i3 - July/August 2018 - 4

Editor's Note

Keeping it Simple

I T I S I N N OVAT I O N
PRESIDENT AND CEO

Gary Shapiro

Innovation is a mindset. It can be as simple as a unique twist
on an idea that adds new value. Or it can be as complex as an
entirely new paradigm that will forever change how people
live. Entrepreneurs often think in a compelling way. Instead
of saying that a concept will never work, they flip it and say,
how can I make my idea viable?

had the opportunity to sit down
with an entrepreneur who has
grown his passion for robotics
into a nearly $1 billion company.
iRobots' Founder and CEO Colin Angle
is clearly a visionary. He has the ability to
translate abstract robotics and technologies and transform them into actionable products, initially for military use
and now focusing exclusively on the
consumer market. With more than 1,000
plus patents, including the Roomba,
which is the number one vacuum in the
U.S. The company has also produced
nearly 40 alumni
that have gone on
to form new startups or become top
tech executives.
We also look at
rare earth elements (REE) and a
new cache that
was recently discovered off the
coast of Japan.
Many people are
unaware that these
REEs are essential
building blocks for
products such as
LEDs, digital TV screens, cameras, wireless phones, fuel cells, and even selfdriving vehicles. Our feature examines
how this new treasure trove will enable
a host of new consumer technology
products and guarantee a plentiful supply in the future.
What's more, we focus on how LiDAR
will be used in self-driving cars to help
them navigate more easily. Besides
high-definition maps that help determine precisely where a vehicle is, automakers are pursuing innovative ways a

JULY/AUGUST 2018

self-driving car can react to the people
and objects along its path. And in the
sports world, companies are starting to
combine blockchain tech with fantasy
sport leagues. They are using decentralized networks to provide quicker verification, faster withdrawal speed and
more payment options.
Other new ways of doing things
include AI software that is being used in
Hollywood and elsewhere to edit films
and TV programs, write music and handle cinematography. Studios, networks
and production companies are even
looking at ways to
use AI in script
writing and distribution workflow.
It is just the
beginning for
machine-made
creativity.
CES Asia 2018
recently wrapped
up and broke
records with an
impressive keynote lineup, product debuts and
conference sessions. See page
40 for key stats from the show and
mark your calendars for CTA's Innovate
Celebrate conference to be held in
Boston on October 13-15. In the meantime, enjoy the summertime, whether
you're at the beach, in the mountains or
traveling to your favorite city. Please
send comments to cstevens@CTA.tech.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Jean Foster

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cindy Loffler Stevens
MANAGING EDITOR

Mark Chisholm

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jeremy Snow

SENIOR CREATIVE
MANAGER

John Lindsey

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ian Shields

MANAGER,
CREATIVE DIRECTION

ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT

Eric Schwartz
Oleg Burdo

CIRCULATION
MANAGER

Gretchen Mitchler

Matt Patchett

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Gary Arlen, Alan Breznick, Robert Calem, Jack Cutts, John Gaudiosi,
Steve Koenig, Natalie Hope McDonald, Allan Richter,
Ron Schneiderman, Steve Smith, Susan Schreiner, Murray Slovick
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Kari Aakre, Intel; Dave Arland, Arland Communications;
Sally Washlow, Cedar Electronics; Peter Brinkman, Casio;
Gabriele Collier, HDMI; Kristen Cook, The Marketing Shack;
Danielle Deabler,NPR Labs; John Dunstan, Netgear; Sean Durkin,
Tencent; Bill Kircos, Intel; Bill Leebens, LM&M; Chris Loncto,
Sharp Electronics Corp.; Daniel Pidgeon, Starpower; David Steel,
Samsung; John Taylor, LG Electronics
DESIGN, PRODUCTION AND PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT

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SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Carolyn Miller

Cheryl Beaver,
Andy Gulczynski

SENIOR DESIGNER

Scott Wooledge
PHOTO EDITOR

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Gabby Tan

Leah Rudolfo
It Is Innovation (i3) is published as a service to the members of the
Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and to key players in the consumer
technology industry. CTA represents more than 2,200 U.S. manufacturers
of audio, video, digital imaging, accessories, mobile electronics, home
networking, wireless communication, information technology and multimedia
products that are sold through consumer channels.
The opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and not necessarily
those of CTA. Comments, questions and letters to the editor are welcome.
Address responses to: It Is Innovation (i3), Consumer Technology Association,
1919 South Eads St., Arlington, VA 22202, tel: 703 907 7600.
© 2018 Consumer Technology Association
Articles from this issue may be reproduced in whole or in part,
provided full credit is given to CTA.
CES® and International Consumer Electronics Show®
are trademarks owned by CTA.
It Is Innovation (i3) (USPS 022897 Vol. 6, No. 4) is published bi-monthly by the
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Cindy Loffler Stevens,
Editor-in-Chief
I T I S I N N O VAT I O N

http://www.cta.tech http://www.CES.tech

i3 - July/August 2018

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