IDTechEx

MWC 2022: Trends in futuristic applications and network infrastructure

The MWC event in Barcelona earlier this month gathered more than 60,000 mobile experts from all around the world. From digital applications to network infrastructure, IDTechEx was there to cover major developments in the industry! Here are some of the key trends we observed at MWC2022 Barcelona.

OQmented

OQmented are a fabless developer of laser beam scanning (LBS) systems, focusing on displays for augmented reality (AR) devices and 3D sensing for consumer electronics. The Fraunhofer ISIT spinout use hermetically sealed MEMS mirror systems and Lissajous scanning to increase device performance. The company, based in Itzehoe, Germany, are in the process of spinning out their automotive LIDAR operations.

Can Oil be Climate Compatible?

The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warned us over the threat global warming is posing, with consequences already being felt and accelerating rapidly. At the same time, the price of oil is at its highest since 2008 and is likely to continue to soar. Although prices at these levels are largely war-driven, both oil and gas prices were already climbing as economies reopened last year. These events have just shown how energy vulnerable and dependent on fossil fuels the global economy still is.

Ford in Europe: Nine All Electric Vehicles by 2024

Ford has announced significant strides toward an all-electric future in Europe, which will see the company transformed and offering a new generation of seven, all-electric, fully-connected passenger vehicles and vans by 2024.

New Brain-Computer Interface With a Flexible Backing

Engineering researchers have invented an advanced brain-computer interface with a flexible and moldable backing and penetrating microneedles. Adding a flexible backing to this kind of brain-computer interface allows the device to more evenly conform to the brain's complex curved surface and to more uniformly distribute the microneedles that pierce the cortex. The microneedles, which are 10 times thinner than the human hair, protrude from the flexible backing, penetrate the surface of the brain tissue without piercing surface venules, and record signals from nearby nerve cells evenly across a wide area of the cortex.

Flexible Products for Off Grid Communities Starting in Kenya, Rwanda

Bboxx has announced two new clean energy products that will add to their existing roster of clean energy, clean cooking, mobile technology, and accessible finance solutions: an affordable 'plug and play' portable solar lantern, designed for rural customers and those who are mobile. The product is also capable of charging mobile phones; a Pay-As-You-Go token-based multi-light solar system, designed for rural customers at the bottom of the energy pyramid, with a demand for lighting applications and mobile phone charging.

Titomic

Titomic are an Australian metal additive manufacturing company making cold spray printers using 'Titomic Kinetic Fusion' technology. IDTechEx spoke with non-executive director Dr. Andreas Schwer at Formnext 2021.

An International Standard for Measuring the Flatness of Graphene

Graphene is often portrayed as the ultimate conductor, thanks to its flexibility and to its excellent conductivity. However, research has shown that the electrical and the structural quality of graphene are intimately connected, and that nanoscale lattice deformations caused by surface corrugations limit the mobility of electrons in graphene.

Envision AESC and Mercedes-Benz Announce New Battery Partnership

Envision AESC announces a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz as the luxury automotive brand gets ready to go all electric. Under the new agreement, Envision AESC will supply high-performance battery cell modules to support end to end production of all-electric Mercedes-EQ vehicles in Alabama.

Battery Free Sensor Line powered by Epishine's Indoor Solar Cells

ELSYS is launching their first battery-free products using Epishine's indoor light energy harvesting solution. The environmentally friendly sensor line is launching two sensor types called ERS Eco and ERS Eco CO2. They are entirely powered by Epishine's indoor solar cells and are made from biodegradable materials.

Energy Study Brings Port of London Authority a Step Closer to Net Zero

UK Power Networks Services is supporting the Port of London Authority's sustainability ambitions by successfully completing an energy feasibility study to identify opportunities to integrate low-carbon generation technologies across its sites and floating structures.

SolarEdge Provides Renewable Energy for 11 Schools

SolarEdge, announces its DC-optimised solar solution has been chosen to supply clean, renewable energy for 11 schools in Coventry and South Gloucestershire. Funded by grants from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the rooftop PV systems are forecast to produce combined annual energy savings of more than £194,000 and reduce carbon emissions by 298 tonnes.

Concrete-AI Becomes Associate Corporate Member of WCA

The World Cement Association has further expanded its international network of members by welcoming Concrete-AI as an Associate Corporate Member.

Fluence's AI Powered Bidding Application Selected by Gransolar

Fluence announced that the Spanish renewable energy company Gransolar Group's battery division, E22, has signed an agreement with Fluence to deploy the Fluence IQ Bidding Application at its first battery-based energy storage project in Australia - a 5 MW / 7.5 MWh system in Victoria.

SEA Electric Continues Push into Zero-Emissions School Buses

SEA Electric continues the push into the zero-emissions school bus space with the piloting of a Blue Bird Type C school bus powered by a SEA-Drive® 120b power-system.

Hysata's Electrolyser Breaks Efficiency Records

Hysata's world-leading hydrogen electrolyser technology has been recognised on the global stage with ground-breaking research published.

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.