The development of new semiconductor-based technologies has not slowed down despite the difficulties facing the semiconductor industry right now, such as chip delays and a lack of qualified workers. Innovation is thriving. These four developing technologies are only a few of the many that are now being created and used all over the world, ranging from a medical procedure that simulates bees to a signoff solution for the design of sensors.
1. Treatments that use bee behavior simulation
We are all acquainted with the intelligence of bees, which can coordinate a group movement in complicated situations by communicating among themselves. The engineering department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) revealed that it has created a navigation system for microbots powered by artificial intelligence. It automatically reconfigures, in response to environmental changes, such as impediments inside the human body.
According to the university, the study team envisages that the AI guidance system would one day enable surgeons to deploy microrobots for therapeutic purposes like targeted drug administration in the human body without specific training. This discovery opens the door to a wide range of medical applications because it is based on deep learning algorithms coupled with years of research data on microrobot navigation.
2. Using AI to proactively identify port corrosion
Any reinforced concrete marine construction eventually erodes through exposure to the environment, especially salt water. As a result, maintaining marine infrastructure is quite expensive. A research team lead by Curtin University has teamed up to create an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to discover more effective methods of repairing deteriorating coastal structures. To solve the intricate, multifaceted problem of concrete corrosion, the research team is prepared to implement this new monitoring instrument. Data and photos of the marine structures will be supplied to the new AI-based tool. Accordingly, reports of high-risk locations will be generated by the algorithm so that preventative maintenance measures can be taken as opposed to waiting for the corrosion dangers to materialize.
3. Accelerating the construction of student housing
Housing issues for university students are a persistent issue in many parts of the world. China has switched to a mass-produced modular construction method to hasten the availability of housing units. Modular building significantly decreases construction time while also minimizing its negative environmental effects and addressing Hong Kong’s workforce shortage issue. Blockchain, building information modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and a new e-inspection system called “e-inStar” were all used by a team from the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). As they arrive from the mainland, this new system inspects the modules remotely. It’s the world’s first e-inspection system. It has established new benchmarks and will act as a model for the sector, according to Wilson Lu, a professor at the real estate and construction department.
4. Accelerating signoff for transistor
The tiny transistors need to be protected from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and damage from voltage spikes by crucial ESD circuitry. As silicon technology continues to shrink to 7nm and below, Ansys has released two solutions (Totem-SC and Ansys PathFinder-SC), to check, verify and sign off the electrostatic discharge (ESD) and voltage spikes on a system level. According to Seonil Brian Choi, Corporate VP of Samsung Electronics, power supply noise is a vital measure for CMOS image sensors as it directly affects pixel performance. For Samsung’s high-resolution sensor designs, Totem-SC provides a high-capacity IR signoff solution utilizing conventional technology. As such, their team has the confidence to maximize design optimization for better results thanks to high-accuracy outcomes.
McKinsey Electronics is a global distributor of electronic components and circuit design advisor. To find out more about the most recent developments and news in the semiconductor sector, check our blog section.