to use, the SolSource stove is a sustainable alternative to fuel-based grills. The original Solsource is priced at about $499 while the newer SolSource Sport is currently sold at $299. The Sport is a quarter of the weight of the original source, making it more lightweight for a variety of settings, from the beach, to the park, to the wilderness. From Powers’ pitch, especially her future plans to develop the solar powered battery, Cuban agreed to invest in One Earth Designs. Cuban would be pleased to know that Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk’s brother, is also fan of the SolSource grill and has tweeted pictures of himself using the product.

Developing solar powered products that could rival the likes of Elon Musk? You could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and can receive up to 14% on your expenses. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE credits as well as CPE credits for CPA’s. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Neiman Marcus iLab using innovation to advance luxury

On Sunday, February 11, 2018, Karen Katz retired as CEO for Dallas-based luxury retailer Neiman Marcus. She is succeeded by Geoffroy van Raemdonck from Ralph Lauren. Given the current economic and social climate, the CEO position is not an easy one to fill as consumer trends are ever-changing in the digital age. With the expansion of e-commerce, failing customer foot traffic into physical stores, and nearly $5 billion in debt, the 110-year-old retailer’s longevity is not guaranteed. But perhaps its ongoing investment into the Neiman Marcus iLab could offer some relief for the company’s problems.

In this digital age, one of the primary questions the company has asked is, “How do we take the experiences [the customer] is having online and make that really seamless [in store] from a personalisation perspective?” The Neiman Marcus iLab may offer some solutions. Initiated in 2012, the iLab is under the direction of Scott Emmons whose background in Information Technology gives him unique insight into utilizing technology to enhance the customer experience. He maintained that innovative technology is “not a silver bullet that will save the world” but it is nevertheless a critical piece in a complicated retail puzzle. One of the iLab’s iconic innovations was the Memory Mirror which allows customers to see how a piece of clothing looks at all angles. Emmons explained, “You don’t have to ask your husband or girlfriend or a sales associate how it looks in the back. You can see for yourself.” As of 2017, 38 Memory Mirrors can be found in 20 of Neiman Marcus’ stores. The project was so successful that it has been converted in other applications, such as at the beauty counters where customers can see digitally how a cosmetic product will look on them. Another innovation was Neiman Marcus’ free phone charging lockers, rolled out in 2014. The kiosk makes customers use their phone numbers as an unlock code and doubles up as a customer acquisition tool.

Innovation isn’t cheap, however, and ideas must first go through a rigorous review by executives. Afterwards, they are prototyped in the lab to test proof of concept before they can be implemented in stores. Emmons said, “In the end, when you do technology right, you do have to pay for it. There is a cost associated with getting into the store, so I have to think about technology that is scalable and the business is going to want an ROI on the technology.”

“Not everything works,” Emmons said. “Most of the time, it won’t…[Y]ou have to think about these experiments not as failures, but as learnings that can be applied to future projects.”

The Neiman Marcus iLab demonstrates technical risk. Sound familiar? If you’re also engaging in technical risk and conducting experiments, did you know you could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and can receive up to 14% on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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Briggo’s Robotic Barista: the coffee vending machine that’s actually not that bad

A barista that consistently makes your favorite coffee perfectly and never spells your name wrong? That’s what Briggo Coffee Haus promises with its affectionately-dubbed “robotic barista”. The Austin-based company developed its automated coffee dispenser to take the craft of coffee and mechanize the experience without sacrificing standards of perfection, personalization, and efficiency.

In a technologically-driven world where customization and convenience go hand-in-hand, the robotic barista seems like a match made in heaven. Coffee drinkers can choose from 13 options and adjust the order to suit their preferences, such as adding vanilla syrup, two shots of espresso, and skim milk. Wait a minute or two, and the perfect cup of coffee will appear. Customers’ orders are saved in the company’s cloud system so they can re-order their favorite recipe at a later time. There’s also a Briggo app that allows coffee drinkers to pre-order as they’re on their way to the Coffee Haus. According to Vending Times’ Paul Schlossberg, the whole process was intuitive, quick, and easy. He added, “Here is a vending machine for the 21st century.”

Briggo’s machine offers a precision that human baristas don’t have. While humans may measure based on dashes and splashes, moments and seconds, the robotic barista has its measurements down to the milligram and millisecond. Briggo CEO Kevin Nater explained, “Based on a customer’s selection, we precisely calculate to the gram the ingredients, as well as the precise frothing parameters needed based on those ingredients.” The Briggo machine can also make 100 cups an hour. It’s fast, convenient, and reliable.

Briggo recently introduced its robotic barista at the University of Texas’ renowned ice cream shop Moojo in Austin. Briggo asserts it doesn’t plan on replacing baristas. Rather, it seeks to bring its robotic barista to locations where good quality coffee is hard to find, such as corporate campuses, hospitals, and airports.

Working on improving the efficiency of coffee-making? Did you know your experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is Texas’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Texas, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative

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Rubber is the New Diamond with Silicone Wedding Rings

Sure, traditional wedding rings may have their perks: they’re classy, sparkly, attractive, and elegant. But they’re rarely described as “practical”, especially for the average human person who has to cook, clean, shower, work out, and carry out other day-to-day activities with their hands. To adapt these tokens of commitment for more active lifestyles, several companies have re-invented the diamond-encrusted bands to develop silicone wedding rings.

Fixate Designs, for instance, created its patent-pending silicone wedding bands out of a realization that traditional rings were often prohibited at work because of risk for injury. Several of the company’s founders themselves had experienced ring-related injuries, including some that required surgery. “We wanted to rethink, re-engineer, and redesign items used in everyday life that we felt needed to evolve,” Fixate Designs said. Another silicone wedding ring company called QALO was started by two guys who “found themselves newly married, loving their wives but hating their wedding rings.” Similarly, Enso Rings, which has been featured on the show Shark Tank, asserted that ancient Egyptians had used braided hemp to mark their marriage commitment: “It’s the symbol and the practicality that mattered. We made the first Enso silicone ring to bring back comfort, safety and focus to the way we express commitment.”

Typically, these silicone wedding rings are made from medical-grade silicone and are designed with durability in mind. They are hypoallergenic, breathable, and flexible. They do not react to chemicals or acids and are waterproof. They also tend to be more affordable than traditional wedding rings, making them a less of a concern if lost or misplaced. The silicone wedding rings are suitable for a wide range of workplaces – from the office to the construction site – and lifestyles – from the world traveler to the homebody.

Technology tends to overlook ordinary household items, including wedding rings. Did you know research activities related to the development of the silicone rings, whether to improve the product or production process, could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit? If you’re also engaging in activities to improve day-to-day household items, you could receive up to 14% on your expenses. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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Mobility and disability are no longer mutually exclusive thanks to Go Baby Go

“Ever since he was a baby, we’ve always said we want him to be the same as anyone else, he is no different,” Brenda Fernandez said of her son Abel Salazar. “We never told him you can’t do it.” Abel, 4 years old, was born without fully formed bones in his body, making mobility and other functions difficult. Last month, engineering math students from Victoria West High School in Texas retrofitted a battery-powered miniature red jeep as part of the Go Baby Go program and soon, Abel was on the move.

Brenda said, “He was scared at first, then he saw the Captain America sign and his face turned into a big huge smile. After that, he got on [the car].” Abel is part of the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities where therapy and specialized programs help him develop cognitive, social, and mobility skills. By learning to drive the electric jeep, Abel is more likely to be a candidate for a mobility chair in the future. “The ultimate goal is independence,” said Amanda Kern, occupational therapist.

Last September, the engineering math students from Victoria High School began making adjustments to the red jeep which required testing and re-testing. Upgrades included modifying and stabilizing the seat’s position and rewiring the foot accelerator to the steering wheel. Safety features like a five-point strap belt were also added and the electrical work had to be rewired. The students said that the project gave them a real world look into math and engineering, and that the project was more fun than work.

Abel’s red jeep project was part of Go Baby Go, a nationwide program that modifies off-the-shelf battery operated toy cars to make them accessible for children with disabilities. The program’s founder had identified a gap in the market, particularly that mobility devices for young children were non-existent while adult motorized wheelchairs cost upwards of $17,000. In comparison, by modifying existing battery operated toy cars, the total cost is only around $200. The Go Baby Go program offers children with disabilities to develop independent mobility, cognition, coordination, balance, social, and other skills.

As Abel drove the red jeep throughout the halls of Dudley Elementary School and honked the horn, he smiled. “There’s no better feeling than seeing your son smile,” Brenda stated.

Are you working on experiments to retrofit existing off-the-shelf products and make them accessible for people with disabilities? Did you know your experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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Ralph Lauren’s wearable technology packs the heat so Team USA can bring home gold

35,000 spectators are expected to attend the Olympic Opening Ceremonies this upcoming Friday at PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. Anticipation is high among athletes and attendees alike. Added to the excitement, however, are widespread concerns that the stadium – which was built without a roof and without central heating – will be too cold for the ceremony’s audience members. Team USA, fortunately, is fitted with wearable technology that will keep them warm to withstand the chilling conditions.

The $58 million main Olympic Stadium omitted a roof and central heating in its design and construction plans as a time-saving measure and because it would have been “too expensive”, according to an internal document from the Olympic organizing committee. Last November, however, six people reported getting hypothermia while attending a concert at the stadium, calling into question the location’s security and safety.

At 7 degrees Fahrenheit, the 2018 Winter Olympics is expected to be the coldest on record since 1994 when the Olympics were held in Lillehammer, Norway. Weather conditions then were at a low of 12 degrees Fahrenheit. PyeongChang is half a mile above sea level and is infamous for its biting winds originating from Siberia and the Manchurian Plain. To keep warm, Olympic organizers are providing spectators with heating pads, a blanket, and a raincoat. Polycarbonate walls will be set up along the highest points of the stadium to block wintry winds and portable gas heaters will be placed between rows to provide extra warmth.

To combat the cold at the Opening Ceremonies, the American athletes will have special uniforms designed by Polo Ralph Lauren. Drawing from the American flag colors of red, white, and blue, the athletes will be fitted with heated parkas powered by a battery pack. The parkas have printed strips of electronic, heat-conducting metallic ink. Akin to an electric blanket but using ink instead of wires, the parkas generate heat from electrons travelling through the silver ink and hitting resistive carbon pads. The parkas are also water-repellant and athletes can control the temperatures of the wearable technology using three different settings. Adopting engineering principles from heated car seats, the wearable technology is more flexible and stretchy and provides up to 11 hours of heat. “We knew about the cold,” said David Lauren, chief innovation officer at Ralph Lauren, “and hit on the idea of using wearable technology to keep our athletes warm.”

Working on wearable technology that is both fashionable and functional? Your experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you could receive 14% back on your expenses. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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Helmets and Technology: is Safer Football a possible reality?

Few things are as American as Buffalo wings and Super Bowl Sunday. But as scientific studies uncover the debilitating long-term effects of contact sports, there is uncertainty about the longevity of football in American society. Football players are at a high risk of developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive brain trauma. In 2011, former NFL defensive back David “Dave” Duerson took his own life because the devastating symptoms of CTE – from depression, mood swings, and memory loss – proved too much to bear. His son Tregg Duerson has since become a fierce proponent of safer football initiatives to reduce the risk of CTE among NFL and aspiring football players, especially since there is no cure for the disease and its effects worsen with time.

Football is becoming more competitive as its players get bigger, faster, and stronger. However, this also means a greater likelihood of injury. On average, players are exposed to 50-60 violent blows to the head in one professional game, according to a study by Stanford University. Players can develop concussions as a result of these blows but a Boston University study found that even without signs of concussion, repetitive hits to the head can lead to CTE. Players are at risk, not just in the NFL or big games like the Super Bowl, but also in college-level and high school-level games and practices. Since no definite diagnosis of CTE can be made until after the patient has died – although scientists are experimenting with ways to improve detection prior to death – preventative measures are necessary.

In some ways, avoiding football is the safest guarantee. Legislation in Illinois and New York have already been introduced to ban football among pre-teens, thereby mitigating the risk of repetitive head trauma among young players whose brains are still in development. Parents are increasingly resistant to enrolling their children in football because of these dangers. Justin Timberlake reportedly stated of his 2-year-old son Silas, “Uh, he will never play football. No, no”.

Even so, it is unlikely the sport will disappear altogether from American culture. Helmet technology, for one, has improved drastically in the past year alone. Vicis, for example, was formed in 2013 by neurosurgeons and engineers. It released its Zero 1 helmet last season which is designed with a tighter fit and with plastic columns in the helmet shell that compress and shift to deflect the impact of a blow to the head. Riddell likewise developed its Precision Fit helmet which is customized for each individual player to provide better protection. As well, the company designed an InSite monitoring system that measures the head-impact exposure of players, providing coaches and players with tools on how to improve a player’s style to reduce the likelihood of head injuries. Similarly, Prevent Biometrics introduced its Head Impact Monitor System (HIMS) which uses sensors to detect collisions immediately and to notify players and coaches to seek medical attention when necessary.

These tools may become integral to the safer football initiative but they are not yet affordable for non-NFL leagues such as at the college or high school level. The Zero 1 helmet, for one, costs $950 per piece. The Riddell Precision Fit costs $1750. Evidently, there is still room for improvement.

Are you experimenting with developing safer football helmets or monitoring tools that are more affordable and effective for football players? Did you know your experiments, even those that were unsuccessful, could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you could receive 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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“$1.1 million flop” – Failed Wind Turbines in Addison Demonstrate the Need for R&D

Almost a decade ago, the city of Addison, TX set its sights on constructing a new water tower powered by eight wind turbines that would sit atop of the tower. Intended to become an artistic and renewable energy landmark, the project was designed by an artist who claimed that when people see the tower, “They will know they are in Addison.” Unfortunately, the once-optimistic project would instead become known for its failed wind turbines.

In 2011, Landmark Structures was commissioned to build the water tower and Urban Green Energy manufactured the wind turbines which were installed in February 2012. One of the turbines fell off the tower only three months after installation. While no one was hurt, the turbines continued to demonstrate poor craftsmanship even after repairs. In December 2012, a blade hit a nearby building, destroying a conference room. In 2013, the turbines were removed, re-fitted, and reinstalled. However, another blade flew off the turbine in 2014.

While the water tower was functional, the failed wind turbines, made originally in China, proved to be a safety hazard. According to Dave Lieber, the project was “a $1.1 million flop” and “not one kilowatt of electricity was generated.” As a result, the city of Addison is issuing a lawsuit against Landmark Structures and Urban Green Energy who had designed and handled the construction of the project. Until the legal case is sorted, the failed wind turbines will remain atop of the water tower.

Are you working on projects attempting to improve wind turbines and prevent future accidents and lawsuits like Addison’s failed wind turbines? Did you know your experiments, even those that were unsuccessful, could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you could receive 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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Dallas-Fort Worth Airlines leading the charge towards Inflight WiFi

Soon, “Airplane Mode” on your laptops and mobile devices may become a thing of the past. More and more airlines are introducing inflight WiFi, according to the 2018 WiFi Report by Routehappy, a flight shopping platform. The Report found that 82 airlines worldwide now offer inflight WiFi. That’s 12 more airlines compared to last year. “Two years ago, there was only a one in three chance you would board a flight with Wi-Fi,” said Jonathan Savitch, Routehappy’s chief commercial officer. Now, it’s almost a 50% chance.

Not only is inflight WiFi becoming more common, it is also getting faster and more advanced. WiFi systems are categorized into three types: basic, better, and best. Airlines are increasingly moving away from basic connectivity – with no streaming media capability – to the “better” category which allows for web browsing and limited media streaming. 57 percent of WiFi systems are using “better” connectivity. The “best” WiFi system consists of satellite-based broadband service that allows for video streaming and is comparable to your WiFi connection at home. While only 16 percent of inflight WiFi systems currently have “best” connectivity, it’s already a 129 percent increase from last year and the shift from “better” to “best” connectivity isn’t slowing down. Jason Rabinowitz, director of airline research at Routehappy, said, “It is now likely that Wi-Fi at 32,000 feet may be cheaper and faster than the WiFi at many airports.”

86% of carriers in the United States offer full or partial inflight WiFi, with Dallas-Fort Worth airlines leading the charge. Southwest Airlines, based in Dallas, is one of only three carriers in the world that guarantees inflight WiFI on all of its flights. The other two are Icelandair and Virgin Atlantic. Routehappy also measured inflight WiFi availability by Available Seat Miles (ASM) which determines airline capacity. The Report found that Fort Worth-based American Airlines ranked second only to Delta in terms of most ASMs with inflight WiFi. Both American and Southwest have committed to upgrading its WiFi systems to become faster and more reliable.

The United States’ leadership in the inflight WiFi market isn’t guaranteed, however. Savitch said, “When we look at this from a long-haul perspective, we see where the next battleground is. Emirates has the lion’s share.” Last year, Emirates had included WiFi connectivity on its fleet rollout of Boeing 777s. Lufthansa is also catching up with its introduction of a hybrid satellite and LTE connectivity for its narrow-body fleet.

Inflight WiFi in the United States has come a long way but there is still room for improvement. Are you working on innovative ways to improve WiFi connectivity on American flight carriers and helping the United States maintain its position as a leader in aerospace travel? Your efforts could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you could receive up to 14% back on your expenses. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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Real Estate and Virtual Reality Makes the Phrase “Well this doesn’t look anything like the pictures” Obsolete

As Americans are increasingly transient and moving across states and cities, many just don’t have the time to trek out and scope potential properties. Virtual reality can change that, with a growing number of real estate agents adopting the technology and offering potential buyers a chance to view their future home without even stepping foot on the property.

Martha Johnson, a real estate agent in Dunkirk, MD with EXIT 1 Stop Realty, uses VR regularly with her clients. She records properties, with the listing agent’s permission of course, on a 360-degree camera and stores those videos on a secure online portal for her clients. She also provides them with VR goggles which are connected to a smartphone app so that her clients can take a tour of the property from wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling.

Johnson first learned about the technology during a seminar in North Carolina, where another real estate agent had used virtual reality to assist members of the military relocate and find a new home. She said, “They get their orders and they know ’OK, well in so much time, a few months, I’ve got to be here.’ But, if they’re halfway across the country, or in Germany for that matter, it’s very hard to go look at houses.” Connie Stommel, broker and owner of EXIT 1 Stop Realty, asserted the technology is helpful for those who do not live in the area: “Especially for people that are overseas or long distance, they’re coming in from a different state, so it’s definitely a wonderful tool to be able to offer.” Robert Brown of Cornerstone Real Estate Professionals is also a proponent of virtual reality. “It’s a huge plus, having out-of-state buyers being so familiar with the property before they even get here,” he said. Some buyers have even made an offer before stepping onto the physical property.

For those within a local radius, virtual reality is helpful for busy families and professionals who don’t have lot of time to spare to commute to different properties. The virtual tour is often more efficient than a physical walkthrough. Johnson said, “[Virtual reality] takes me maybe seven minutes in a house. If you’re out with the client, you’re in the house probably for 30 [minutes].” Before virtual reality “a lot of times, in my experience, they walk in and they go ‘Well this doesn’t look anything like the pictures, ’” she explained. Now, clients can’t say that anymore.

Experimenting with virtual reality for real estate and other industries? You could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and receive up to 14% on your research expenses. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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