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Discover new technologies by our partners

Leveraging our wide network of partners, we have curated numerous enabling technologies available for licensing and commercialisation across different industries and domains. Our focus also extends to emerging technologies in Singapore and beyond, where we actively seek out new technology offerings that can drive innovation and accelerate business growth.

By harnessing the power of these emerging technologies and embracing new technology advancements, businesses can stay at the forefront of their fields. Explore our technology offers and collaborate with partners of complementary technological capabilities for co-innovation opportunities. Reach out to IPI Singapore to transform your business with the latest technological advancements.

Augmented Reality Artificial Intelligence Glasses
Augmented Reality (AR) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Glasses are transforming the landscape of industrial and field applications. Designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency, these glasses are a ground-breaking solution to the necessity of instant, accurate, and engaging data presentation.  Housed in a pioneering, lightweight design, these AR AI Glasses effectively address the challenges faced with conventional AR devices, including their bulky nature, short-lived battery life, and limited connectivity. By ensuring an incredibly low heat signature, extended battery life, and compatibility with Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G networks, these glasses have been developed with users' comfort and usability in mind, ensuring efficient performance throughout the day.  These glasses are a valuable asset to a variety of sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and construction, that value precision, efficiency, and safety. By seamlessly integrating sophisticated technologies like AR and AI into everyday operations, the glasses eliminate the need for extensive staff retraining or major procedural changes. They provide real-time information, enhance remote collaboration, and come with built-in security features like facial recognition, promising to fundamentally change how tasks are executed within these industries.  The AR AI Glasses blend advanced software and state-of-the-art hardware -  Hardware:  Featherweight Design: The glasses weigh at a mere 46g, ensuring all-day comfort.  Robust Build: Designed to endure, these glasses are IP67 rated and explosion-proof, making them ideal for a variety of demanding environments.  Minimal Heat Signature: A top heat signature of ≤40°C prevents discomfort during extended use. Extended Battery Life: The glasses offer 3.5 hours of continuous operation, which can be boosted to 10 hours with an auxiliary power bank.  Software:  Uninterrupted Connectivity: These glasses are designed to support Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G networks, ensuring seamless connectivity and data transfer.  Secure Communications: These glasses are designed to provide secure communication channels, offering a reliable platform for data exchange.  Tailored Application Development: The technology supports the development of custom applications, allowing solutions to be tailored to unique business needs.  Remote Collaboration: Leveraging a SaaS Platform, these glasses are designed to support remote assistance, monitoring, training, and assessment.  Step-by-step SOP Support: This technology can break down complex procedures into manageable step- by-step instructions using video, image, and text.  Facial/Object Recognition: A key feature that validates objects/identity of individuals.  Optimal technology partners encompass the entire value chain, ranging from AR/VR application developers for software improvements, to hardware manufacturers responsible for producing and upgrading the glasses. Network service providers too can play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity. Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and security, where operational efficiency and precision are paramount, represent key sectors that would benefit from this technology. The AR AI Glasses has a broad array of potential applications across diverse sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and construction.  Manufacturing: These glasses can streamline operations through real-time communication and guidance, allowing for remote collaboration and training. The in-built SOP functionality can simplify complex assembly procedures, minimizing errors and bolstering productivity.  Logistics: These glasses can transform inventory management, tracking, and overall operations by providing real-time information access and facilitating remote collaboration. The result is a more efficient and streamlined logistic operation.  Healthcare: The remote collaboration functionality of the glasses can be a boon for telemedicine. It allows for remote consultations, training, and guidance, ensuring that distance is no longer a barrier to quality healthcare.  Construction: These glasses can enhance on-site safety by providing step-by-step SOPs to workers. In addition, real-time patrolling and threat assessment become feasible with these glasses.  The products that can leverage this technology are not confined to the glasses themselves. They extend to software solutions tailor-made for specific industries to maximize the use of AR AI Glasses.   The augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) market, which includes devices such as this AR AI Glasses, is poised for a significant growth.  The industrial sector is undergoing a significant shift towards digitization and automation. This evolution calls for innovative, technology-driven solutions, such as this AR AI Glasses. By enhancing worker safety, boosting efficiency, and refining processes, these glasses offer immense value to industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and security.  With the advent of 5G, rapid and secure data transmission and seamless communication to and from compatible devices, such as these glasses, has become a possibility and this further increases their market adoption. These AR AI Glasses represents a significant improvement over traditional AR technology, featuring an array of cutting-edge specifications tailor-made for industrial and field environments. These glasses depart from the norm, offering a solution that is not only lightweight and comfortable but also resilient and specifically designed for enduring use in demanding work scenarios. These AR AI Glasses offer the following unique benfits - Lightweight and comfortable design for long term usage. Remote collaboration capability. Inbuilt facial recognition feature. Support for customized application development to allow modifications to suit unique operational needs. Compatibility with Wi-Fi, 4G and 5G networks to leverage evolving communication technologies. Secure and seamless data sharing and communication.   AR, VR, AR Glasses Infocomm, Video/Image Processing, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality & Computer-Simulated Environments, Healthcare, Telehealth, Medical Software & Imaging
Material and Tools Tracking in Manufacturing
Effective tracking and management of Work-In-Progress (WIP) and inventory across a manufacturing facility are key to maintaining productivity and operational efficiency. Despite this, misplaced inventory and inefficient tracking remain common problems within the sector, leading to time wasted on locating items, losses due to unaccounted inventory, and ultimately, a reduction in productivity.  To tackle these challenges, an innovative solution has been developed that integrates advanced technologies, sophisticated hardware, and robust software features to optimize manufacturing operations. This solution provides real-time traceability of WIP and inventory throughout a factory, thereby reducing time wasted in locating items and preventing losses due to unaccounted inventory.  The solution seamlessly integrates with various systems including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Preventive Maintenance (PM) systems, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. This integration capability allows it to trigger alerts, visualize processes, and reduce waste, thereby streamlining operations and minimizing inefficiencies.  The track and trace solution are an amalgamation of sophisticated state of the art hardware and software components – Hardware: Custom made racks and retrofits. LF/HF/UHF RFID for tagging and tracking. Barcode scanners for identification. Pick-to-Light systems for order picking. Weight sensors for inventory measurement. AI driven video analysis for surveillance and tracking. Software: Work in progress (WIP) tracking. Inventory management. Preventive maintenance (PM) material tracking. In line material ordering. Data analytics. The ideal collaboration partners for this solution would be manufacturing firms looking to optimize their operations, manufacturing execution system (MES) providers for system integration, hardware manufacturers for creating customized racks and hardware components, and technology companies focusing on RFID, AI, and data analytics. These partners would collectively contribute to the development, implementation, and continual enhancement of the track and trace solution. The track and trace solution has wide applicability across a multitude of manufacturing industries where tracking and managing of tools, parts, and Work-In-Progress (WIP) items is crucial. Key industries include semiconductor manufacturing, automotive production, aerospace manufacturing, and other large-scale industrial setups. In semiconductor manufacturing, it can be used to monitor the movement of sensitive materials like wafers and reticle masks. For the automotive and aerospace industries, it could be used to track the assembly of complex components, ensuring that all parts are accounted for and in the correct location. The system's flexibility allows it to be applied on both large and small scales, catering to a vast range of operational needs. Its potential applications aren't limited to the tracking of physical items; the data it gathers can also be used for predictive analytics, proactive replenishment of inventory, and enhanced forecasting, among others. Consequently, products that can be marketed based on this technology range from inventory management systems and predictive maintenance solutions to data analytics software. The complexity of manufacturing processes continues to rise, fuelling the need for innovative and advanced tracking and traceability solutions. The increasing emphasis on lean manufacturing, cost-cutting, and waste reduction are some of the driving forces behind this demand. Given these factors, the global market for such solutions is on an upward trajectory. As industries become more technologically reliant and digitized, the emphasis on precise, real-time tracking and traceability will only amplify. The market size, already sizable, is projected to witness substantial growth in the coming decade. This technology is particularly attractive to the market due to its multi-faceted benefits - it does not merely track and trace, but also integrates with existing systems, enhances forecasting, and significantly improves operational efficiency. It's robust set of features and the capability to address multiple pain points make it an appealing choice for businesses across the manufacturing sector. The track and trace solution provides a significant advancement over the current "State-of-the-Art". While traditional systems offer tracking and traceability, they often fall short when it comes to real-time data, seamless integration with existing systems, and the use of advanced technologies. This solution addresses these gaps by providing real-time tracking and traceability across the entire manufacturing process. This significantly reduces waste, enhances productivity, and improves operational efficiency.  In addition to superior tracking, this solution incorporates technologies like RFID and AI-based Video Analytics, providing unprecedented levels of precision and data insights. This also facilitates enhanced forecasting and inventory management capabilities, enabling businesses to better predict and meet their needs. The solution seamlessly integrates with existing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Preventive Maintenance (PM) systems, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. This feature ensures that businesses can implement the solution without significant disruption and harness their current platforms to achieve better efficiency. Equipment, WIP, Material Control Infocomm, Video/Image Analysis & Computer Vision, Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation & Robotics, Robotics & Automation, Logistics, Inventory Management
Sustainable Soil Moisture Control Using Nanogels
As climate change continues to cause rising temperatures and unpredictable droughts, the resulting environmental degradation and poor soil conditions have negative impacts on plant health and nutrition, ultimately affecting crop harvests and the global food chain. In Singapore, these changes threaten the very heart of the city's reputation as a garden city, including greenery, carbon sequestration, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. To combat these issues and improve greening outcomes and land yield, enhancing soil conditions and plant resilience is crucial. One significant issue that needs addressing is soil water repellence, which prevents water from penetrating the soil, leading to rapid evaporation and reduced plant growth. This problem becomes more severe on sloping terrains like mounds and hillsides, where water is more likely to run off causing additional issues like soil compaction and disease. Soil water repellency also affects the hydrological and geomorphological properties of soil, leading to reduced infiltration capacity, accelerated soil erosion, uneven wetting patterns, development of preferential flow, and the accelerated leaching of agrichemicals. This technology refers to a specifically engineered nanogel formulation that controls water retention and release in dry soils. The nanogel formulation can uptake water-soluble nutrients and release them when needed. It has the potential to not only improve reclaimed land but also convert dry land into productive land that supports crop cultivation. The nanogel formulation can be tuned with varying retention capabilities based on underlying soil conditions and has been extensively tested in different plant species. The technology provider is currently looking for test-bedding partners from the agricultural industry and interested environmental NGOs.   Scalable fabrication method using Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) materials Nanogel formulation engineered for controlling water retention and release in dry soils. The nanogel formulation can uptake water-soluble nutrients and release them when needed. The formulation has the potential to convert dry land into productive land that supports crop cultivation, aside from improving reclaimed land. Different nanogel formulations with varying retention capabilities based on underlying soil conditions have been developed and extensively tested for various horticulture plants. Sustainable Landscaping Horticulture plants Reforestation Ensuring food security The global soil conditioners market grew from $5.6 billion in 2022 to $5.93 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. A tunable & eco-friendly nanogel formulation to help in the retention and release of moisture and/or nutrients in sandy soils for improving crop and flora survivability. Reduced irrigation or water consumed by agriculture  Reduced labor cost & fertiliser consumption  Increased areas of land available for farming  Hydrogel, Water retention, Soil, Agriculture Materials, Bio Materials, Life Sciences, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Sustainability, Food Security
Acellular Synthetic Wound Care Products with Regenerative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Effective wound care requires a multi-modal approach, including wound bed optimization, management of medical conditions, and consistent follow up. Wound care products play a key role in effective wound healing. Currently, most of the commercially available dressings are intended to maintain a dry wound environment or manage infection. Biomedical innovations aimed at improving rates of healing include the use of active biologics or animal-derived collagen. However, these strategies have high infection risks, scarring potential and are too costly for long term use. This technology has incorporated biomolecules that promote skin regeneration into synthetically fabricated polymer filament to develop a bioactive wound care product used to enhance wound healing, reduce inflammation and scarring potential. Through a patented methodology of blending polymers, Polyethylene (PE) or poly (lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with biomolecule copolymer additives such as oligopeptides derived from collagen, laminin, or oligosaccharides from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), these polymers are made bioactive to be used to coat existing wound dressings such as non–woven gauze, foam dressings or fabricated into dermal matrices for burn care and deep wound management. The bioactive polymer can be produced via conventional methods such as dip coating or 3D Printing. Depending on the type of wounds (exudative, dry, partial thickness, full thickness or highly inflamed), the right type of dressing can be applied through a selection of basic carrier (gauze, foam, matrix) followed by the active layer required. The technology owner is seeking out-licensing, R&D and clinical collaborations with wound care and medical device companies.   Acellular: Wound dressings do not contain any active biologic or animal-derived ingredient. They are fully made of bioactive synthetic polymers. Biocompatible: Biomolecules attached are either peptide sequences of collagen and laminin which are essential components of extracellular matrix, or short chain Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Regenerative: Biomolecules incorporated facilitate skin regeneration. Permeable: Air and water permeable non-woven gauze, polyurethane foam and 3D-printed dermal matrices with unique pores allow for air and moisture exchange. Low allergen risk: Does not use any biologics. Wound dressings are made of bioactive polymers with low risk of allergy. Low cost: Production cost is at least 10x less than current dermal matrices made of animal collagen. Customizable: 3D-printing technique allows for personalized treatment. Long Shelf-Life: Product is fully synthetic and stable at room temperature. Hence, cold chain logistics is unnecessary, and hospitals can stock up on product. The applications include but are not limited to: Incisional/Surgical wounds  Burn wounds  Trauma wounds  Chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcer wounds) Plastic reconstruction Skin graft donor sites Superficial wounds Laceration wounds The medical non-woven gauze market share is estimated to reach a value of nearly US$ 28.9 Billion by 2032 expanding from US$ 19.7 Billion in 2021. Dermal matrix market is expected to reach US$ 17.3 Billion with CAGR of approximately 15.1% by 2027 from US$ 6.5 Billion in 2020. Conventional wound care products for exudate or infection management are rarely designed with skin regenerative property. Current clinical gold standard for full thickness wound management or burn care involves the use of animal-derived collagen which has high infection risk. Cell therapies are costly and rarely used in clinical practice. This acellular synthetic wound care products with skin regeneration and inflammation reduction properties is a potential game changer in wound care market with its long shelf-life and low production cost. Bioactive polymers, Foam dressing, Wound healing, Non-woven gauge, 3D printing Healthcare, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics, Chemicals, Polymers
Novel Photosensitizer Compounds for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly targeted treatment modality activated through light-based photooxidation process where a photosensitizer (PS) molecule upon illumination by visible or near infrared light, produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that invokes cellular death. This technology surfaced two newly discovered synthetically modified Eosin Y analogue compounds, E3B and E5B as organic PS for targeting Gram-positive bacteria, in particular Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA), without non-specific killing of normal mammalian cells. Microbial infectious diseases caused by multidrug resistant pathogens are a constant severe threat to global public health. PDT is a form of antibiotic-free phototherapy to efficaciously treat microbial infections with advantages in spatiotemporal controllability, non-invasiveness, minimal off-targets and side effects, and broad antimicrobial spectrum. However, the promise of PDT in antibacterial intervention has not been fully fulfilled particularly using conventional organic PS due to restricted structural availability. Herein, we disclosed organic PS compounds, E3B and E5B, with high intracellular ROS-generation capabilities under white light irradiation at very low light dose without suffering photobleaching of traditional PSs to combat antimicrobial resistance as a promising antibacterial PDT for translation to clinical trials. The technology owner is seeking collaboration with biotech, clinical stage biotech and pharmaceutical companies to develop and commercialize new antimicrobial PDT agents superior to currently marketed organic PSs. The technology has been validated till in vivo specificity and stability studies. There are opportunities in R&D collaboration to demonstrate the interactions and characterization of the novel E3B and E5B PS with metabolites in controlled functional assays of microbial communities. E3B and E5B analogues are organic hybrid PS which can exhibit both Type I and II ROS reactions in PDT. Selective targeting of Gram-positive pathogens, in particular MRSA, to combat multidrug resistance. More targeted and efficient killing within shorter time than conventional PS (reaction time required is 2 to 5 min). No photobleaching effects exhibited and requires only a 50S white lamp which is tested in vivo. Upon a low light-dose irradiation, E3B and E5B can overwhelm the anti-ROS defence system of bacteria without drug deactivation and photobleaching. Efficient methods for synthesis of Eosin Y analogues with moderate to high yields for affordable and scalable production. No column purification required with consistent batch testing produced. This technology can be applied for antibacterial PDT to combat antimicrobial resistance under World Health Organisation (WHO) priority pathogens (e.g., MRSA the most resistant species and causative agents of skin and lung infections). The eosin derivatives, E3B and E5B have promising potentials due to their remarkable photo-antibacterial efficacies, affordability, and scalable production. Eosin Y as a universal staining agent can also be used as an imaging diagnosis for microbial infections concurrent with PDT. A superior and potent photo-activated antibacterial effects at low light dose compared to traditional PS. Able to control the illumination time, dosage, and light power. Superior therapeutic window without harming normal mammalian cells. No adjuvants required. Highly stable and accessible production method for scale-up process. Anti-bacterial photodynamic therapy, Organic photosensitizers, Eosin Y, Anti-microbial resistance Healthcare, Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics, Chemicals, Organic
Cost Effective Hybrid Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing Laser based System
In manufacturing there are many instances where there is a need for low production runs of parts. These could be for parts of an equipment, tools, small volume runs for trials or customised parts. However, traditional manufacturing techniques are usually not cost-effective for such low volume runs, while current additive manufacturing suffers from low strength, long print times and poor surface finish needing post-processing. Additionally, for techniques using powder and filaments, considerations have to be given to the storage due to oxidation, degradation, flammability and toxicity of these precursor materials. The tech owner has developed a hybrid manufacturing technique that involves both additive and subtractive manufacturing methods. Instead of powder or filaments, sheets and foils are used as precursor materials, thereby alleviating cost, safety and performance concerns that were outlined. A laser is used to cut and fuse the different layers of the build.   Numerous tests conducted by the team have consistently yielded parts that are dense and displayed high strength. The system is able to work with different materials, including highly reflective ones such as, aluminium, copper. Parts using carbon fibres, composition materials, ceramics, etc have also been successfully printed. Based on initial estimates, this technique offers up to 80% cost advantage over powder bed systems. The tech owner is seeking partners to collaborate in test bedding the system for manufacturing of complex, customized and/or high strength / high thermal conductivity parts for applications in the healthcare, semiconductor, aerospace, automotive, telecoms or marine & offshore sectors. The system included an energy deposition module that is based on commercially available laser source. The slicer software and printer controller software were based on in-house developed proprietary software. These will ensure that the quality of print is able to meet the density and strength requirements demanded by the user.    Precursor material handling module is also inhouse developed to ensure consistency of print.   The current prototype has the following performance specifications: Largest print – 20cm x 20cm Smallest feature that can be printed - 100um Highly dense structure < 1% porosity Heat exchangers – micro cooling channels   Semiconductor equipment Dental/ Bone implants; Prosthetics; Surgical Tools; Aerospace parts Automobile parts Mobile Device parts (e.g. Smartphone, laptop, smartwatch shells and casings) Unlike powder bed system, there is no need for environment controlled chambers Safer and cheaper precursors (sheets and foils vs powder and filaments) Printed parts are higher strength (Example – Stainless Steel SS304L, up to 1 GPa yield strength) Printed parts are fully dense (<= 1% porosity) Lead time is significantly reduced for fully solid designs Can fabricate enclosed channels Surface roughness is 3 times smoother than powder bed techniques Minimal post-processing (e.g. sand-blasting) is necessary Compatible with different material classes (composites, metals, polymers, ceramics)   3D printing, Additive manufacturing, Subtractive manufacturing, Laser, Laser system, Powder bed, Low volume manufacturing Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, Subtractive Machining
Novel Ingestible Capsule X-ray Dosimeter for Real-Time Radiotherapy Monitoring
In radiotherapy for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, real-time, continuous monitoring of X-ray radiation in the GI track can greatly improve the precision of the treatment. This proposed technology consists of a swallowable X-ray dosimeter capsule for real-time monitoring of absolute absorbed radiation dose and changes in pH and temperature in the GI tract. Using a neural network-based regression model and a luminescence of nanoscintillators fiber, the capsule is able to estimate radiation dose from radioluminescence and afterglow intensity and temperature. Initial preclinical study in a rabbit model showed that the dosimeter was approximately five times more accurate than standard methods for dose determination. Hence, these swallowable dosimeters may help to improve radiotherapy and understand how radiotherapy affects tumour pH and temperature. The technology owner is seeking for collaborations and out-licensing with medical institutions and medical device companies for clinical testing and further research identifying the capsule's position and posture after ingestion, developing a robust positioning system. The capsule hardware includes a highly sensitive optical fiber embedded with NaLuF4:Tb@NaYF4 nanoscintillators for monitoring low dosage of X-rays, a pH-responsive polyaniline-coated film, a customized multi-inlet microfluidic module for dynamic gastric juice sampling, two colour sensors with integrated temperature sensors, a small-sized PCB board with MCU, and a button-sized silver oxide battery. The capsule software includes APP for data collection, storage and analysis. The capsules can monitor dose, pH change and temperature on the spot in real time, and the size is small (close to the dimensions for standard size 2 capsule: 16 mm length and 7 mm outer diameter). The capsule dosimeter can be easily inserted into the rectum to monitor brachytherapy for prostate cancer. With further size optimization, the capsule could be placed in the upper nasal cavity to allow accurate real-time measurement of effective radiotherapy dose in nasopharyngeal or brain tumors, minimizing radiation damage and possible side-effects to surrounding structures. This technology can be adapted for the development of highly sensitive in vivo sensors on gas molecules, reactive oxygen species, and other physiological or biochemical indicators. To the best of the knowledge, there is no electronic capsule on the market that monitors dose delivery, pH and temperature during radiotherapy. The technology will be the first method to integrate an X-ray detector with pH and temperature detectors. In addition, the proposed technology enables X-ray detection with much higher sensitivity than other technologies.  According to a market report, the cost of radiotherapy is between USD$10,000 to USD$50,000, depending on the type of cancer, number of the treatments needed, and the type of radiation used. The cost of the capsules to monitor the accuracy of radiotherapy is less than USD$200. This market is expected to reach $279.16 million by 2025, with an estimated CAGR of 12% from 2021 to 2025. In vivo monitoring of dose delivery, pH, and temperature during radiotherapy is essential for smart medical applications. The ingestible electronic capsule that enables multifunctional characterisation is of high detection sensitivity, low cost, and simple manufacturing process. This technology offers the following benefits: High sensitivity: Synthesized materials are sensitive to X-rays. Small size: Patients can swallow comfortably. Low power consumption for long-term monitoring of pH, dose and temperature. Suitable for in vivo test and real-time detection of dose and pH changes during radiotherapy. Injestible dosimeters, Radioluminescence, Gastrointestinal cancer, Radiotherapy Healthcare, Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Telehealth, Medical Software & Imaging
Boron Nitride Composites For Thermal Management
Thermal management is an essential part of the design of high power density electronics. As the power density of electronic devices increases, so does the amount of heat they generate, and this heat must be dissipated effectively to prevent the devices from overheating and failing. This technology offers a method to produce high thermal conductivity boron nitride (BN) composites that aim to improve thermal management in high power density electronics, leading to more efficient, more compact, and safer electronic systems. BN composites are a group of materials made by combining boron nitride with another material, such as a polymer, metal, or ceramic. A key advantage of such composites is that they exhibit higher thermal conductivity than any commercially available material that is electrically insulating. The resultant BN composites are also low in weight, easily shaped, exhibit good mechanical properties, and offer the unique capability of designing the path by which the heat will be conducted. These properties fulfil the demanding requirements for electronic packaging in emerging markets like Internet of Things and embedded systems, autonomous vehicles, high speed computers, satellites to name a few. The technology owner is seeking for co-development and out-licensing opportunities with semiconductor and device-assembling companies that require high thermal conductivity materials. This technology consists of a method to fabricate porous boron nitride composites that exhibit high thermal conductivity for improved heat management. Using a simple and scalable process, BN microcrystal powder is functionalised with iron oxide nanoparticles. BN microplatelets are then orientated to channel heat along the direction of alignment of the microplatelets to yield BN composites of high thermal conductivity. Some features of the BN composites include: Utilises a green process to fabricate (water is used as a solvent) Exhibits higher thermal conductivity (12 W/mK) Lightweight (~1.3 g/cm3) Good mechanical properties (Stiffness ~400 MPa, strength ~3 MPa, hardness 0.5-1.5 kgf/mm2) Electrical resistivity (~30 MΩ.cm) Tunable shape and size Excellent thermal stability till 200 ºC The BN composites can be attached to electronic chips and other components, making them suitable as a thermal interface material for 3D electronics of high packing density. Possible applications include (but are not limited to): Semiconductor Aerospace Automotive Higher thermal conductivity than conventional thermal interface materials with electrical insulation Ability to customise and tailor the BN composites’ properties to efficiently channel heat into specific directions thermal management, high power electronics, thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, composite, electronics, packaging, insulation, boron nitride, microplatelet, temperature, heat conductivity Materials, Composites, Electronics, Semiconductors
Universal Robotic Gripping: Variable-Stiffness Gripper Enabled by Jamming Transition
Recent advances in soft robotics revolutionize the way robots interact with the environment, empowering robots to undertake complex tasks using soft and compliant grippers. Compared to traditional rigid structures. Soft grippers have excellent adaptability for a variety of objects and tasks. However, the existing gripper systems faces some challenges, such as handling delicate, wet, and slippery items, the risk of damaging valuable items, and high production cost. Based on pneumatic jamming of 3D-printed fabrics, the technology owner has developed a variable-stiffness soft pneumatic gripper that can apply small forces for pinching and pick-up heavy objects via stiffening. The invented grippers are soft and adaptive to handle delicate items with various shapes and weights, minimising the damaging risk of items during the gripping process. In addition, such gripper with adjustable stiffness could handle heavy and bulky items by increasing its gripping strength. These benefits make the gripper more versatile and adaptable to various applications in agriculture, food processing, packaging, manufacturing, and human-robot interaction (HRI). The technology owner is seeking to do R&D collaboration, IP licensing, and test-bedding with industrial partners intending to integrate variable-stiffness gripper in their applications.  The technology owner has incorporated the jamming of 3D-printed structured fabrics into variable-stiffness soft gripper design. The innovative gripper can actively apply small forces for pinching and pick up heavy objects via stiffening. The key features of the technology are: Lightweight and comfortable structural structured fabrics Vacuum-powered stiffness change High gripping-to-pinching force ratio Adaptable to items with various shapes and weights Safe and high precision gripping process Low material cost (made from elastic silicone) Easy fabrication (all 3D printed key parts assembled with standard components) Agriculture: food harvesting, packaging etc. Food processing: vegetable and fruit picking, food sorting, food packaging, etc. Manufacturing: packaging, assembly, dedicate item handling, etc. Human-robot interaction (HRI) Enhanced robotic performance: universal gripper with high adaptability, versatility, and precision Safe gripping process: good comfortability and high gripping-to-pitch force ratio Cost-effective system: 3D-printed parts assembled with standard components Highly customisable: meet requirements of various industrial applications Jamming, pneumatic gripper, adjustable stiffness, 3D printing, robotic gripper, agricultural gripper Materials, Plastics & Elastomers, Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation & Robotics, Additive Manufacturing