Over the past year, scientists and engineers have invented and developed many innovative devices and solutions to improve the present and make the world a happier and more comfortable place. We offer you to learn about some inventions of the past year.

Among the most amazing inventions is edible drone Pouncer, developed to deliver the humanitarian assistance. The plywood frame of the device can be used for firewood, and in the wings, under the containment, there are stocks of food. The containment itself may be used as a shelter. This year, it is planned to launch the production of such drones.

The wheelchair SafariSeat for bad roads should be considered another important invention. The device is a kind of SUV among the wheelchairs. The apparatus with potent wheels is controlled by hand levers. The wheelchair was created from bicycle parts, so such devices can be easily assembled and repaired even in the poorest countries.

The researchers took into account the interests of young citizens, too, in particular children with autism. A special toy has been developed for them - Leka. This high-tech device allows the little patients to fully communicate, gradually socialize, acquiring the necessary skills in the game. Leka is very sensitive to the behavior of autistic children.

An interesting ecological solution of the past year has become an edible package for foods. It was created from the milk. In August 2016 the U.S. Ministry of Agriculture's experts reported the development of a new biodegradable sheeting, made of the milk protein - casein. It is expected that the new product will allow in the future to give up plastic. Such package helps to maintain products 500 times better than the plastic one.

The experts and ordinary citizens have recognized another innovation equally important for environment - biodegradable package for beer by Saltwater Brewery, which is edible for underwater inhabitants. The basis of this invention are by-products of brewing - wheat and barley. The novelty was presented to the public in May 2016.

In order to save our planet's resources, scientists have created a device that can clean up coastal waters. The giant water purifier had been developing for more than five years. It was launched in 2016. The device Boomy McBoomface, the creator of which is a Dutch businessman Boyan Slat, is drifting along the coast. Its task is to collect the debris from the surface of the sea. After catching, a special conveyor forwards waste to the central tower for sorting and recycling.

Another important social invention is a two-sided tent WeatherHYDE, intended for the homeless. It is able to hide from any weather changes. On one side of the product there are reflective panels, not letting the sun's rays in during the heat, and the reverse side is made of fabric, which protects from frost. It does not allow the heat of human bodies to dissipate.

In a series of inventions that are important to developing countries there is an air conditioning, assembled from plastic bottles. Eco-Cooler is made of halves of plastic bottles. These bottles are inserted into a special plate that is installed in huts instead of window glass. With the passage of the hot air from the outside through narrow neck bottles its temperature drops sharply. This helps to reduce the temperature by 10 degrees. In Bangladesh, a number of rural communities have already been using a similar system.

In our world, where transport has become an integral part of life, a "hovering" (as if arised from the future) Transit Elevated Bus can be considered as a great invention. In May, the Chinese engineers presented its prototype. It was expected that the invention will help to reduce the traffic congestion and air pollution. The device runs on electricity and moves on special supports. This bus can accommodate 1200 passengers and is much cheaper than usual. Currently, a new type of vehicle is passing a series of tests.