Phys.org March 27, 2018 Researchers in Sweden have developed a method and a material that generates an electrical impulse when the light fluctuates from sunshine to shade and vice versa. They created a tiny optical generator by combining the small antennas consisting gold nanodiscs placed on a substrate and coated with a polymeric film to create the pyroelectric properties. The antennas generate heat that is then converted to electricity with the aid of the polymer. The degree of polarisation of the polymer affects the magnitude of the generated power, while the thickness not to have any effect at all. Applications […]
Tag Archives: Biomimetics
Inspired by insects: New anti-collision technology could help create safer driverless cars
Eurekalert March 15, 2018 An international team of researchers (UK, Germany, China, Japan, Malaysia, South America) is working on a EU sponsored project called ULTRACEPT (Ultra-layered perception) with brain-inspired information processing for vehicle collision avoidance. It was inspired by the rapid reactions of insects, incorporating near-range collision detection technology, long-range hazard perception, and thermal-based collision detection tools. This will ensure that it works day and night and can quickly adapt to unexpected hazards and different conditions – for example sudden weather changes or driving in and out of tunnels… read more.