IDTechEx

Big Advancements Ahead in Lead Battery Energy Storage Innovation

A three-year scientific research project currently underway at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory is showing promising results to unlock the untapped potential of lead batteries. Lead batteries currently supply over 70% of the world's rechargeable battery energy needs. Yet, possibilities exist to expand their performance to meet growing energy storage and transportation demands.

Growing Underground

Growing Underground is a British vertical farming company operating out of a World War 2 air raid shelter 33 metres below the streets of London. In December 2019, IDTechEx Analyst Dr Michael Dent visited the Growing Underground farm to learn about their process and taste their crops.

Future of Transportation Conference Vienna Dec 10/11: Our Report

Future of Transportation Conference Vienna Dec 10/11: Our Report

Smart Shirt with Integrated Sensors is Opening up New Applications

The special feature of TEXTILE-CIRCUIT is that conductive yarns can be incorporated directly into the textile during the warp knitting process, and they can be positioned in any location and in any design. Functional elements, such as sensors, conductors and coils, can be placed exactly where they are needed. No additional production sequences are needed whatsoever, and the textile characteristics are fully retained.

CPI Supports Successful Smart Food-Labelling Project

CPI has supported the development of a next generation smart labelling technology aimed at dramatically cutting food waste and health risks across the perishable goods industry.

Underwater Robotic Gliders to Measure Ocean Sound Levels

At a time when ocean noise is receiving increased global attention, researchers have developed an effective method to use an underwater robotic glider to measure sound levels over broad areas of the sea.

Self-Healing Liquid Brings New Life to Battery Alternative

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are a revolutionary technology, found in everything from cellphones to cars. But the chemistry behind them is facing a looming challenge. Lithium-ion batteries cannot be recharged indefinitely; the materials in these batteries' electrodes expand and crack with each cycle, gradually decreasing their storage performance until they are useless. The resulting demand for fresh lithium, cobalt and other necessary elements puts a strain on natural resources.

Nigeria Electrification Project Commissions First Solar Mini-Grid

The project was the first to be implemented under the World Bank supported Nigeria Electrification Project. Through the project's mini grids component, it aims to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity to 300,000 homes and 30,000 local businesses in the country.

Adding Copper Strengthens 3D Printed Titanium, Study Finds

Successful trials of titanium-copper alloys for 3D printing could kickstart a new range of high-performance alloys for medical device and aerospace applications.

Electronics Integrated to the Muscle via 'Kirgami'

A research team has developed a donut-shaped kirigami device for EMG recordings. The proposed device reduces device displacement on a large deformable muscle surface. Accurate and robust EMG recordings offer EMG signal-based human-machine interfaces that allow prosthesis control for amputees.

Volvo Presents Heavy-Duty Electric Concept Trucks

Volvo Trucks, having recently started sales of electric trucks for urban transport, believes that electrification can become a competitive alternative also for heavier trucks. To explore and demonstrate the possibilities, Volvo Trucks has developed electric concept trucks for construction operations and regional distribution.

Material for Safer Football Helmets May Reduce Head Injuries

Scientists have developed elastic microlattice pads that can withstand both single hits and a series of impacts better than existing state-of-the-art foams used in football helmets. Their research suggests that the material may pave the way for helmets that better protect football players and other athletes from brain injuries caused by repeated head hits.

Vertical Crop Consultants

Vertical Crop Consultants is a company that produces hardware for the vertical farming industry. Its flagship product, the CropBox, is an upcycled shipping container which can grow crops far more efficiently than conventional farmland. In December 2019, IDTechEx Analyst Dr Michael Dent spoke with Tripp Williamson, President of Vertical Crop Consultants.

Stereotaxis

Stereotaxis develops robotic cardiology instrument navigation systems for performing endovascular procedures (such as catheter ablation) for the treatment of arrhythmias.

Printed Electronics Europe 2020: See It All at this Must-Attend Event

Printed Electronics Europe 2020, on 13 & 14 May in Berlin, is part of the largest global event series on the topic, with over 2,500 attendees and 200 exhibitors expected. Lock in your attendance now and benefit from the excellent value of our super-early bird discount of 50% ending on 19 December.

Technology to Wirelessly Charge Smart Contact Lenses

A smart contact lens with a rechargeable supercapacitor power source that can be charged up wirelessly could be used to track a wearer's health, without compromising on comfort.

AllCell Technologies

AllCell Technologies design and manufacture LI-ion battery packs. Their phase change material thermal management technology helps them produce lightweight and long lasting batteries.

Freight Farms

Freight Farms is an agricultural technology company that manufactures "container farms", hydroponic farming systems retrofitted into upcycled freight containers. In December 2019, IDTechEx Analyst Dr Michael Dent spoke with David Turina, Account Executive at Freight Farms.

BYD Lands Europe's Largest Ever Electric Bus Order

BYD has secured the largest ever single order for electric buses in Europe in a deal with Keolis Nederland BV, the Dutch subsidiary of global public transport provider, Keolis. The landmark order comprises 259 pure-electric, 100% emissions-free BYD eBuses scheduled for programmed delivery from next summer.

South Korea Moving Forward With World's Largest Floating Solar Project

The floating PV plant would be located behind the world's longest seawall at Saemangeum that encloses 409km2 of reclaimed area.