A free collection of insights from our industry experts, sharing some of the key technology innovation trends shaping the next decade.

Sensor technology comes in many shapes and sizes, designed to measure a wide range of metrics for a host of different applications. There are sensors to collect data from almost all physical parameters: motion, magnetic field, current, temperature, force-light intensity - the list goes on. These miniaturized components are everywhere, from our smart-phones and home appliances to within cars, factories, and satellites.

Bringing together the worlds of assistive technology and consumer electronics is becoming increasingly necessary with ever-developing digital technology and communication abilities, for those with limited mobility or speech to benefit from such groundbreaking advances.

The demand for human wellbeing brings great value to the wearables market and creates a greater need for access to personalized healthcare and remote monitoring. Beginning with fitness trackers, the wearables industry now incorporates skin patches, smart mouthguards, smart glasses, and headsets, with devices being used in both personal and work environments.

IDTechEx predicts the brain computer interface market to exceed US$ 1.6billion in 2045, highlighting the large scope for growth and development within the sector, and the potential of BCI technology to improve accessible communication.

As applications for wearable technology grow, there are increasing opportunities for sensors that can detect more advanced metrics, be integrated into novel form factors, offer enhanced performance, or demand less power and space. Innovations in wearable sensor technology are expanding the envelope of biometrics accessible through watches and skin patches, addressing the rising demand for remote patient monitoring and decentralized clinical trials but also increasing consumer expectations.

Industrial Internet of Things sensor technology (IIoT) seeks to enable greater industrial automation, improved worker safety, and streamlined maintenance planning. From cameras, LiDAR, and radar for machine vision in robotics, to skin patches and miniaturized gas sensors in smart personal protection equipment, emerging IIoT applications present growth opportunities for a variety of sensor technologies.

Haptics might fly under the radar, but they form a major industry that offers serious user experience benefits to consumers. IDTechEx forecasts a US$7.1 billion market for haptic technology in 2035, with much of the growth in this market being fueled by the adoption of haptics in new classes of device.

Utilizing alternatives to helium where possible could allow for a greater conservation of helium, which could prove to be necessary for the market going forward. IDTechEx reports that since 2005, there have been 4 supply shortages of helium, each resulting in high price volatility, with the price of helium having almost doubled since 2021.

Thursday 7 November 2024 - Which Technology Innovations Will Be Most Disruptive in the Global Sensor Market? An overview of meta-trends shaping the sensor market landscape; A summary of major market verticals, product types and leading technologies; Coverage of near-term trends in sensor technology development, adoption and integration - including the impact of AI on edge sensing; An overview of disruptive emerging sensor technologies recently commercialized, their value proposition, advantages and market challenges. This includes printed sensors, quantum sensors, emerging image sensors, biosensors, gas sensors and nanocarbon sensors; Case studies in fast growing markets for sensors technology, both established and emerging, such as future mobility, wearables and IoT (industrial, consumer and environmental); Initial ten-year forecasting insights and sensor market outlook for the next ten years

In this article, IDTechEx will overview some of the technology innovations and companies driving this sector forward and perhaps ushering in a new era of 'quantified self-awareness'.

While sensors contribute just a fraction of the annual revenue generated by major electronics companies, sensor technology nevertheless represents a multi-billion-dollar global market.

Given helium's critical role in semiconductor production, onshoring chip manufacturing will have a significant knock-on impact on the helium demand for semiconductor manufacturing.

Antimicrobial and antiviral materials can be used to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses on surfaces where they are most likely to be passed on. IDTechEx looks at over 100 companies that have developed their own antimicrobial technologies in their market research report.

Thursday 17 October - Overview of the major haptic actuator technology choices; Exploration of haptics technology innovations and developments; Highlighting expected stories in the haptics market for the next ten years; Adoption roadmaps for haptics technology

IDTechEx outlines the competition Neuralink is facing from not only other invasive brain computer interface developers, but also from the more established eco-system of non-invasive solution providers.

The capabilities of haptic feedback technologies have grown far beyond adding rumble to game controllers or silent notifications to cellphones. Market growth is expected to be chiefly driven by the growing adoption of haptics in non-traditional markets, particularly vehicle interiors.

Semiconductor manufacturing processes require many chemicals and specialty gases. Owing to its cryogenic properties, exceptional thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, and high diffusivity, helium is used throughout the semiconductor manufacturing line, particularly for wafer cooling where there are no viable alternatives.

Tuesday 24 September 2024 - How Chronic Supply Challenges Are Reshaping Helium Use in Key Industries. An overview of global helium production and supply; Impact of supply challenges on different industries e.g. semiconductors and fiber optics manufacturing, cryogenics, and several others; Technological advances to reduce helium consumption (e.g. MRI and NMR); Trends in the adoption of substitutes or reclamation systems; Outlook for global helium production capacity and demand