VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Next-generation fuel cells for low-emission electricity production

Researchers are developing a new-generation, long-life fuel cell system offering efficiency higher than that of competing technologies. The project will result in new, energy-efficient and commercially viable applications.

Smart fabric provides air conditioning for the wearer

A new high-volume production method for hot embossing microscopic channel structures onto large areas of plastic film at a low cost for use, for example, in wearable technology.

Smart rollators support independent living

A smart rollator prototype that supports independent living among the elderly.

Russian investor to boost Flexbright LED foil technology

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd-originated Flexbright Oy and Russian company NNCRM have agreed on partnership to develop Flexbright's innovative LED foil project.

Wearable tech boosts swimming and archery performance

Wearable sensors can be attached to a swimmer's hand paddles or an archers' equipment. From there, data is wirelessly transferred to the coach's smartphone or tablet.

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.

VTT sensor detects spoilage of food

VTT has developed a sensor that detects ethanol in the headspace of a food package.

Making LED-illuminated advertisements light and flexible

VTT is involved in a European project, developing novel LED advertising displays, which combine thin, lightweight and bendable structures with advanced optical quality.

VTT develops a method for printing WORM memories

VTT has developed a method for printing memory circuits directly, e.g. onto consumer packaging.

Large-surface light-emitting plastic film

Based on OLED technology and implemented by means of a printing machine, this method provides an opportunity to create patterned and flexible light-emitting surfaces on advertising displays, information signs and lighting fixtures, for instance.

TactoTek structural electronics out of stealth mode

Exciting start-up TactoTek spun out of VTT in Finland has just come out of stealth mode.

Solar power from energy-harvesting trees

Scientists have developed a prototype of a tree that harvests solar energy from its surroundings - whether indoors or outdoors - stores it and turns it into electricity to power small devices such as mobile phones, humidifiers, thermometers and LED light bulbs.

Printing technologies for manufacturing decorative solar panels

The new mass production method enables designers to create interior design elements from organic solar panels, harvesting energy from interior lighting or sunlight for various small devices and sensors that gather information from the environment.

New technique for generating electricity

Research scientists have successfully generated energy by utilizing the charging phenomenon that occurs naturally between two bodies with different work functions.

Beauty patch generates its power from sugar and air

A disposable beauty patch using microampere current to enhance absorption of skin care products will offer future consumers an opportunity to perform galvanic skin treatments at home.

Linkker starts EV bus production based on VISEDO drive train

Linkker Oy has announced that the manufacturing on their VISEDO electric drive train based bus will begin.

Market Analysis of Thin, Flexible and Printed Batteries

The battery market today is dominated by traditional batteries such as coin cell batteries, Triple-A batteries and lithium ion batteries with the former being largely used in mobile phones, laptops and electrical vehicles. The emergence of new trends such as wearable devices and Internet of Things (IoT) is however changing the space. New features such ultra-thinness, small physical footprints, flexibility and light weight are becoming increasingly prized. New players and/or old players with new technologies are gearing up to meet this emerging need. In this article we will first look at the activities of several large companies on energy storage solutions aimed at wearable devices. We will then consider WSN and the threat of energy harvesting therein before considering medical applications. Finally, we will give our latest ten-year market forecasts segmented by application and battery type.