Technology
2Excel Geo is developing Earth Observation validation engine to analyse the condition of roadside trees
Remote sensing technology provider 2Excel Geo has joined the national SPRINT business support programme to develop an Earth Observation validation engine for analysing roadside trees. Te £5m Space Research and Innovation Network for Technology (SPRINT) funding will enable 2Excel Geo to develop an automated ground validation solution in collaboration with the University of Leicester. Tis system will analyse airborne and orbital intelligence, to identify trees in locations that may be a risk to road users and obstruct the road network. “Te 2Excel Geo application is centred
around the environment and sustainability, aimed at delivering rapid feedback on the status of trees and important elements of the environment,” said Ivan Tyukin, Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Leicester. “We’ve been working on how data- driven technology can be used to maintain a stable environment, and this project with 2Excel Geo will be our first large-scale trial of that technology with a human element in the loop.
Te University is looking to engage with 2Excel Geo on a broader research programme around the environment and the use of satellite data.” Te SPRINT project will combine optical
remote sensing with satellite global positioning of data collected from in-car dashboard camera footage to automatically validate tree health classifications derived from Earth Observation data. “SPRINT funding has enabled us to access
the expertise of the SPRINT universities for our research and, by working with the University of Leicester on this particular project, we can apply and assess novel validation techniques. Tis will open up potentially automatable means of validation support for our application, which identifies stressed or diseased trees on the sides of roads, helping highways authorities to mitigate potential problems or dangers,” said Gary Llewellyn, Remote Sensing Consultant at 2Excel Geo. 2Excel Geo will also work with SPRINT
partner Satellite Applications Catapult on a Commercialisation Engine Programme to
2Excel Geo uses advanced techniques to identify tree problems on the roadside
explore the commercial viability and technical feasibility of 2Excel Geo’s remote-sensing solution. “Te Satellite Applications Catapult Business
Support team is supporting 2Excel Geo to explore the commercial opportunities of the 2Excel Geo application. We have already completed our first set of business and design sprints, and are looking forward to working with the company to further realise its full ambitions,” added Shannon O’Neill, Business Engagement Executive at the Satellite Applications Catapult.
Epishine launches world’s smallest organic solar cell
Swedish technology firm Epishine has just released its “light cell”, which promises to revolutionise the way small electronic devices are powered. Epishine’s organic solar cells are thin and flexible, easily integrated into sensors, consumer electronics and other low-power devices, for a reduced or eliminated use of batteries. “We can now offer a product that
completely redefines the possibilities for anyone developing low-power wireless devices, for instance for the growing IoT and PropTech markets. You can now develop products that don’t depend on expensive battery replacements,” said Jonas Palmér, Epishine’s Sales Director. Epishine also developed pioneering
manufacturing processes for the printed organic solar cells that, among other things, provide a unique manufacturing scaleability. “We’ve put the results of more than 25 years of research into this product. What makes
Small, flexible solar cells can power most portable electronic devices
it even better is that we have also developed a production process scaleable into large volumes, which makes us one of the world’s leading actors in printed organic solar cells,” said Anna Björklou, Epishine’s CEO. Epishine’s light cells are non-toxic,
based on organic materials and printed on recyclable plastic. Teir scaleability is due to the entire manufacturing process being based on different printing techniques, roll-to-roll.
Epishine’s first product was released in
February, optimised for low-level indoor lighting. “Te global digital transformation requires
more and more dataflow between the physical and digital worlds. Tis will rapidly lead to a countless number of small sensors and displays, which today are powered by batteries. Tis is not sustainable, either from an environmental perspective or from a maintenance perspective,” said Björklou. “With our innovation, all electronic devices that today are powered by small batteries that last for a year or longer can potentially be powered by harvesting ordinary indoor light.” Te firm’s long-term goal is to be in the
forefront of this trend, by offering printed organic solar cells that are scaleable, resource- efficient and affordable. Te company was founded in 2016 in
Linköping, and currently counts just over 20 employees.
www.electronicsworld.co.uk March 2021 05
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