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2020

Roll-Up TVs and Bendable Smartphones: Choices for Flexible Electronics

A future with foldable, bendable, flexible and ultrathin electronics is fast becoming our present. The materials responsible for these consumer goods are typically polymers — plastics — that conduct electricity. To better understand this promising class of substances, scientists developed a technique that uses light to quickly and accurately test materials' conductivity — and potentially reveal behavior that other methods could not.

Urban Use of Ultralight Flexible CIGS Thin Film Solar Cell

CIGS thin film solar cell: A kind of next-generation thin-film solar cell that can be fabricated on glass or (flexible) plastic substrate. This kind of solar cell shows high conversion efficiencies even with very a thin absorber layer with 1-2 μm thickness.

CPI Partners with Canadian SME and National Research Council of Canada

CPI has announced the successful development of a scalable purification process for graphene oxide production in partnership with Graphene Leaders Canada Inc. a Canadian SME, and the National Research Council of Canada. This will overcome a key barrier to future large-scale production of GO, reducing costs and facilitating the adoption of GO to improve performance of industrial products.

Robotic Hand can Handle Eggs, cut Paper with Scissors

The robotic hand can be easily mounted on a variety of robot arms, and offers the world's strongest grasping force against its own weight. It is expected that the use of robotic hands will be extended to industrial sites as well as everyday life.

E2IP

E2IP, formerly GGI Solutions, specializes in human machine interfaces and printed electronics. One of its key products is molecular ink, which is highly conductive, stretchable and flexible. They have also developed printed heaters based on PCT thermistors, capacitive sensors and frequency selective surfaces, primarily with a view to applying them in in-mold electronics (IME).

Neutron Diffraction Used for the First Time to Improve Batteries

The first battery innovation project in Europe using hi-tech neutron diffraction techniques has been launched in Spain under the Consortium for Battery Innovation's new technical program.

2019

Battery-Free Computer Input at Your Fingertips

Computer scientists have created a device for wearable computer input suitable for many situations, just by touching your fingertips together in different ways.

Material for wearables that can self heal after being stretched or cut

A research team announced a new material, developed via joint convergence research, that simultaneously possesses high stretchability, high electrical conductivity, and self-healability even after being subjected to severe mechanical strain.

Improving accessibility of cold spray additive manufacturing

3D printing of metal-based parts, also known as metal additive manufacturing technologies, is a rapidly growing industry with significant potential for new uses in the automotive and aerospace industries, among others.

A sustainable and recyclable thermoelectric paper

Researchers have created a new concept of thermoelectric material, a device composed of cellulose, produced in situ in the laboratory by bacteria, with small amounts of a conductive nanomaterial, carbon nanotubes, using a sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy.

2018

Canada representation again strong at this year's IDTechEx Show!

The annual IDTechEX Show! will take place this coming November 14 and 15 in Santa Clara, CA, with another strong Canadian delegation set to attend.

Columbus Superconductors

Columbus are a magnesium diboride (MgB2) wire manufacturer who have commercialized their wire products. This interview was conducted in April 2018, but due to confidentiality agreements has been published in July 2019.

2017

EU's future cyber-farms to utilise drones, robots and sensors

Bee-based maths is helping teach swarms of drones to find weeds, while robotic mowers keep hedgerows in shape.

New robotic fish for environmental monitoring

A group of researchers are designing autonomous underwater vehicle with biosensors to monitor water quality.

Scalable 100% yield production of conductive graphene inks

Conductive inks based on graphene and layered materials are key for low-cost manufacturing of flexible electronics, novel energy solutions, composites and coatings. A new method for liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite paves the way for scalable production.

2016

Thermoelectric material in paintable liquid form

A new study has succeeded in developing a new technique that can be used to turn industrial waste heat into electricity for vehicles and other applications.

Smart bricks will transform how buildings work

Smart bricks capable of recycling wastewater and generating electricity from sunlight are being developed by a team of scientists.

Li-air battery technology: tough road ahead

In mid 2016, A. Laforgue, Automotive and Surface Transportation, National Research Council of Canada and collaborators issued a paper "Assessment of the Li-air battery technology for automotive applications through the development of a multi-electrode solid-state prototype". It comes at a time when the US Department of the Environment has told IDTechEx it has de-emphasised research on this option because of fundamental limitations.

Interview: Tangio Printed Electronics & Research Council Canada

Video interview with Tangio Printed Electronics and the National Research Council Canada at the Printed Electronics USA event.

2015

Energy storage devices created by printing with Manganese Dioxide ink

MnO2 has always been regarded as an ideal material for the electrodes of energy storage devices.