2019 Year in Review: World of Technology

2019 Year in Review: World of Technology

NFK Editors - December 27, 2019

To recap 2019, NewsForKids.net is taking a look back at some of the most interesting stories we’ve covered this year.
Today we’re looking at stories that show how technology is changing our world.

Google’s Quantum Computer Takes Huge StepOctober 31, 2019

Google scientists say they have used a special “quantum computer” to complete a calculation that would take the fastest computers in the world up to 10,000 years to solve. It took Google’s computer 200 seconds.

Man Builds Brain-Controlled Robotic HandMay 16, 2019

In elementary school, Glenn Cameron was very aware of the challenges faced by his friend, who was missing a hand. Now Mr. Cameron has built a robotic hand that can be controlled by a human brain.

Grocery Stores Try Self-Driving Delivery CarsJanuary 11, 2019

Grocery stores are testing different ways of delivering orders using self-driving cars. Companies are experimenting more as self-driving cars get better and the pressure from online stores like Amazon gets stronger.

Faking Videos is Easy – and DangerousSeptember 11, 2019

It has become very easy for people to use computer programs to make fake videos that seem real. Many people are very worried about how these tools might be misused.

Brazil to Sell Computer-Created PerfumeJune 4, 2019

A beauty company in Brazil will soon begin selling two brand-new perfumes. But there’s an unusual story behind the perfumes – the smells were created by a computer.

The Growing Problem of RansomwareAugust 28, 2019

The computer systems of local governments, school districts, and businesses are being targeted more often by criminals, who lock the computer files, and refuse to unlock them until they are paid.

Sweden Begins Using Driverless Electric TrucksMay 31, 2019

A company called Einride has begun using driverless electric trucks on a public road in Sweden. The project is testing ideas that could bring important changes in transportation.

Mara Makes First ‘Made in Africa’ SmartphonesNovember 22, 2019

In October, a Rwandan company called Mara opened two factories – one in Rwanda and the other in South Africa. The factories will produce the first smartphones built completely in Africa.

Company Turns Sunlight into Extreme HeatNovember 20, 2019

A company called Heliogen has announced a new process that can reach extremely high temperatures using only the power of the sun. The process could help reduce the pollution that’s causing the climate crisis.

San Francisco Says “No” to Facial RecognitionMay 30, 2019

San Francisco has decided that its city government workers can’t use computer programs that recognize faces. San Francisco is the first US city to take such a strong step to keep this technology under control.

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Scientists at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom have created what they call “the world’s smallest violin”. The violin is made of metal and is so tiny that it can only be seen with a powerful microscope. The project was designed to test new technology for building extremely small things.

Rubik’s Cube Record Smashed by College Students

NFK Editors - Jun 26, 2025

Students at Purdue University have created a robot that can solve a Rubik’s Cube faster than any robot ever. The robot, which they call “Purdubik’s Cube”, solves the cube in just 0.103 seconds. That’s faster than the time it takes to blink your eyes.