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2017

When solar-powered drones meet Arctic glaciers

Solar-powered flying platforms have yet to prove their real-world applicability outside of targeted demonstrations. Monitoring glaciers in polar regions is in pole position to become a primary application, as the midnight sun offers ideal conditions for perpetual flights.

3-D-printed minifactories

There will soon be nothing that cannot be produced with 3D printing. However, the materials used for this process are still "dead matter" such as plastics or metals.

Ultra-thin concrete roof with thin-film photovoltaics

A prototype for an ultra-thin, sinuous concrete roof using innovative design and fabrication methods. A second, exterior layer of the concrete sandwich structure encloses the roof, onto which thin-film photovoltaic cells are installed.

Biodegradable microsensors for food monitoring

A new generation of microsensors could provide the vital link between food products and the Internet of Things. Researchers have developed an ultra-thin temperature sensor that is both biocompatible and biodegradable.

Drones can almost see in the dark

Researchers have taught drones how to fly using an eye-inspired camera, opening the door to them performing fast, agile maneuvers and flying in low-light environments.

Green light for ultra-fine display colours

Chemical engineers have succeeded in generating ultra-pure green light for the first time. The new light-emitting diode will pave the way for visibly improved colour quality in a new generation of ultra-high definition displays for TVs and smartphones.

Improving understanding of the quantum world with quantum dots

Quantum behaviour plays a crucial role in novel and emergent material properties, such as superconductivity and magnetism. Unfortunately, it is still impossible to calculate the underlying quantum behaviour, let alone fully understand it.

CytoSurge AG

Cytosurge AG specialises in the manufacture of micropipettes for life science applications and in 2017 commercialised the first submicron metal 3D printer, the FluidFM 3D printer.

Platelets instead of quantum dots

A team of researchers has developed a model to clarify the general mechanism of nanoplatelet formation. Using pyrite, they also managed to confirm their theory.

Liquid fuel for future computers

n the future, a new type of tiny redox flow battery will supply tightly packed electronic components with energy, while also dissipating the heat they produce.

Perpetual drones

Nothing lasts forever: things wear out. However, there is a huge pent up demand for "perpetual" autonomous drones for everything from security to surveying, meteorology and even power generation.

2016

On-site robotic construction

The new Mesh Mould building technology no longer uses the timber formwork. It combines the functions of the formwork and reinforcement into a steel wire grid, which is manufactured by a robot based on a computer model.

World's first cybathlon showcases performance enhancing robotics

The pilots pitted their skills in six disciplines and demonstrated most impressively how novel technologies can assist people with disabilities in their daily life.

Sensirion

David Pugh interviewed Heiko Ulmer, director of business development at Sensirion, ahead of the release of their first multi-pixel gas sensor.

Solid batteries improve safety

Researchers have developed a lithium-ion battery made entirely of solid material: it contains neither liquids nor gels.

Rechargeable batteries that last longer and re-charge more rapidly

Materials researchers have developed a very simple and cost-effective procedure for significantly enhancing the performance of conventional Li-ion rechargeable batteries.

iniLabs

We recently interviewed Dr Kynan Eng, CEO of iniLabs which is a 7-year-old spin out from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. They have developed a novel CMOS-based photosensor technology.

Copper deposition to fabricate tiny 3D objects

A new 3D microprinting process allows scientists to manufacture tiny, complex metal components easily.

2015

CO2-free fuel made from renewable electricity

The demonstration and technology platform "move" enables Empa researchers to develop new vehicle drive concepts with significantly lower CO2 emissions and test them in practice.

Electrochemistry to satisfy mass demand

High-performance lithium ion batteries face a major problem: Lithium will eventually start to run out as batteries are deployed in electric cars and stationary storage units.

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