Future Electronics has signed new distribution agreements with Maxim Integrated Products and Rigado, in addition to receiving three distribution awards from Vishay. [ + ]

Swiss scientists are on a quest to find new materials which can be used in rechargeable batteries and eventually provide alternatives to lithium batteries. [ + ]

Engineers at UC San Diego are using soft robotics technology to make light, flexible gloves that allow users to feel tactile feedback when they interact with virtual reality environments. [ + ]

Swiss researchers are extending the reach of quantum communications with a protocol based on a crystal that can emit quantum light, as well as store it for arbitrary long times. [ + ]

V2X companies u-blox, Commsignia and NXP Semiconductors have announced a strategic collaboration in order to address the rapidly growing demand for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology. [ + ]

Researchers have developed technology which uses a person's gait — ie, the way they walk — to power wearable devices, as well as serve as an authentication method. [ + ]

Technology distributor Avnet has announced that it will be merging its distribution centres into one new facility in order to increase productivity efficiency. [ + ]

European researchers have shown that it is possible to significantly reduce the need for platinum in fuel cells through the development of a new type of nanocatalyst. [ + ]

Researchers have been investigating the ability of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) — small devices that convert movement into electricity — to create wearable electronics powered solely by the wearer's day-to-day body motion. [ + ]

Swiss module manufacturer u-blox has announced that it will not proceed with its acquisition of the SIMCom cellular module product line from Shanghai-based SIM Technology Group. [ + ]

Australian and Chinese scientists have designed a nano-hologram that is simple to make, can be seen without 3D goggles and is 1000 times thinner than a human hair. [ + ]

The University of Newcastle (UON) has officially unveiled its 100 m² printed solar demonstration site, said to be the first in Australia and the third of its size in the world. [ + ]

Semiconductor company STMicroelectronics, Chinese R&D institute IMECAS and technology company EPOCH are partnering in the development and marketing of a battery management system for new energy vehicles (NEVs). [ + ]

Global security company Northrop Grumman is making a $50 million investment in the development of an advanced defence electronics maintenance and sustainment centre for Western Sydney. [ + ]

Japanese researchers have discovered a solution to a problem that occurs when printing words on electronics — the dreaded 'coffee ring effect'. [ + ]