Emergence

Redox Flow Batteries 2018-2028: Markets, Trends, Applications

Redox flow batteries are an energy storage technology initially developed by NASA in the 70's for space applications. After several years of intensive R&D, in 2006, several key patents on the technology expired, opening up the arena to companies all around the world.

Autonomous mobile robots: more diversity than first meets the eye

Autonomous mobility, in the general public's eye, is now synonymous with cars. Whilst this might be the largest ultimate prize, it is by no means the only commercial manifestation of this technology. Indeed, as the IDTechEx Research report New Robotics and Drones 2018-2038: Technologies, Forecasts, Players demonstrates, numerous autonomous mobile robots are being commercialized in applications where there is (a) a clear commercial purpose and (b) a more structured and predictable environment.

Comments on Shell Sky Scenario

In its new Sky scenario, Shell says that, between now and 2070, there will need to be a change in consumer mindset so that people choose low-carbon, high-efficiency energy options. A step-change in the efficiency of energy use is needed.

Transparent conductive films and materials: past, present and future

The market for transparent conductive films and materials has been rapidly changing.

Charging conundrum discussed at IDTechEx's EV event in Berlin

The electric vehicle charging infrastructure conundrum will be discussed at Electric Vehicles Everything is Changing, part of the IDTechEx Show!, in Berlin on 11-12 April.

Cells as Factories: The Emergence of New Value Chains

The upcoming IDTechEx Show! in Berlin (11th-12th April) features an array of emerging technologies from 3D printing to sensors used in healthcare.

Collaborative arms: Success convinces everyone to follow suit

Traditional robotic arms are caged, operating in robot-only zones. This is changing with the emergence of collaborative robotic arms.

Integrating drones safely into UK skies

NATS, the UK's leading air traffic services provider, and fast-growing UK-based drone traffic management solutions company Altitude Angel, have entered a strategic partnership that lays the foundation for a future whereby drones and manned aircraft could safely co-exist in the UK's busy skies.

Industrial robotic arms: how long will the growth supercycle continue?

In this article, we will explore the basis of the industrial robotic arms growth supercycle and consider the short- and long-term future of sales. We will also discuss the impact of other trends such as the rise of collaborative robotic arms, the emergence of new players and applications for surgical arms, and the progress in other uses of robotic arms such as dairy farming.

New Robotics and Drones 2018 to 2038: Innovations, Markets and Players

New Robotics and Drones 2018 to 2038: Innovations, Markets and PlayersRobots are becoming uncaged, mobile, collaborative and increasingly intelligentand dexterous, moving beyond their traditional strongholds to bring automationto previously inaccessible task

Renewable power generation costs in 2017

Renewable energy has emerged as an increasingly competitive way to meet new power generation needs. This comprehensive cost report from the International Renewable Energy Agency highlights the latest trends for each of the main renewable power technologies, based on the latest cost and auction price data from projects around the world.

Mobile robots: disrupting last mile delivery

Last mile delivery remains an expensive affair in the parcel delivery business, often representing more than half of the total cost. Its importance is also growing thanks to a change in the composition of total deliveries with B2C deliveries rapidly taking on a bigger share. E-commerce companies are also pushing next-day and now same-day services, often at a major growing loss, hoping to take away that last stronghold of bricks-and-mortar shops: instant customer fulfilment. It is within this context that autonomising the movement in the last mile delivery step finds its imperative.

Molecular Robotics capitalizes on recent explosion of technologies

Collaborations between nanotechnologists, synthetic biologists, and computer scientists create nanoscale tools that could revolutionize fields from cancer diagnostics to materials science.

Engineers program tiny robots to move, think like insects

While engineers have had success building tiny, insect-like robots, programming them to behave autonomously like real insects continues to present technical challenges.

What the European Commission is doing to foster battery innovation

As proof of IDTechEx's long-standing collaboration with the EU Commission, technology analyst Lorenzo Grande was invited to deliver a talk on the state of the art of battery manufacturing and how Europe can catch up with its Asian and North American competitors. A selection of the slides presented during the meeting have been included at the end of this premium article.

FDA approves first digital pill

FDA approves Abilify MyCite, a pill with a sensor that digitally tracks if patients have ingested their medication

Continuous ceramic fibres let CMCs and MMCs take off and land

Ceramic Metal Composites (CMC) and Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) are not new concepts, but they have never reached their potential. To date, a wide range of particles and whiskers have been used in these matrices, but the advantages have been questionable, applications limited, and manufacturing challenges difficult.

Stretchable and Conformable Electronics: Heading Toward Market Reality

Stretchable and conformal electronics are more than just novelties. This article by IDTechEx analysts Dr Khasha Ghaffarzadeh and James Hayward, first published in SID Information Display, describes how many of the simpler and less glamorous aspects of stretchable and conformable devices have already been commercialized or are very close to being commercialized.

Research breaks new ground in memory technology

An international research team pioneered the development of a novel thin, organic film that supports a million more times read-write cycles and consumes 1,000 times less power than commercial flash memories.

Drone delivery: publicity stunt or game changer in instant fulfilment?

The idea of drone delivery sharply divides commentator opinion: some dismiss it as a mere publicity stunt whilst others consider it a game changer that will bring near instant product fulfilment to e-commerce, stripping traditional shops of their last major differentiator.