Industry News
Robot research to help elderly
A multirobotic study at an Auckland retirement village has been launched. [ + ]
Organic solar cells at 8.3% efficiency
Three companies have made what they claim is a crucial step towards successful commercialisation of organic photovoltaic cells. [ + ]
Richardson and RECOM power up
Richardson has entered into a global distribution agreement with RECOM. [ + ]
Certification updated
The Telecommunication Labelling Notice has recognised the IECEE Certification Body Scheme. [ + ]
‘Shock’ energy produces power
A micromachined harvester for vibration energy with a record output of 489 µW has been created. [ + ]
Engineering or science?
According to a survey of over 300 engineers, the most influential factor in choosing engineering as a career is “a talent for mathematics/science”. Universities in Australia have produced 61% more domestic graduate scientists than engineers, yet there are 10 times the number of engineering jobs listed than scientific roles. [ + ]
High-efficiency solar cells
Silver-free heterojunction silicon solar cells have been created by applying copper electroplating, which was developed by Kaneka, based on imec’s existing copper electroplating technology. [ + ]
Tablet PC resolution set to improve
The NPD DisplaySearch shipment forecast indicates that the average resolution of tablet PC displays will grow to more than 200 pixels per inch in the second quarter of 2012. [ + ]
North American PV market may double
According to a report, in Q3’11, the US PV market grew by 32% from Q2’11 and could reach 1.9 GW for the year, which would mean that the market has doubled in size for the second consecutive year. [ + ]
TV panel shipments decline in 2011
Panel makers are targeting a 2% growth in shipments for Q4’11, as downstream manufacturers and brands are expected to prepare for the holiday season.
[ + ]Energy link-up
A partnership between Mouser and Nextreme will bring users thermal management and energy saving.
[ + ]Nanotech microscope boosts solar research
A microscope in QUT is being used to develop plastic solar cells to charge laptops and mobile phones.
[ + ]Marl invests $187,000 in prototyping
Marl International has invested $187,000 in tools for prototype and small batch production in order to handle growing demand for its specialist LED lighting assemblies. The investment will allow Marl to turn around prototypes of its bespoke lighting solutions significantly faster. [ + ]
