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ASX Tech Stocks: Fast Brick raises for a robot; and Nanoracks is taking out the space trash
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- The International Space Station uses cool sci-fi trash bag
- Fast Brick raises $1.9m for sci-fi brick laying robot
- iCetana says it’s about 40% better than last year
Usually, astronauts on the International Space Station hold on to trash until a special cargo vehicle comes along, collects it and then burns up on re-entry to the atmosphere.
But now, they have flashy new space trash bags.
Nanoracks has designed a waste container that can hold up to 600 lbs (around 272 kgs) of trash which is released from a special airlock.
It also burns up on re-entry but doesn’t create any space debris.
And the first test bag has been trialled, successfully disposing of 172 lbs (78 kgs) of trash including foam and packing materials, cargo transfer bags, dirty crew clothing, assorted hygiene products and used office supplies.
For the first time, the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock has helped take out the trash from the @Space_Station! ~172 pounds of waste was sent to burn up on reentry this past weekend. The trash included packing materials, dirty crew clothing and used office supplies. 🗑️ pic.twitter.com/52VTyw0G7y
— ISS Research (@ISS_Research) July 7, 2022
“This was the first open-close cycle of the Bishop Airlock, our first deployment, and what we hope is the beginning of new, more sustainable ISS disposal operations,” Nanoracks CEO Dr. Amela Wilson said.
Nanoracks’ Bishop Airlock program manager Cooper Read said waste collection has been a long standing challenge aboard the ISS.
“Four astronauts can generate up to 2,500 kg of trash per year, or about two trash cans per week,” he said.
“As we move into a time with more people living and working in space, this is a critical function just like it is for everyone at home.”
Who’s got tech news out today?
Robotics company FBR has raised $1.9m in a placement, with funds to be used for working capital and the commissioning of its next-generation Hadrian X bricklaying robot.
The company received a firm commitment from a wholly owned subsidiary of existing strategic investor Brickworks Limited (ASX:BKW) – which is Australia’s largest brick producer.
This will result in BKW holding a 4.93% stake in the company via its subsidiary, plus BKW has the right to participate in any future capital raising that FBR undertakes to the extent needed to maintain its 4.93% shareholding.
AI video analytics and security system player iCetana says it has achieved 40% per annum compound annual growth in Annual Recurring Revenue over the 2020-2022 period.
And there’s plenty of room for growth.
The company says it has a massive addressable market, with more than 1 billion surveillance cameras in operation globally – and that’s growing by around 160 million cameras each year.
ICE says clients save money using its AI systems, and that its licence provides a 300%+ return on investment – with one client reporting an operating cost reduction of 14% on a 200-camera shopping mall’s security and critical event costs.
FBR and ICE share prices today:
