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2020

Allowing Robots to Feel

With the help of machine learning, researchers have developed a novel yet low-cost tactile sensor. The sensor measures force distribution at high resolution and with great accuracy, enabling robot arms to grasp sensitive or fragile objects.

New Universal Carrier Ink for 3D Printing

Researchers have produced a gel from cellulose fibres and biodegradable nanoparticles that liquifies when pressed through the nozzle of a 3D printer, but then quickly returns to its original shape. Their invention paves the way for personalised biomaterial implants.

Switzerland's Local Blockchain-Based Electricity Market

For one year, 37 households in Walenstadt have sold solar power in a local blockchain-based electricity market. The participants involved in this pioneering project, the first of its kind in the world, were very positive about their experience.

9T Labs

9T Labs are a start-up 3D print continuous carbon fiber composites. IDTechEx spoke with Yannick Willemin (Business Development Specialist).

Ultrasound Can Selectively Kill Cancer Cells

A new technique could offer a targeted approach to fighting cancer: low-intensity pulses of ultrasound have been shown to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.

Storing Data in Everyday Objects

A research team has discovered a new method for turning nearly any object into a data storage unit. This makes it possible to save extensive data in, say, shirt buttons, water bottles or even the lenses of glasses, and then retrieve it years later. The technique also allows users to hide information and store it for later generations. It uses DNA as the storage medium.

2019

Glass From a 3D Printer

Producing glass objects using 3D printing is not easy. Only a few groups of researchers around the world have attempted to produce glass using additive methods. Some have made objects by printing molten glass, but the disadvantage is that this requires extremely high temperatures and heat-resistant equipment.

Cutting-Edge Robot 'Trimbot' Makes Short Work of Gardening

A gardening robot has been developed that can self-navigate and automatically prune roses and trim bushes.

Leg amputees feel and use the prosthesis as a real limb

Tiny electrodes implanted in the patients' thigh nerve allow them to feel natural sensations of touch and movement from the prosthesis. Therefore, the amputees can walk freely while thinking about different activities other than controlling the device.

A battery that can be bent, stretched and twisted

Researchers have used stretchable materials to develop a battery that can be bent, stretched and twisted. For applications in bendable electronic devices, this is precisely the kind of battery they need.

Feeling legs again improves amputees' health

Two volunteers are the first above-knee amputees in the world to feel their prosthetic foot and knee in real time. Their bionic prosthesis, which was developed by an international team of researchers, features sensors that connect to residual nerves in the thigh. The resulting neurofeedback greatly reduces physical and mental strain for users of the prosthesis.

Carbon-neutral fuels from air and green power

Several challenges associated with the energy transition can be managed by coupling the sectors of electric power and mobility. Green power could be stored in the long term, fuels of high energy density could be used in a carbon-neutral way.

Revolutionising the CRISPR method

Everyone's talking about CRISPR-Cas. This biotechnological method offers a relatively quick and easy way to manipulate single genes in cells, meaning they can be precisely deleted, replaced or modified.

Cytosurge announces spin-off 3D printing business unit

All 3D Printing activities of Cytosurge will be transitioned into an autonomous entity. The new company will be able to focus entirely on providing solutions for processes and instruments in the field of additive micro manufacturing of micro metal parts.

E-Textiles 2019-2029: Technologies, Markets and Players

IDTechEx Report: James Hayward

3D printing of metallic micro-objects

3D printing has become an increasingly important production method. Researchers have now developed a new 3D printing technique by which micrometre-sized objects made of several metals can be produced with high spatial resolution.

A biosynthetic dual-core cell computer

Researchers have integrated two CRISPR-Cas9-based core processors into human cells. This represents a huge step towards creating powerful biocomputers.

Crystalline Mirror Solutions (CMS)

Crystalline Mirror Solutions (CMS) manufacture low-noise, reflective optical components based on a patented coating technology.

3D Printing 2019-2029: Technology and Market Analysis

IDTechEx Report: Dr Bryony Core

Laser Diodes & Direct Diode Lasers 2019-2029: Technologies, Markets & Forecasts

IDTechEx Report: Dr Nilushi Wijeyasinghe