This report presents the latest R&D trends in four key fields covered in NEDO Overseas Technology Trend Report No.1144: nanotechnology/materials, robotics/AI technology, electronics/information and communication, and biotechnology.
Nanotechnology/Materials Field
A research team from Pennsylvania State University has developed an innovative smart sensor for wound healing monitoring. This sensor uses laser-induced graphene (LIG) and represents the world's first technology capable of simultaneously and independently measuring temperature and physical strain. Through newly discovered thermoelectric properties of LIG, it can detect minute temperature changes of 0.5°C and maintains functionality even when stretched up to 45%. Furthermore, with self-powering capabilities, development is underway for a wireless system enabling physicians to remotely monitor wound inflammation and healing progress in real-time.
Robotics/AI Technology Field
Three important studies on autonomous vehicle safety and learning capabilities are presented. Research from NYU Tandon developed the "Cached-DFL" system, enabling autonomous vehicles to share and learn road conditions without direct encounters, exchanging trained AI models within 100 meters and caching up to 10 external models. UC Irvine research demonstrated vulnerabilities where inexpensive sticker attacks could confuse autonomous vehicle traffic sign recognition systems. Germany's Max Planck Institute developed "infomorphic neurons" mimicking biological neurons, constructing artificial neural networks capable of self-organized learning without external control.
Electronics/ICT Field
Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has developed a revolutionary optical amplifier with 300-nanometer bandwidth, ten times that of existing systems. Made from silicon nitride with spiral waveguides, this amplifier can be mounted on chips just a few centimeters in size, effectively reducing noise while amplifying space communication-level weak signals. Through design adjustments, it can also amplify visible and infrared light, with expected applications in medical diagnostic and therapeutic laser systems.
Biotechnology Field
A UK research team has developed innovative "faecal engineering" technology to transform cow dung into one of the world's most utilized materials. This technology has the potential to contribute to realizing a circular economy and solving environmental challenges.
The article demonstrates that cutting-edge technologies in each field are steadily progressing toward social implementation, with particular expectations for innovative applications in medical, communications, and transportation sectors.