Linkoping University

Artificial muscles powered by glucose

Artificial muscles made from polymers can now be powered by energy from glucose and oxygen, just like biological muscles. This advance may be a step on the way to implantable artificial muscles or autonomous microrobots powered by biomolecules in their surroundings.

New polymer mixture creates ultra-sensitive heat sensor

Scientists have developed an ultra-sensitive heat sensor that is flexible, transparent and printable. The results have potential for a wide range of applications - from wound healing and electronic skin to smart buildings.

Cellulose-based material gives three sensors in one

Cellulose soaked in a carefully designed polymer mixture acts as a sensor to measure pressure, temperature and humidity - at the same time! The measurements are completely independent of each other. The sensor may be highly significant in fields such as robotics, healthcare and security.

Organic printing inks may restore sight to blind people

A simple retinal prosthesis is being developed using cheap and widely-available organic pigments used in printing inks and cosmetics, it consists of tiny pixels like a digital camera sensor on a nanometric scale. Researchers hope that it can restore sight to blind people.

Double perovskites in environmentally friendly solar cells

A further step has been taken along the road to manufacturing solar cells from lead-free perovskites. High quality films based on double perovskites, which show promising photovoltaic properties, have been developed.

Blowin' in the wind - a source of energy?

It may in the future be possible to harvest energy with the aid of leaves fluttering in the wind. Researchers have developed a method and a material that generate an electrical impulse when the light fluctuates from sunshine to shade and vice versa.

Capturing brain signals with soft electronics

A new technology for long-term stable neural recording. It is based on a novel elastic material composite, which is biocompatible and retains high electrical conductivity even when stretched to double its original length.

A major step forward in organic electronics

Researchers have developed the world's first complementary electrochemical logic circuits that can function stably for long periods in water. This is a highly significant breakthrough in the development of bioelectronics.

New theory to describe widely used material

A researcher has put forward a theoretical model that explains the coupling between ions and electrons in the widely used conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS. The model has profound implications for applications in printed electronics, energy storage in paper, and bioelectronics.

IKEA Open Innovation Challenge in Printed Electronics

IKEA has invited a selection of companies to propose innovative ideas and technologies aiming at E-labels and/or Digital Communication Carriers.

High-precision control of printed electronics

Printed electronic transistor circuits and displays, in which the colour of individual pixels can be changed, are two of many applications of ground-breaking research.

Next generation electric load carrier concept

The second-generation concept machine is part of an electric site research project that aims to transform the quarry and aggregates industry, by reducing carbon emissions by up to 95% and total cost of ownership by up to 25%.

A rose to store energy

In November 2015, the research group presented results showing that they had caused roses to absorb a conducting polymer solution. Conducting hydrogel formed in the rose's stem in the form of wires. With an electrode at each end and a gate in the middle, a fully functional transistor was created.

The world's first heat-driven transistor

Scientists have created a thermoelectric organic transistor. A temperature rise of a single degree is sufficient to cause a detectable current modulation in the transistor.

Project to 3D print human skin

Imagine being able to print human skin with 3D printers. Skin that can be used for transplants or as a model for testing new products. A project with the aim to make this happen is now starting.

Supercondenser stores heat as electricity

Researchers have created a supercondenser that can be charged by the sun. It contains no expensive or hazardous materials, has patents pending, and it should be fully possible to manufacture it on an industrial scale.

Event report: Innovations in Large Area Electronics

IDTechEx attended the second innoLAE conference, which took place on the 1st and 2nd of February 2016 in Cambridge (UK). It was organised by the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Large-Area Electronics.