IDTechEx

Octopus Energy, Elia Group To Build Cutting Edge Smart Grid

Octopus Energy Group's Kraken Technologies and Belgian energy innovator Elia Group have signed a deal to help Belgium and Germany transition to a smart green grid.

Engineers Invent Ultra-Fast Manufacturing Technology

A team of engineers has invented new technology that could forever change the manufacturing of wearable, electronic sensors. They've figured out a way to speed up production without having to use polymer binders - the industry standard in printing flexible sensors, which are often used to monitor vital signs in health care settings.

XJet Ramps up Presence in Asia Pacific

The distribution agreement with Pentatech has seen installation of XJet's first two additive manufacturing systems in China, and also on the Asian continent, which are now running live at Pentatech's demonstration site in Hangzhou. Further systems will be installed at other sites by the end of the year.

Nexa3D and 3D DDS Partner to Support Digital Dentistry

Nexa3D announced the formation of a new reseller partnership with 3D DDS. This strategic collaboration will combine Nexa3D's ultrafast LSPc 3D printing technology with 3D DDS's training, personalized technical support, backup print services and custom workflow management integration tools to deliver unmatched part quality, throughput and performance.

Liquid Hydrogen Bunkering Unit for Fuelling Zero-Emission Ships

Unitrove has unveiled the world's first liquid hydrogen bunkering facility for fuelling zero-emission ships. The unveiling, at the City of Glasgow College's Riverside Campus, is the culmination of months of work.

Novel 3D Printing Technique to Engineer Biofilms

The research may aid in developing drugs to fight the negative effects of these microorganisms that adhere to surfaces.

Gridtractor Launches Fleet Electrification Services

Electrifying one medium-sized tractor in California reduces carbon emissions by as much as replacing 45 cars with EVs. Gridtractor will help farmers seamlessly integrate electric charging and vehicle to grid into their operations to strengthen the power grid with its smart energy platform. In addition, the company estimates farms can save 55-75 percent on fuel costs by going electric, and up to 90 percent by supplying stored power to irrigation pumps and to the grid.

ReSkin Could Help Researchers Discover a Sense of Touch

Picking up a blueberry or grape without squishing it isn't hard, but try teaching it to a robot. The same goes for walking on ice, turning a key to unlock a door or cooking a favorite dish. When it comes to the senses, touch remains a challenge for artificial intelligence and robotics researchers.

Producing Carbon-Neutral Transportation Fuels From Sunlight and Air

Researchers have developed the process technology that can produce carbon-​neutral transportation fuels from sunlight and air. Now they demonstrate the stable and reliable operation of the solar mini-​refinery under real on-​sun conditions. And they show a way to introduce solar fuels to the market without additional carbon taxes.

MOIA: Ride-Pooling from VW

MOIA is a ride pooling service funded by Volkswagen. The service is available in Hamburg and Hanover and uses small electric buses with space for 6 passengers. Riders are pooled into groups requesting similar pick-up and drop-off points, riders then share the cost of the trip. The service is cheap, fast and comfortable, and shows the potential for urban transport in the future.

In-Mold Electronics: Short Term Pain, Long Term Gain?

Will the capacitive human-machine interface (HMI) components of the future be produced using IME, or will the simpler currently utilized manufacturing methodologies persist?

Around-the-Clock Renewable Energy for Microsoft Data Centres

AES Corporation has signed a 15-year agreement with Microsoft to support the company in achieving its 100/100/0 by 2030 goal. Microsoft will use the around-the-clock renewable energy provided through this agreement to power its data centers located in Virginia. The structure of the agreement utilizes both existing renewable projects under a long-term contract to Microsoft, while also adding additional renewable resources in the region.

Join the Upcoming IDTechEx Webinar - Smart Cities in 2022

Friday 12 November 2021 - covering recent progress with smart cities and what is likely to happen in 2022. It deals with both new cities and existing ones that are radically modernising. Learn how the objectives are now far more ambitious

World's First Emission-Free High Speed Catamaran

Stockholm-based Echandia has signed an agreement to supply the world's first emission-free high-speed catamaran with an integrated battery and hydrogen-based fuel cell system. The client is Green City Ferries AB and the ferry is planned for commercial traffic in Stockholm.

Researchers Boost Human Mental Function with Brain Stimulation

In a pilot human study, researchers show it is possible to improve specific human brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility by merging artificial intelligence with targeted electrical brain stimulation.

OnRobot A/S

IDTechEx spoke to OnRobot at the event Robotics and Automation 2021. OnRobot - headquartered in Odense, Denmark - is an end-effector tooling producer for a range of robots, and now has about 200 employees.

KNAPP

IDTechEx spoke to Mick Priestley, Business Development Manager at KNAPP at the event Robotics and Automation 2021. They are a global provider of automation solutions, employing more than 5000 people worldwide. They are an integrator for every process in the intralogistics, including picking, sorting, packing and transporting.

Rexroth

IDTechEx spoke to Steven Morris, Product Sales Support Manager at Rexroth at the event Robotics and Automation 2021. Rexroth is an engineering company providing industrial components, equipment, conveyors, AGVs and collaborative robots. They are based in Lohr am Mail in Germany. Rexroth is the result of a merge on 1 May 2001 between Mannesmann Rexroth AG and the Automation Technology Business Unit of Robert Bosch GmbH, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH.

iFollow

IDTechEx spoke to Frazer Watson, UK Country Manager at iFollow. They develop, manufacture and sell autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for order picking and transportation of heavy loads in warehouses. They are based in Gentilly, France, and have about 35 employees. However, Frazer has revealed the plans to expand its manufacturing facilities in France and open a new UK office in Derby, since they recently received a 7.5 million EUR (8.66 million USD) investment.

Join the Upcoming IDTechEx Webinar on Materials Informatics

Thursday 11 November 2021 - The latest commercial developments in the field; Assessment of the different strategic approaches being adopted; The key technology pillars required for a MI approach; Industry pain points; and Application case studies