IDTechEx

A robot that can build its own tools

Thanks to new technology that enables them to create simple tools, robots may be on the verge of their own version of the Stone Age.

Machine learning to help develop self-healing robots that 'feel pain'

Researchers will use self-healing materials and machine learning to develop soft robotics as part of a new collaborative project.

Wireless sensors that stick to the skin

Stanford engineers have developed experimental stickers that pick up physiological signals emanating from the skin, then wirelessly beam these health readings to a receiver clipped onto clothing. It's all part of a system called BodyNet.

3D printed rocket fuel comparison

Scientists are using 3D printing to create fuels for rockets, and using tailor-made rocket motors they've built to test the fuels.

New type of electrolyte could enhance supercapacitor performance

Supercapacitors, electrical devices that store and release energy, need a layer of electrolyte — an electrically conductive material that can be solid, liquid, or somewhere in between. Now, researchers have developed a novel class of liquids that may open up new possibilities for improving the efficiency and stability of such devices while reducing their flammability.

Scientists can now manipulate brain cells using smartphones

A team of scientists have invented a device that can control neural circuits using a tiny brain implant controlled by a smartphone.

Europe has the untapped onshore capacity to meet global energy demand

In an analysis of all suitable sites for onshore wind farms, the new study reveals that Europe has the potential to supply enough energy for the whole world until 2050.

Colorado Air Quality Control adopts a zero-emission vehicle standard

The Air Quality Control Commission has adopted a zero-emission vehicle standard for Colorado. The move is directly aligned with the commission's mission to achieve the cleanest air practical in every part of the state.

Genomatica

Genomatica is a bioengineering technology development company, who partner with chemical companies looking to develop new sustainable, biobased chemicals and intermediates. IDTechEx Technology Analyst Dr Bryony Core learns more.

Origin Materials

Origin Materials is a biobased chemical start up dedicated to developing commercially viable chemocatalytic process to produce sustainable alternatives to commonly used plastics.

IDTechEx: advanced wound care market to exceed $22 billion by 2030

IDTechEx, a market intelligence company focusing on emerging technologies, have released a new report titled "Advanced Wound Care Technologies 2020-2030". In the report, IDTechEx forecasts the market for advanced wound care technologies to exceed $22 billion by the year 2030.

Material players set for big gains/losses in EV $1,000+ bn revolution

The electric vehicle market is growing very quickly. IDTechEx forecast that the total market will exceed $1,000bn value within the next 5-years across all categories: land, sea, and air. This huge growth is resulting in a large amount of turbulence within the supply chain. In particular, the material considerations are different to traditional internal combustion engines and provide a significant opportunity or threat - depending on your viewpoint.

New biobased polymers coming to market in 2019

Biobased polymers are gaining increased prominence in the minds of consumers, as increased awareness of climate change and plastic pollution continues to grow. However, the range of biobased alternatives to the main plastics we encounter in our daily lives continues to limit its potential adoption. Key to accelerating the switch from petrochemical to biobased plastics is going to be a larger diversity of materials, including commodity polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. IDTechEx looks at the key manufacturers of biobased polymers and production methods and capacities, in their report, "Biobased Polymers 2018-2023: A Technology and Market Perspective".

Towards smart packaging that detects the presence of salmonella

When food is recalled due to contamination from bacteria such as salmonella, one may wonder how a tainted product ended up on store shelves. New technology being developed could give retailers and regulators an earlier warning on dangers in food, improving public health and giving consumers peace of mind.

Solar powered furniture for smart cities

The next generation in smart, sustainable and solar powered urban furniture

Wearable moves brain monitoring from the lab to the real world

Imagine if a coach could know which moments of competition a certain player might peak, or if a truck driver had objective data telling him his body and mind were too tired to continue driving.

Rapid, low-cost method to 3D print microfluidic devices

Microfluidics is the manipulation and study of sub-microscopic liters of fluids. Technologies that utilise microfluidics are found in many multidisciplinary fields ranging from engineering to biology. Experiments can be performed on a device roughly of the size of a dollar coin, reducing the amount of reagents used, wastes produced, and the overall costs.

Robotic jellyfish able to perform 3D jet propulsion and maneuvers

As a source of inspiration, aquatic creatures such as fish, cetaceans, and jellyfish could inspire innovative designs to improve the ways that manmade systems operate in and interact with aquatic environments. Jellyfishes in nature propel themselves through their surroundings by radially expanding and contracting their bell-shaped bodies to push water behind them, which is called jet propulsion.

Partnership on 2nd-life battery storage

Daimler AG with its wholly owned subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH and Beijing Electric Vehicle Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the BAIC Group, have entered into a development partnership, intending to establish 2nd-life energy storage systems in China in the future.

Military Vehicles on Land

The need for electric vehicles in military applications is strong. The speed of advance of an army is still limited by speed of providing fuel and other "materiel" as they call it. 20% of deaths are suffered simply providing fuel. The US Military has a program to reduce fuel consumption by 70% because of this.