Here come previously impossible devices and structures. The new IDTechEx report, "Smart Material Opportunities in Structural Electronics 2020-2030" analyses and forecasts a remarkable $200 billion materials opportunity by making dumb structures smart.

Wearable electronics could be perpetually powered by stretchy, self-mending materials that use body heat to generate electricity. Three carefully curated organic compounds have been combined to develop a prototype thermoelectric material that is both stretchy and self-healing, can generate its own electricity, and is robust enough to withstand the stresses and strains of daily life.

BioSolar Inc plans to evolve its technology to become a larger scale developer of breakthrough battery technologies for the electric vehicle market.

November 20-21, 2019, Santa Clara

Technologies shaping future retailing

On November 20 & 21 the IDTechEx Show! opens in the Santa Clara convention center to 3,500 people representing technology scouts and innovation managers from global brands to suppliers from across the value chain.

IDTechEx Launchpad will showcase innovations from 12 start-up companies at the IDTechEx Show! held in Santa Clara Convention Center, CA, USA (www.IDTechEx.com/USA). All winners will be showing a new working prototype or product, many for the first time.

The innovative battery uses thermochemical material to store renewable energy in an inexpensive and lossless way. This helps to bridge longer periods, especially during winter months, when there is less or no energy from sun, wind or other sustainable sources.

Hyundai Motor is launching its first car with a solar roof charging system. The system supports the vehicle's electric power source, improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.

Imagine a truck tarp that can harvest the energy of sunlight. With the help of new textile-based solar cells semitrailers could soon be producing the electricity needed to power cooling systems or other onboard equipment. In short, textile-based solar cells could soon be adding a whole new dimension to photovoltaics, complementing the use of conventional silicon-based solar cells.