New Asian Inventions

When it comes to new inventions, the world looks to Asia for the latest new products, and there is no shortage. According to the National Science Foundation, Taiwan, South Korean and Japan are among the leading sources of foreign inventions patented in the United States.

Sony Portable Printer

• As of November 2010, Sony had released its new Picture Station portable photo printer only in Korea. The DPP-FP90 and DPP-FP70 models have a carrying handle and are very lightweight and compact. They offer quick photo printing in a unit that is less than the size of a children's lunchbox.

Photochromic Material

• According to Science Daily, Japanese researchers have "developed a 'photochromic' material that changes color thousands of times faster than conventional materials when exposed to light." This development will lead the way for diverse new products from improved sunglasses to medical applications.

Robotic Wheelchair

• Designed to ease the work of caregivers, researchers at Saitama University's Human-Robot Interaction Center in Japan have created a wheelchair that tracks and follows ambulatory companions. Sensors in the chair gauge the distance and direction of the caregiver and move the chair so that it stays close. Upon detecting crowded walkways, the chair will automatically move behind the caregiver.