Tech Briefs Magazine - May 2023 - 10

Products of
Tomorrow
u Silicon Photonic
MEMS
A team of researchers
at the University
of Sydney has developed
a new technology
to combine optics
and micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) in
a microchip, paving the way for the creation of devices
like micro-3D cameras and gas sensors for
precision air quality measurement, including their
use in mobile phones. Photonic MEMS are unique
in that they are compact, consume very little power,
are fast, support a broad range of optical carrier
signals and have low optical loss. According to
the team, the technology will advance knowledge
in the field of micro- and nanofabrication, photonics,
and semiconductors, with a wide range of applications
including beam steering for LiDAR 3D
sensing in autonomous vehicles, programmable
photonic chips, or information processing in
quantum photonics.
Contact: Luisa Low
Phone: +043-802-1390
E-mail: luisa.low@sydney.edu.au
u Biohybrid Neural
Implant
Researchers at the University
of Cambridge have
developed a new type of
neural implant that could
restore limb function to
amputees and others who
have lost the use of their
arms or legs. The device combines flexible electronics
and human stem cells - the body's 'reprogrammable'
master cells - to better integrate with the
nerve and drive limb function. By combining two
advanced therapies for nerve regeneration into a
single device, they can overcome the shortcomings
of previous approaches, improving functionality
and sensitivity. While extensive research and testing
will be needed before it can be used in humans, the
device is a promising development for amputees or
those who have lost function of a limb or limbs.
Contact: Sarah Collins
Phone: +012-237-65542
E-mail: sarah.collins@admin.cam.ac.uk
This column presents technologies that have
applications in commercial areas, possibly
creating the products of tomorrow. To learn
more about each technology, see the contact
information provided for that innovation.
u Micro-Robotic Arms
Until now, microscopic robotic systems have had to make do without arms.
Now researchers at ETH Zurich have combined conventional robotics and
microfluidics. They have developed a device that uses ultrasound and can be
attached to a robotic arm. This lets them pump and mix minuscule amounts
of liquid and trap particles. The device comprises a thin, pointed glass needle
and a piezoelectric transducer that causes the needle to oscillate. The ETH researchers can vary the oscillation frequency
of their glass needle. In addition to laboratory analysis, they envisage other applications for micro-robotic arms, such as
sorting tiny objects. The arms could conceivably also be used in biotechnology as a way of introducing DNA into individual
cells. It should ultimately be possible to employ them in additive manufacturing.
Contact: Fabio Bergamin
Phone: +41 44-632-4141
E-mail: mediarelations@hk.ethz.ch
10
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Tech Briefs Magazine - May 2023

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