Robotics, automotive, energy and healthcare. Interview with Dr Peter Harrop on his new report: Sensors 2021-2041

In July 2020, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology announced a standardised UK system for detecting coronavirus in wastewater, to provide an early warning of future outbreaks, reducing the reliance of testing large populations.

Sensors in the water and wastewater treatment industries are an emerging technology market area, forecast to grow to $2Bn+ in 2030. This market uses synergies with sensors which are currently used in a number of different markets. This article discusses some of these key synergies.

Sensors: The Whole Picture Part 5c: Analysis by parameters measured: S-Z

Semiconductor sensors, also known as metal-oxide-semiconductor sensors (MOS sensors), detect gases by a chemical reaction that takes place when the gas comes in direct contact with the sensor.

A biosensor is an analytical device which converts a biological response into an electrical signal.

It is meaningful to analyse sensors in terms of industries. For example, the miniaturised multi-sensor platforms of mobile phones and smart watches in the consumer electronics industry have much in common with those in the broader concepts of the Internet of Things which is largely focussed on the healthcare, energy and manufacturing sectors.

In the next decade, digital water technologies will be the next big innovation. With an industry predicted to be over $2Bn in 2030, this is a wide-reaching opportunity for many and a market which has a global impact.

For the purposes of this report, a sensor as an input device which, as its primary purpose, provides an electrical output (signal). A sensor detects and, where needed, quantifies a specific physical, chemical or biological quantity (input).

Water treatment takes sources of water from reservoirs, lakes and rivers, and transforms it into a commodity which can be safely drunk. Currently over 70% of the world's population have access to safe drinking water. This premium article discusses the different stages of water treatment and the opportunities that "Digital Water" or "Smart water" can bring to this industry.

With water becoming a more scarce resource, it is important to try to reuse water where possible. The UK environment agency said in 2019 that with a combination of population growth and climate change the UK could have severe water shortages in the next 20-25 years.

This premium article provides an introduction to the Digital Water topic. For more information, please see the report "Digital Water 2020-2030".

Digital water technologies will innovate and drive forward new solutions in the water and wastewater industries. The new IDTechEx report, "Digital Water Networks 2020-2030", discusses the players, technologies, and market opportunities for this exciting new technology area.

Inspired by membranes in the body tissues of living organisms, scientists have combined aramid nanofibers used in Kevlar with boron nitride to construct a membrane for harvesting ocean energy that is both strong like bone and suited for ion transport like cartilage.