IDTechEx

Visualizing the 3D printing landscape

The 3D printing industry is still going from strength to strength. According to the IDTechEx report 3D Printing 2015-2025: Technologies, Markets, Players this industry is set to grow from $1bn in 2012 to $20bn in 2025.

Perovskite photovoltaics excitement

Perovoskite photovoltaics promises over 20% efficiency, low cost materials and even flexible, transparent and stretchable versions dearly needed for new applications. Record power to weight ratio is needed for the electric vehicle end game, the land vehicles, boats and aircraft described in the IDTechEx report, Energy Independent Vehicles 2016-2026.

Optoforce Ltd

Optoforce are a Hungarian company making multidirectional force sensors for robotics. The system is based on a layered silicone dome structure, with an internal optical sensor to measure deformation of the dome. This can be used to compute motion data in 3 or 6 axes (x,y,z + rotational). They system enables soft robotic systems, as shown by many of their partners.

Outlook on fuel cell technologies for automotive applications

Being the automotive sector a trillion dollar market and given the existence of multiple low carbon powertrain technologies and sunk investments in specific powertrains technologies, the possibility of "betting on the wrong horse" makes the transition to low carbon vehicles a very risky process for incumbent automotive companies (global automotive manufacturers and their tier one suppliers). Through these technology developments these incumbent companies are primarily trying to maintain or increase their captured added value of the automotive value chain and their global sales market share. For new entrants with no existing interests, the risks are lower given they are not compelled to capture most of the value of the powertrain technology, giving them the possibility of sharing it with other parts of the value chain (suppliers, technology developers etc.)

Electroninks Writeables

Electroninks was set up in Jan 2013 to commercial a particle-free silver ink formulation technology that was licensed from the University of Illinois. Its technology can be printed using inkjet, flexo, aerosol and others techniques. It can reach up to 90% of bulk silver with annealing temperatures ranging from 80 to 120C.

Raynergy Tek Incorporation

Raynergy was established in August 2014 as a spin off from Polyera, a organic semiconductor company, to focus exclusively on commercializing organic photovoltaic semiconductors. Raynergy currently has $8.12 million capital. 45 issued patents have been transferred to Raynergy from Polyera.

Sonnenrepublik: Photovoltaic System in Solar Golf Cart

Video interview with Sonnenrepublik at Energy Harvesting & Storage Europe.

From RFID to smart home, China is following the world's trend

IDTechEx attended the 2015 Shenzhen International Internet of Things Expo (IOTE) in August.

Exotic new sources of free electricity: $50 billion market

High Power Energy Harvesting (HPEH) is a term beginning to be used for creation of electricity where it is needed using ambient "free" energy. That zero-pollution, high-energy conversion typically captures light (photovoltaics), heat difference (thermoelectrics and heat pumps) and movement (electrodynamics).

Printed electronics equipment sales: companies look to Asia

The printed electronics equipment and consumables supplier base consists of over 100 global organizations, according to IDTechex Research in their report Printing Equipment for Printed Electronics 2015-2025. The majority of these are based in Europe, followed by a roughly even share of US and Asian based companies. Within Europe itself, Germany is home to more equipment makers than other European countries.

CENEX LCV: Event In-wheel Motors & Lightweighting

The Riversimple two seat fuel cell hybrid car was on show in powertrain form at CENEX recently and in addition to the Hydrogenics fuel cell as fuel tank and the lithium-ion capacitor as engine it had four in-wheel motors.

Intel, Honeywell, Invisage at IDTechEx Sensors USA

Leading companies will speak at IDTechEx Sensors USA on November 18-19, 2015 in Santa Clara, CA.

CENEX LCV Event: Micro EVs & Buses

Supporting IDTechEx strong forecasts for car-like vehicles not homologated as cars or even crash tested, we saw a lot at this event.

Nascent Objects, Inc

Nascent Objects is a California-based start-up that 3D prints electronics. It enables printing 3D plastic objects with highly conducting interconnects embedded into the 3D printed structure. Nascent has developed its own specially-formulated ink, metallization technique, library of interchangeable components and a software that allows users to build their own 3D printed electronic components. This technology can help bridge the gap between standard electronic components and 3D printing, enabling a new wave of functional product development.

Graphene Revolution using Liquid Metal from AGP

Video Interview with Advanced Graphene Products (AGP) at Graphene & 2D Europe.

Electric energy independent vehicles: electric vehicle end game

Energy Independent Vehicles 2016-2026, the brand new report from IDTechEx Research, argues that electric energy independent vehicles will be one of the most important megatrends this century because buying and delivering fuel becomes a thing of the past and a major source of global and local pollution is eliminated.

Charmtron Inc

IDTechEx recently visited Charmtron Inc in Korea. Charmtron Inc was established in 2010 and has been focused on roll-to-roll CVD graphene for the past three years. They work closely with KRICT (Korea Research Institute of Chemistry Technology).

Forster Rohner Textile Innovations

Forster Rohner Textile Innovations (FRTI) was set up as a subsidiary of Forster Rohner in 2008, with the aim of exploring opportunities in combining electronics and textiles. They have completed many projects with a large number of partners, as they develop a wide array of relevant technologies, such as their e-broidery solutions.

Intelligent Textiles Limited

Intelligent Textiles Limited are a small company based in London UK. They develop e-textiles solutions for the military, aiming to make equipment to aid with the integration and practicality of soldier systems. They have partnered with many military providers, including US & Canadian military and BAE Systems.

Printed and Plastic Electronics Community in the UK

Video interview with the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) at Printed Electronics Europe.