IDTechEx

Flexible Solution to Hydropower in Mountainous Regions

Mountain regions have a large potential for hydropower that cannot be harnessed effectively by conventional technologies. An innovative hydropower technology based on electric trucks could provide a flexible and clean solution for electricity generation in mountainous regions.

Smart LED Contact Lenses for Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is a long-term chronic disease with many complications and requires care over a lifetime. The longer a patient suffers from diabetes, the higher the risk of developing retinopathy which can progressively lead to a decline in vision and even to blindness.

Markforged Expands Digital Forge Capabilities with Precise PLA

Markforged announced the addition of Precise PLA to its portfolio of materials. The new capability allows customers to product design and iterate in a cost-effective manner. The Digital Forge platform is now able to address all stages of product design - from validation, which relies on more affordable materials like Precise PLA, to strong, end-use applications reliant on Markforged's carbon fiber reinforced and metal-printed parts.

Using Pancake Stacks to Make Better Electronics

Scientists are working to develop advanced electronics by taking inspiration from a breakfast favourite and stacking molecules like pancakes. Researchers are one step closer to creating solar electronics that are flexible, powerful, and better for the environment.

Stratasys Expands GrabCAD Software Partner Program

Stratasys Ltd announced the continued expansion of the GrabCAD Software Partner Program with new partners Oqton and Riven. Oqton is a cloud-based manufacturing operating system company based in Ghent, Belgium; and Riven provides 3D reality intelligence for digital manufacturing, based in Berkeley, California.

Cionic's Neural Sleeve Granted FDA Clearance

Cionic is proud to announce that its first product offering, the lightweight leg-worn Cionic Neural Sleeve, has been granted FDA clearance for "functional electrical stimulation to assist in gait for people with foot drop and leg muscle weakness." This FDA clearance allows Cionic to take their Neural Sleeve to market .

IBC Solar Energy is Expanding its Project Portfolio in Hungary

IBC SOLAR Energy, the international project division of IBC SOLAR AG, has signed contracts for the realization of two megawatt solar parks in Hungary with a nominal capacity of 51 megawatt peak and 45 MWp.

Dynex Semiconductor (CRRC): EV Power Electronics

Dynex is a UK-based power electronics developer and manufacturer. They were acquired by CRRC and can now utilise China-based manufacturing for high volume orders.

FUCHS: Dielectric Immersion Fluids for EVs

FUCHS are a global supplier of lubrication solutions. IDTechEx spoke to FUCHS to learn more about their dielectric fluids for immersion cooling EV battery packs.

Synbiosys

Synbiosys is a start-up based in London, UK that is developing a deep learning-based software for the validation of 3D-printed components. IDTechEx spoke with CEO Jose Videira.

Measuring Pulse Waves with Hair Thin Printed Patches

A pulse wave is a wave in which the blood flow - that originates from the heartbeat - is transmitted to the body. It is an important biosignal that indicates cardiovascular health. Analyzing the pulse wave signal can diagnose cardiac conditions including high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and more. However, conventional pulse wave measuring devices are cumbersome as they require wearing the blood-pressure measuring cuff or stiff tong-shaped sensor and can mostly be performed at hospitals.

Britishvolt and Aston Martin to Develop High Performance Battery Tech

Britishvolt is partnering with Aston Martin as the ultra-luxury carmaker moves another step forward in its journey to electrification, with an agreement to develop bespoke high performance battery cell technology.

World Record Solar Cell Goes From Lab to Industry

While the solar research community has witnessed even higher perovskite-tandem cell efficiencies, these records have been achieved using lab technology that is not directly transferrable into mass production. The achievement of Q CELLS and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin is noteworthy principally because the 28.7% efficiency was reached using an industry feasible and cost-efficient bottom cell structure.

Bendy Robotic Arm Twisted Into Shape With Help of Augmented Reality

The flexible arm can twist and turn in all directions, making it readily customisable for potential applications in manufacturing, spacecraft maintenance, and even injury rehabilitation.

California DMV Disengagement Stats Are In: Here Is IDTechEx's Top 3

California DMV has recently released its new 2021 autonomous testing and disengagement data, which essentially describes how safe autonomous vehicles are. IDTechEx has performed its analysis on the data and the results may surprise you.

Robot "Bugs" That Can Go Just About Anywhere

These ancient creatures can squeeze through the tiniest cracks, fit snugly into tight spaces and survive in harsh environments: There aren't many spaces that are off-limits to an insect. That's why researchers have created tiny bug-inspired robots that can carry out tasks in hard-to-reach spaces and inhospitable environments.

Energy Harvesting Wearable Made From Recycled Waste

Wearable devices could soon be entirely made of recycled waste materials - and powered by human movement, thanks to a new energy-harvesting device developed by researchers.

Organic Batteries Charge Up

Fully organic rechargeable household batteries are an ideal alternative to traditional metal-based batteries, in particular for reducing pollution to landfill and the environment.

Sony and Honda Plan Electric Vehicle Joint Venture

Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Co Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines their intent to establish a joint venture through which they plan to engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services.

Solar Paneled Canals Getting a Test Run

Covering the 4,000 miles of California's water canals could reduce evaporation by as much as 82 percent, saving about 63 billion gallons of water a year. That's comparable to the same amount needed to irrigate 50,000 acres of farmland or meet the residential water needs of more than 2 million people. Covering all state water canals with solar installations would also generate 13 gigawatts of renewable power, equaling roughly 1/6th of the state's current installed capacity — about half the projected new capacity needed by 2030 to meet the state's decarbonization goals.