IDTechEx

Smart microrobots adapt to their surroundings

Scientists at EPFL and ETH Zurich have developed tiny elastic robots that can change shape depending on their surroundings. Modeled after bacteria and fully biocompatible, these robots optimize their movements so as to get to hard-to-reach areas of the human body. They stand to revolutionize targeted drug delivery.

Process to 3D print piezoelectric materials

The piezoelectric materials that inhabit everything from our cell phones to musical greeting cards may be getting an upgrade. Researchers have developed methods to 3D print piezoelectric materials that can be custom-designed to convert movement, impact and stress from any directions to electrical energy.

Bell unveils full scale design of air taxi

The air taxi, named Bell Nexus, is powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system and features Bell's signature powered lift concept incorporating six tilting ducted fans that are designed to safely and efficiently redefine air travel.

World's first hydrogen electric vehicle charger

AFC Energy announced the successful deployment of CH2ARGETM, the world's first electric vehicle charger based on hydrogen fuel-cell technology. The breakthrough could enable 100% clean electricity for future EV charging.

Multitasking graphene ink printed into tiny flexible supercapacitors

Researchers have developed an easy way to make complicated arrays of microsupercapacitors that involves screen-printing them out of graphene ink. The simplicity and freedom offered by the approach will aid the development of new approaches to electronics and flexible devices.

Underwater robots and scooters

WhiteShark Nano, a super smart autonomous underwater robot, is an ideal solution for underwater photography and videography. It uses AI to follow a preset target, whether that is a human diver or marine life, to capture beautiful shots even from a distance.

New CRISPR-Cas9 variants can respond to viral proteases

Using a technique called circular permutation, researchers have created a new suite of Cas9 variants called Cas9-CPs, which will simplify design of Cas9-fusion proteins for diverse applications beyond simple DNA cutting, such as base editing and epigenetic modifications.

New bifacial mono-PERC solar cell world record at 24.06 percent

LONGi Solar has announced that it has achieved a new monocrystalline silicon PERC world record conversion efficiency using commercial wafer (M2) dimensions that exceeds 24 percent for the first time, according to tests carried out by the National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality in China.

CES 2019 Highlights

IDTechEx analysts attended CES 2019 in Las Vegas during 6th to 12th January 2019. This article covers Senior Technology Analyst Dr Xiaoxi He's highlights.

Predicting the Death of Lithium-ion Batteries

Nothing is forever. Such is the runaway success of lithium-ion batteries that building gigafactories to make them is a no brainer. For now.

Hitachi announces suspension of UK nuclear power station

Hitachi Ltd has decided to suspend its new nuclear power stations project in the UK at Wylfa Newydd on Anglesey Island in north-west Wales. The decision was made from the viewpoint of Hitachi's economic rationality as a private enterprise.

Breaking barriers in solar energy

Stop for a moment and imagine an efficient highway system. No need to jockey for position, no choke-point merging from three lanes into one, no long idles at ill-timed traffic lights, no rolling roadblocks as the motorist ahead of you prepares for a turn that is still five miles away. Regardless of the number of cars, you would know what smooth sailing looks and feels like. That's the life solid-state researchers want for electrons as they work to capture the sun's extraordinary energy and convert it into electricity.

AI outperformed human experts in identifying cervical precancer

A research team has developed a computer algorithm that can analyze digital images of a woman's cervix and accurately identify precancerous changes that require medical attention. This artificial intelligence approach, called automated visual evaluation, has the potential to revolutionize cervical cancer screening, particularly in low-resource settings.

Voltalia begins construction of its first solar+storage project

Voltalia is beginning construction of the Savane des Pères facility, a 3.8 MW solar plant coupled with a 2.6 MW / 2.9 MWh battery system, tailored to local needs in French Guiana.

Webinar Thursday 31 January - Zero Emission Gensets

IDTechEx will be hosting a free webinar on Thursday 31 January titled Zero Emission Gensets - $100 Billion Opportunity.

Korea to produce 6.2 million hydrogen cars by 2040

South Korea aims to produce 6.2 million units of fuel cell electric vehicles and build 1,200 refilling stations across the country by 2040.

New smart shoes from Nike

Nike has found its most advanced fit solution to date: Nike Adapt, a platform that creates a truly custom fit by combining an advanced power-lacing system, an app and continually updated firmware.

Multimaterial 3D printing

Traditional robotic systems with rigid parts often pose a threat to human operators. Recently flourishing soft actuators and robots, in contrast, offer excellent adaptivity to surroundings and safe, coexisting interaction with humans. However, their competence in load-bearing tasks is undermined by the inherent low-stiffness nature of constituent materials like silicone rubbers.

Ynvisible and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft sign electrochromic agreement

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft - Europe's largest institution for applied research - and Ynvisible sign a MoU in the field of electrochromic inks and devices.

Simplifying IoT: Microsoft shares their steps

Digital transformation is happening across the industry and in every corner of the world. But what does success look like?