Using advances in electronics and software, a team of EU-funded researchers is developing new ways to control upper limb prosthetics. Their goal is to improve and facilitate the everyday lives of amputees.
The heavy vehicles used in forestry operations could become more energy efficient and kinder to the environment, thanks to technical innovations being developed by the EU-funded Forwarder2020 project. The innovations could also boost the forestry industry's global competitiveness.
EU-funded researchers are developing new liquid magnetic materials that convert waste heat into electricity. The long-term aim for these materials, which are both affordable and environmentally friendly, is to use them to harness waste thermal energy to reduce energy consumption and help tackle the global energy crisis.
Special fatty acids from tropical crops are used in many chemical products derived from vegetable oils. As a result, EU manufacturers are exposed to import price fluctuations. We could source these acids from home-grown crops instead, say EU-funded researchers whose work could help boost competitiveness.
An 'artificial leaf' being developed by EU-funded researchers to produce fuel from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, could tackle soaring global energy demands, the growing impact of climate change, and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels.
An EU-funded project is developing software, based on artificial intelligence, that enables robots to more effectively interact with autistic children in human-led therapy sessions, helping to improve their social and communication skills.
No timetables. No fixed stops. No waiting ages in the rain. EU-funded researchers are running world-first trials of a public transport concept involving autonomous electric buses that may soon collect users on demand. Such fleets could be a less costly, greener option for areas where conventional services might not be viable.
An EU-funded project has developed new engine design concepts with the potential to radically improve aircraft efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase sustainability and boost European industry competitiveness. These new designs aim to maximise synergies between various existing and novel engine technologies.
The problem of plastic pollution has grown to devastating proportions. EU-funded research is supporting the development and large-scale production of an eco-friendly replacement for plastic bags that should help significantly reduce plastic waste.
An EU and industry-funded project is working on the development of bio-based smart food packaging that will reduce waste by monitoring and extending shelf-life, while being compostable, biodegradable or recyclable - good for the environment. It has already developed biodegradable packaging that incorporates an oxygen sensor to monitor shelf-life.
