IDTechEx

Metis Engineering

Tess Skyrme, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, interviewed Joe Holdsworth, Founder of Metis Engineering, about its latest sensor for electric vehicle battery monitoring.

E-Nose Sniffs Out Mixtures of Volatile Organic Compounds

As paint thinner, ink and adhesives dry, they can release volatile organic compounds, which can negatively impact health. Typically, one of those VOCs is xylene, which exists as three isomers with the same elements but slightly different arrangements. Because the isomers are so similar, they're hard to monitor separately. Now, researchers have developed an electric nose with porous metal-organic framework films that can accurately distinguish xylene isomer mixtures.

Conversion Efficiency of 32.65% in Flexible, Lightweight Solar

Sharp Corporation has achieved a conversion efficiency of 32.65%, the world's highest, in a lightweight, flexible, practically sized solar module developed as part of the "Research and Development of Solar Cells for Use in Vehicles" project.

Air Quality Monitoring: Not Just an Urban Concern?

Air quality concerns are on the rise globally, with urban pollution the dominant cause. However, radon accumulation and unpleasant aromas are often bigger problems in rural locations, creating opportunities for gas sensors that offer continuous monitoring and even odor categorization.

Swap2drivE

Swap2drivE is an electric mobility concept based on the battery swapping technology created by Jacques De Kegel. IDTechEx spoke to Jacques and discussed the concept, along with general opportunities and challenges brought forth by swapping.

SAFI-Tech New Supercooled Soldering Technology

Soldering technology is thousands of years old, but is still an essential component in electronics assembly, without which none of our advanced electronic devices would function. Though the soldering process has seen some refinement in modern times, it is still accomplished by heating the soldering metal alloy to its molten state and applying the metal hot at contact points to create a conductive solder joint.

Helian Polymers BV

Helian Polymers develops PHA-based materials and helps businesses develop these into PHA-based products

The Increasing Demand for Service Robots in Logistics and Cleaning

IDTechEx outlines two of the most exciting applications in the service robotics world and analyzes the key technological highlights.

Sponge-Like Solar Cells Could be Basis for Better Pacemakers

In a new study, scientists find that holes can improve technology, including medical devices. The study describes an entirely new way to make a solar cell: by etching holes in the top layer to make it porous. The innovation could form the basis for a less-invasive pacemaker, or similar medical devices. It could be paired with a small light source to reduce the size of the bulky batteries that are currently implanted along with today's pacemakers.

Smooth & Sharp (S&S) Corporation Teletento

Smooth & Sharp manufactures smart cards (typically contactless versions) and RFID products.

Solinftec Expands New AgTech Robot in Canada

Solinftec will expand the launch of its new cutting edge AgTech robotic platform, Solix Ag Robotics, into Canada in partnership with Stone Farms and the University of Saskatchewan. The new technology aims to provide farmers and agronomists a new level of information to increase yields, improve the usage of inputs, lower environmental impact, and support the global demand for food supply. The goal is to have the robot commercially available for the 2023 season for wheat crops.

Geespace Successfully Launches First Nine Satellites

Geespace, a wholly owned subsidiary of Geely Technology Group and China's first privately owned developer, operator, and mass producer of low-orbit commercial satellites, has successfully launched its first nine satellites into low earth orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

3D Printed High-End Garments, Bespoke Accessories and Luxury Goods

On display now at Milan Design Week is the SSYS 2Y22 Reflection Collection. Created using the new Stratasys J850 TechStyle 3D printer, this Stratasys created and curated collection was made possible through close collaboration with seven design groups and includes exclusive dresses and suits, daywear, lighting, luxury packaging, cosmetics, handbags, accessories, footwear and more.

VividQ

VividQ is a Cambridge, UK-based firm which focuses on developing IP for computer-generated holography, both for software and optical engine hardware. Its method of generating holograms is efficient on common GPUs and its display solutions may be constructed from off-the-shelf hardware. The key use cases it targets are AR wearables and automotive HUDs.

3D Bioprinted Living Tissue Ear Implants Head to Clinical Trials

3DBio Therapeutics and the Microtia-Congenital Ear Deformity Institute announced they have conducted a human ear reconstruction using the AuriNovo implant, an investigational, patient-matched, 3D-bioprinted living tissue ear implant. The groundbreaking reconstructive procedure in the first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trial is evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy for patients with microtia, a rare congenital deformity where one or both outer ears are absent or underdeveloped.

World First Autonomous Transoceanic Voyage of a Large Merchant Ship

Avikus, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, has successfully carried out autonomous navigation of a large ship across the ocean, becoming the first company in the world to accomplish such a feat. In this ocean crossing, the Prism Couragr equipped with HiNAS 2.0 was operated autonomously on the optimal routes, increasing the fuel efficiency by around 7 percent while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 5 percent. Also, the system accurately recognized the locations of nearby ships during operation to avoid collision about 100 times.

Toyota Residential Storage Battery System Based on EV Battery Tech

Toyota Motor Corporation has developed a home storage battery system. The O-Uchi Kyuden System uses electrified vehicle battery technology such as Toyota's battery control to provide a rated capacity of 8.7 kWh and a rated output of 5.5 kWh. This ensures safety and provides a supply of electricity to the entire home not just in normal situations, but even during power outages caused by natural disasters.

Tracking Sleep with a Self Powering Smart Pillow

Studies have linked chronic lack of sleep to physical ailments, such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as mental health issues. Those interested in getting a better handle on what's happening to them at night have two primary options. They can take a sleep test conducted in a medical facility, or they can use an app through a smartphone or smart watch — a much more convenient, but less accurate choice. Recognizing the need, many groups have begun developing new sleep monitoring systems using triboelectric nanogenerators.

Echandia Receives Order for Navel Vessels Worth EUR 5 Million

Echandia has received an initial order for battery systems in the highly specialized naval segment. The order, which comes from major system supplier in the maritime sector, amounts to EUR 5 million and is Echandia's first foray into military applications.

Developing a Toolchain to Assess Performance of Wind Energy Systems

The goal of the project is to achieve a better understanding of the unsteady inflow conditions at altitudes above the first layer of air above the ground (the surface layer). The aim is to develop a toolchain to efficiently and effectively assess the performance and reliability of airborne wind energy devices and conventional wind turbines. This is important to site evaluation but also for increasing the wind plant efficiency and making the operation of airborne wind energy systems safer.