IDTechEx

The Autonomous Car Supply Chain: A Detailed Overview

As the automotive industry moves to higher levels of automation, IDTechEx are seeing shake-ups in the established supply chains. Currently, OEMs can shop at multiple tier 1s to gain supply of specific advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection systems. However, as these discrete systems consolidate into integrated autonomous driving systems, so too will the supply chain. This premium article gives examples of existing ADAS cars and their supply chains. It then investigates the technology companies looking to package sensor components, such as radar, LiDAR, and cameras with computer hardware, into a single autonomous system. The article identifies several OEMs, including Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) and BMW, that are interested in this holistic approach to autonomy supply for the future and explains who they are partnering with and what the supply chain will look like.

Electric Construction Machines Vital for Greener Construction

Construction machines are estimated to generate around 400 Mt of CO2 emission per year, which is around 1.1% of global CO2 emission. Decarbonization of non-road mobile machines will therefore be an important factor in efforts to limit global climate change. With an increasing number of countries around the world committing to a net-zero carbon future, the construction industry is facing growing scrutiny of its' greenhouse gas emissions.

Metal Additive Manufacturing Rebounds to Hit $18 Billion by 2032

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted a key target market for metal additive manufacturing - aviation. Additionally, global supply chain disruptions have led companies to re-evaluate their operations. Within this environment, how has metal additive manufacturing fared?

Drug Incorporated Into Silicone Coating Reduces Reaction to Implants

Long-term use of implantable electronic medical devices - such as pacemakers and cochlear implants - is hampered by the body's reaction to foreign bodies. Now, in a study in mice has shown that this reaction can be dramatically reduced by incorporating an anti-inflammatory drug into the silicone coating around the implant.

Audi to Transform Automobile Into Experience Platform for VR

Audi is the first automobile manufacturer in the world to bring virtual-reality entertainment from holoride into series production. Beginning this summer, back seat passengers can put on virtual reality glasses and immerse themselves in various media formats including games, films and interactive content. The main attraction: The virtual content adapts to the driving movements of the car in real time.

Minesto to Concentrate Dragon Class Operations in Faroe Islands, 2022

Minesto has decided to concentrate this year's operations with its Dragon Class marine energy converters at the established and grid-connected site in Vestmannasund, Faroe Islands. This plan will mitigate supply chain delays and at the same time allow Minesto to take advantage of significant synergies and new opportunities for more cost-effective operations, electricity production under an existing Power Purchase Agreement, and hence a quicker route to commercial roll out.

Project to Digitise Reusable Packaging

The project code-named TRACE (Technology-enabled Reusable Assets for a Circular Economy) will use PragmatIC's ultra-low-cost NFC technology to give reusable containers unique digital identities so that the packages can be efficiently and effectively returned and reused.

Elaphe: In-wheel Motors to Increase Drive Cycle Efficiency

IDTechEx caught up with Elaphe Propulsion Technologies, an electric motor manufacturer for electric vehicles based in Slovenia. Elaphe has deep expertise across all motor technologies, but today is best known for its direct-drive in-wheel motor solutions. IDTechEx learned that Elaphe is at the start of an anticipated high growth phase, with plans to bring a highly efficient in-wheel motor solution to the market as automakers look to lessen their reliance on expensive batteries.

Spexor (Grow Platform/Bosch)

Spexor was formed within Bosch's start up incubator 'grow platform' and have developed a portable security device which measures intrusion, indoor air quality, fire gases, temperature, humidity, as well as showing the outdoor air quality and pollen level.

Xtrac: electric motor transmissions

Xtrac provides high-performance, lightweight transmissions for motorsport and hypercar applications. IDTechEx spoke to Xtrac at FPC2022.

Friendly Robots

Friendly Robots is an American start-up founded by Xiao Xiao, a previous Apple engineer who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley.

Alternative Batteries to Play a Key Role for Stationary Storage

Announcements of developments to alternative, next-generation, non-lithium battery chemistries, including redox flow, metal-air, or sodium-ion batteries, are now a regular occurrence. Despite interest in these alternatives, Li-ion batteries remain the dominant choice for consumer devices, electric vehicles, and stationary storage. However, the importance of non-lithium battery chemistries is expected to grow considerably over the next 10 years, especially in the stationary energy storage sector. By 2025, IDTechEx forecast that >10% of the stationary market will be accounted for by non-lithium chemistries, up from <5% in 2021.

AIM3D

AIM3D is an industrial pellet 3D printer manufacturer based in Rostock, Germany. IDTechEx spoke with CEO and cofounder Vincent Morrison.

Medical Training Robots with Realistic Pain Expressions

A new approach to producing realistic expressions of pain on robotic patients could help to reduce error and bias during physical examination. A team of researchers has developed a way to generate more accurate expressions of pain on the face of medical training robots during physical examination of painful areas.

Ynvisible Set to Release Lowest Energy Consuming Printed E-Paper

Ynvisible Interactive Inc, on 15th March 2022, plans on releasing an updated version of their display, positioning it as the lowest energy-consuming printed e-paper display on the market.

Using 3D Printed Tissues to Explore Causes of Neural Diseases

By using the most innovative 3D printing technologies to precisely control the architecture of these systems, an attempt can be made to reproduce the structural complexity of the cerebral cortex. The objective is to integrate the neural circuits with their intricate support system. This is a crucial aspect of the study, as it would allow to collect important biological data in a longer timeframe compared to the models available today.

Hydrogen-Battery Microgrid for Queensland Rainforest

The Daintree Renewable Microgrid proposes to deliver a renewable energy microgrid for the Daintree community in two stages to improve the affordability, reliability and security of energy supply to the community.

Converting Waste Heat into Electrical Power for Ships

On vessels where moving to low-sulphur fuel has created a surplus of steam, the E-PowerPack will transform the excess into a free source of power. Going forward, the E-PowerPack will also be vital as energy recovery becomes key in transitioning to green methanol and ammonia.

Integral e-Drive

Integral e-Drive provide electric motors and power electronics to several motorsports and supercar applications. IDTechEx spoke to Integral e-Drive at FPC2022.

Equipmake: Electric Motors and Power Electronics

Equipmake is a UK-based manufacturer of electric motors and power electronics. IDTechEx interviews Equipmake at FPC 2022 to learn more about their offerings and future plans.