HP's research division called HP Labs is aiming to mix the computing technology with the physical world in projects futuristic projects that sound a bit like sci-fi.
Silicon Valley Revolution
According to the company's official website, HP Labs is reinventing the future through transformative technologies that are expected to disrupt economies and industries around the world. For instance, the company has repurposed its inkjet printers in order to build structures from living cells. HP Labs is preparing the emergence of the third chapter in the book of Silicon Valley, according to CNET.
Innovation in Silicon Valley was about atoms during the first chapter, building electronic transistors on silicon wafers. These transistors have started the computing revolution. The second chapter in Silicon Valley's book was about the success of internet services like Google and Facebook.
In order to keep being competitive now, a company must combine both approaches. According to HP Chief Engineer, Chandrakant Patel, Silicon Valley will become a cyber-physical valley in the 21st century. HP is joining this technological revolution among other highly innovative companies. For instance, Google is testing self-piloting stratospheric balloons designing to provide internet access, while Tesla Motors is building driverless cars. Amazon is using drones to automate fast delivery for e-commerce.
HP Changes
HP and HP Labs went through massive changes in Patel's three decades with the high-tech company. Among these changes was the 1999 separation of the Agilent division that develops test and measurement products. HP split in two again around one year ago, when it was divided into Hewlett Packard Entreprise that sells IT products and services to businesses and the consumer-focused HP.
However, HP Labs founded 50 years ago did not change its fundamental goal. The HP research and development division is involved in everything from researching basic physics to developing prototypes that are near-market ready. Among its top projects are included developing new 3D printers and nanotechnology applications.
