IDTechEx

Optinvent

Optinvent designs and produces geometric/reflective optical waveguides, which are unique due to their construction from monolithic injection molded plastic elements. Their chief use is in augmented reality glasses, but they are also used in avionics applications. The upcoming generation can expand images in 2D. The company also used to produce smart glasses with their waveguides but has pivoted towards being a pure waveguide design house.

Join the Upcoming IDTechEx Webinar on New Self-healing Materials

Thursday 13 January 2022 - New Self-healing Materials Save Lives, Money, and the Planet. The webinar explains how this is a world of many materials including a lot of silicon polymers such as geopolymers and silicones. It involves many ionomers, hydrogels, polyurethanes, ionomers, epoxies and Diels-Alder polymers but much more besides.

Adsentec

Specialist gas sensor consulting.

TruLife Optics

TruLife Optics is a company that focusses on optical image combiners using holographic technology, for augmented reality (AR) and defense applications. For AR, its capability range encompasses waveguides as well as freespace holographic element combiners. It is positioned as a solutions company, preferring to work directly with clients on product development and manufacturing rather than offering a defined product range.

Modular Facade Supplies Buildings with Renewable Energy

The rate of renovation in the building sector is still too low to achieve the energy transition by the target date set by the German federal government. However, increased use of prefabricated components can help accelerate this process. Researchers are developing a facade module that integrates the technical building equipment and supplies it with renewable energy to heat, cool and ventilate the adjoining rooms.

John Deere Reveals Fully Autonomous Tractor

John Deere has revealed a fully autonomous tractor that's ready for large-scale production. The machine combines Deere's 8R tractor, TruSet-enabled chisel plow, GPS guidance system, and new advanced technologies. The autonomous tractor will be available to farmers later this year.

Stopping Dementia at the Nose

Via drug repositioning, researchers have created a combination of rifampicin and resveratrol and have shown in mouse models that the nasal administration improves cognitive function without the negative liver side effects of rifampicin alone.

Trial of Exoskeleton Technology for Children with Cerebral Palsy

A major, five-year clinical trial to test a treatment strategy for children with cerebral palsy using patented and patent-pending inventions comprising a lightweight, wearable robotic device that provides neuromuscular training while making walking easier.

Engineering Next Generation Solar Powered Batteries

Secondary batteries, such as lithium ion batteries, need to be recharged once the stored energy is used up. In a bid to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, scientists have been exploring sustainable ways to recharge secondary batteries.

Lumus

Lumus is an Israeli company which designs optical engines for AR/MR and head mounted display (HMD) devices. These optical engines are composed of a display and reflective (geometric) waveguide - Lumus' key expertise are in the design of these waveguides, which can expand the exit pupil in two dimensions. These waveguides, originally invented by Lumus, are mass-produced via license by original design manufacturers (ODM) partner firms, although Lumus has its own smaller production line for military products and R&D work.

Competition in the Silicon Anode Market Set to Intensify

Commercial interest in silicon anodes and investments into start-up companies has continued through 2021 - IDTechEx estimates that $1.9B of funding has now made its way into silicon anode start-ups. Beyond investments, there has also been greater activity regarding companies beginning to license technologies, enter into supply relationships or commercialize technologies in early adopter markets, highlighting that the promise of silicon anode technology may soon be realized.

Self Healing Nanomaterials Usable in Solar Panels, Electronic Devices

The field of self-repairing materials is rapidly expanding, and what used to be science fiction might soon become reality, thanks to scientists who developed eco-friendly nanocrystal semiconductors capable of self-healing.

Mercedes-Benz Taking Electric Range and Efficiency to a New Level

Range and efficiency are set to define the electric era. Exceptional range will make electric cars suitable for every journey and help to increase overall adoption. Reduced battery size and weight will improve efficiency and Mercedes-Benz engineers are working to take range and efficiency to a new level.

Revitalizing Batteries by Bringing 'Dead' Lithium Back to Life

Researchers may have found a way to revitalize rechargeable lithium batteries, potentially boosting the range of electric vehicles and battery life in next-gen electronic devices.

E Ink Announces Pledge to Reach Net Zero Carbon Emissions By 2040

E Ink has pledged to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2040. E Ink has been working for several years towards zero carbon emissions to help mitigate the impact of climate change and to promote sustainable technologies. E Ink has a three phase plan to reach their commitment of Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2040.

A History of ADAS: Emergence to Essential

IDTechEx predicts that SAE level 3 autonomous features, such as traffic jam pilot, will emerge in 2022 and become common in vehicles by 2042. How did IDTechEx predict this time scale? The answer lies in the historical adoption trends of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technologies.

Grapheal

Grapheal develops wearable and disposable biosensors for continuous monitoring and on-site diagnosis.

Fortera Corporation

Fortera converts carbon dioxide directly emitted from a cement plant kiln and mineralizes it into a cementitious material. In November 2021, IDTechEx technology analyst Dr Hydra Rodrigues spoke to Kas Farsad, Vice President of Corporate Development at Fortera Corporation.

China's First Operating Hydrogen Engine for Commercial Vehicles

China Yuchai International Limited's hydrogen-powered engine achieved stable ignition and operation in a recent demonstration at the Beijing Institute of Technology. The YCK05 engine is the first operating hydrogen engine for China's commercial vehicle market, the world's largest commercial vehicle market.

Injectable, Adhesive Surgical Gel to Prevent Scar Tissue

Up to 90% of patients who undergo open abdominal or pelvic surgery develop postoperative adhesions, or scar tissue. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical approaches can reduce the severity of the adhesions, but the scar tissue still forms.