Every year, TIME highlights inventions that are making the world better, smarter and a bit more fun. The inventions are nominated by editors and correspondents from all over the world and via an online application process. Thousands of nominates are reviewed every year. The editorial team evaluates each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, creativity, efficacy, ambition and impact. This year the list of the best inventions includes vaccines for COVID-19 and malaria, an emotional support robot for hospitalized children, an environmentally friendly dye for jeans, and a brand new pasta shape —that are changing how we live, work, play and think about what’s possible. Among special mentions besides WOWCube® entertainment system, Apple M1 processor, LG G-series OLED Evo 4K Gallery TV, Samsung Eco remote, Cerebras CS-2 AI system, and others. Our team is inspired to work even harder and bring more fun, joy, and edutainment to the life of people.