IDTechEx

How Extended Reality Optics Can Unlock the Metaverse

In 2022, hype around extended reality (XR) devices and the metaverse is at an all-time high, but hardware hurdles continue to hold back headset development.

NASA-Supported Solar Sail Could Take Science to New Heights

As NASA's exploration continues to push boundaries, a new solar sail concept selected by the agency for development toward a demonstration mission could carry science to new destinations.

Tiny Robotic Crab is Smallest-Ever Remote-Controlled Walking Robot

Engineers have developed the smallest-ever remote-controlled walking robot — and it comes in the form of a tiny crab. Just a half-millimeter wide, the tiny crabs can bend, twist, crawl, walk, turn and even jump. The researchers also developed millimeter-sized robots resembling inchworms, crickets and beetles. Although the research is exploratory at this point, the researchers believe their technology might bring the field closer to realizing micro-sized robots that can perform practical tasks inside tightly confined spaces.

The First Nuclear Powered Artificial Neuron

A joint team from Arkenlight and Axorus have built the first artificial neuron powered by a Tritium Radiovoltaic micro-power generator. This proof of concept paves the way for long lasting autonomous implanted medical devices.

How Concrete 3D Printing Saves Material and CO2

Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. It can be used in many ways, can be produced locally and is very durable. Its environmental performance, on the other hand, is the subject of critical debate. In particular, the production of the integral concrete component cement emits a lot of CO2.

City Transformer Secures Investment for Shapeshifting Microcar

City Transformer is accelerating along the road to mass production of its first foldable microcar, the CT-1. The CT-1 is a two-seat, four-wheel electric microcar that can significantly reduce individual traffic and carbon footprint by transforming its wheelbase to outmaneuver traffic and park in tight spaces like a motorcycle.

Carbon Dioxide Utilization Pathways

Innovation roadmap for the report 'Carbon Dioxide Utilization 2022-2042: Technologies, Market Forecasts, and Players'.

Join the Upcoming Webinar on Carbon Dioxide Utilization

Thursday 9 June 2022 - What is CO2 utilization and how is CO2 converted into useful products? What is the current state of the CO2U market? What are the key drivers and hurdles for CO2U market growth? What is the CO2U market outlook for the next 20 years?

Sysco Corp to Purchase 800 Battery Electric Freightliner eCascadia

Daimler Truck North America and Sysco Corporation have signed a Letter of Intent to deliver up to 800 battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 tractors by 2026. The first eCascadia delivery is expected to arrive at Sysco's Riverside, California site later this year.

Gene Edited Tomatoes Could be a New Source of Vitamin D

Tomatoes gene-edited to produce vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, could be a simple and sustainable innovation to address a global health problem. Researchers used gene editing to turn off a specific molecule in the plant's genome which increased provitamin D3 in both the fruit and leaves of tomato plants. It was then converted to vitamin D3 through exposure to UVB light.

Self-Powered Fabric Corrects Posture in Real Time via Machine Learning

The self-powered fabric was developed using triboelectric nanogenerators, which use movement to collect the energy needed to power the posture monitoring sensors. The data collected by the sensors is processed by an integrated machine learning algorithm that can provide immediate feedback, alerting the wearer when they need to adjust their posture.

Senorics

Senorics is an early-stage German company that has produced miniaturized spectrometers based on organic electronics. These are targeted at consumer applications such as robotic vacuum cleaners.

EV Charging Modes Comparison

Innovation roadmap for the report 'Battery Swapping for Electric Vehicles 2022-2032: Technology, Players and Forecasts'.

HydroGraph

HydroGraph is a Kansas, US, start-up producing graphene via detonation chambers. IDTechEx spoke with Dr Ranjith Divigalpitiya, Chief Scientific Officer at HydroGraph.

Electric Vehicle Definitions and Typical Specs

Innovation roadmap for the report 'Battery Swapping for Electric Vehicles 2022-2032: Technology, Players and Forecasts'.

The Waning COVID-19 Pandemic's Lasting Effect on Point-Of-Care

COVID-19 testing at point of care peaked in Q1 2022. Is testing waning? What is COVID-19's lasting effect on point-of-care testing?

Secret to Treating Achilles Heel of Alternatives to Silicon Solar

A team of researchers from the UK and Japan has found that the tiny defects which limit the efficiency of perovskites - cheaper alternative materials for solar cells - are also responsible for structural changes in the material that lead to degradation.

Novel Lithium-Ion Batteries with Better Performance

A research group recently developed a novel lithium ion battery that combines heat resistance, cold resistance, fast charging and low cost. Notably, this new battery works from -70 ℃ to 80 ℃.

Electric Boats & Ships: Markets & Technologies Update

This IDTechEx premium article provides an update on electric leisure boating and electric ship markets in 2022. Drivers and data behind the recent surge in leisure boating sales are explained, with breakdowns by power class and commentary on future expectations. In the commercial and industrial (C&I) shipping sector, ferries have long been the low hanging fruit and remain the most common electric vessel type in-service, but regulations are driving change. Behemoth battery packs installed on a small number of giant sea-going vessels are expected to take over and dominate maritime battery demand within ten years.

Netled

Netled is a Finland-based vertical farming turnkey solutions provider, providing customers with access to the requisite technology and expertise for construction of a vertical farm. IDTechEx Analyst Brendan Beh spoke with Netled International Sales Manager Thomas Dilley on the 16th of May, 2022.