Full-text search

Flying wind power plants to generate energy at great heights

At high altitudes the wind is much stronger. Empa researchers want to harness the energy slumbering in the wind with the aid of kites. The technology would be particularly suitable for generating electricity in remote areas.

The power resides in its skin

Lamborghini is famous for its full-throated, powerful gasoline engines. But this Italian maker of super sports cars wants to be ready for a future that will be electric. Lamborghini engineers teamed up with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to develop the concept car Terzo Millennio, an all-electric super sports car that runs entirely without batteries.

Naratek RSS Feed

Improved carbon footprint thanks to the utilization of surplus electricity

Power-to-X processes could play a key role in reducing Switzerland’s CO₂ emissions. These processes convert excess electricity generated using renewable sources into liquid or gaseous energy carriers. A group of researchers recently explored the potential of power-to-X for Switzerland.

Irrationality with a clear conscience

even a modicum of irrationality. So in this respect, too, the Taycan is a genuine Porsche – electric drive or not. e-power electric car hypercar porsche taycan supercar Share this article E-mail Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Lukas

Researchers unveil energy storage concept using a sand cable car

Researchers have come up with the vision of a pumped storage power plant of a special kind. Their idea involves a type of cable car that can be used to transport sand or gravel up mountains in order to generate electricity when required by transporting it down the mountain again.

Study: Reducing the carbon footprint of houses and cars also saves money

It is possible to reduce the carbon footprint attributable to driving and housing while saving money at the same time. This has been determined by researchers from the “Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies” (BEST) competence center in Wieselburg, Austria.

The unrecognized pioneer

60 years ago, Theodore Maiman powered up the very first laser. At that time, however, neither industry nor research saw any practical application for the technology. The story of a major misjudgment.

Brain-machine interfaces for the mass-market

The factory of the future: Humans use brain-machine interfaces to control production processes through the power of their minds. This vision was presented to the public on the campus of the EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne within the framework of the “Mental Work” project. At the same time, a unique data set was collected.

ETH builds ultrafast chip of the future

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) have discovered what the computer industry has been looking for since 20 years: A method of combining light and electronics on an ultrafast chip. Their plasmonic chip is more powerful, smaller, and cheaper to produce than any previous technology.

The enchantress of numbers

The first algorithm was devised a century before the invention of the computer. It was developed by Ada Lovelace. Born into British aristocracy, her visionary ideas foreshadowed the digital age.

New propulsion systems on the test bench

Fossil fuels are a thing of the past, the future of mobility is sustainable. Which propulsion systems live up to this claim and also have what it takes to win through on the mass market? An overview.

University of Zurich teaches drones tricks

Thanks to a navigation algorithm, drones are learning to autonomously perform acrobatic maneuvers. Using simulations, the autonomous aircraft are trained to become faster, more agile, and more efficient.

An opportunity for sustainable urban development

Viennese complexity researchers have found a method to predict the growth of cities. This could facilitate much more efficient urban development and help conserve resources.

Netflix junkies are harming the environment

Not so long ago, a home movie night was always preceded by a visit to the video rental store. Nowadays, all it takes to stream movies and TV shows on our screens are a few mouse clicks. Streaming services are booming. But the convenience of streaming is harming the environment.

German researchers develop skin for robots

The aim of this is to enable robots to perceive their surroundings more effectively and even to balance on one leg. For the very first time, researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany report that they have fully equipped a human-sized robot with an artificial skin.

Solar cells from the printer

The solar cells from the inkjet printer are ultra-thin and flexible - and should also work inside buildings.

Swissloop is hovering on a wave of success

With its second place in the Hyperloop contest in the United States, the Swiss engineering collective Swissloop has caused quite a stir. Now they are ready to take the next step.

Moderna co-founder Bob Langer in conversation

Robert Langer (73) has saved millions of lives with his research: His work with messenger RNA provides genetic blueprints with which the human body can produce antiviral proteins itself. This research forms the basis for the most successful Covid 19 vaccines, such as the vaccine produced by the manufacturer Moderna. Langer is a co-founder of the company and has become a billionaire since the Corona pandemic.

Surviving on Mars – thanks to cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria may be able to thrive even in the inhospitable conditions on Mars. They are excellent oxygen producers and could enable astronauts to survive self-sufficiently on future missions.