The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper.

The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper.

Innovations - brought to you by Volkswagen
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  • Innovation

Sixth sense

Cars that sense a driver nodding off behind the wheel and can "see" pedestrians in the dark.

Power up

Petrol engines will increasingly give way to electric power in the next decade.

Get smart

New in-car technology means our cars talk to us and each other.

Powerful combination

Hybrid vehicles combine efficiency and environmental benefits with power and range.

New game gizmo uses mind control

A computer headset will allow people to control video games using only the power of their minds.

Small but perfectly formed

The Australian made gadgets that make work easier, including a pocket-sized projector.

Life in the virtual world after Second Life

While some companies involved in Second Life packed up shop, there is still life in the virtual world.

Charity starts with good organisation

An inexpensive asset tracking system is helping charities focus on the people who need their help.

A personal connection

Rhys Cooper got involved in his latest project after realising what it is like to be alone; really alone.

 

Social networks get down to business

They are thriving communities and business wants to join the club.

The next big thing

Our technology entrepreneurs are not going to let a slowing economy stop the the good ideas.

Innovative one day, dividends the next

A Queensland-based software company puts its strategy to the test.

Inner workings

Some companies are voluntarily opening up their businesses to greater scrutiny.

In good company

Employees are finding new ways to discover the truth about potential employers.

Secrets of online retail success

Research suggests Australian retailers are not ready for their customers to stay home to shop.

How green is your business?

Sustainable offices gain popularity as companies realise the benefits to the business and brand.

Torchbearers take part in the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch relay at the Badaling section of the Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing August 7, 2008.      Joe Chan (CHINA)

Clear up those grey skies

China's drive for blue skies is good news for Australian business.

surf  The International Surf Rescue Challenge, Bondi Beach.  Competitors sat the finish of the men s board race late into the evening at Bondi.  291107   SPORT  PLEASE CLEAN IMAGE CQC

Riding the wave

According to Bill Gates an economic downturn is the perfect time for an innovation upturn.

Keeping talent in tough times

Rewards don't always have to be financial, but is saying thank you the same as a salary hike?

A pot boiler

A musical produced by an advertising agency blurs the lines between art and advertising.

Sidewalk show

David Byrne of Talking Heads fame takes his creative flair and love of cycling to the streets.

Smooth and sleek

Designer Alicia Mintzes transformed an ugly yellow sharps container into a thing of beauty.

Light the way

A young designer turns windows into a power source to provide light all day.

Ring of life

Artist Leah Heiss combines beautiful jewellery with the latest advances in molecular technology.

Bale by bale

Straw didn't work for the three little pigs but that hasn't stopped a Sydney council using the material.

Handle with care

The perfect cup of tea starts long before you boil the kettle.

Designer treads softly

Designer Stefan Lie wants to encourage recycling one step at a time.

New take on Tate Modern

The humble brick is reinvented as part of the gallery's grand makeover.

Innovation: Introducing TSI

Volkswagen’s TSI twin or singlecharged engine combines our innovative and world-leading direct injection petrol technology with turbocharging.