How feasible is the All Electric Society, and what will it require to achieve? We discussed this with Karl Lehnhoff, Director of the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical segment at EBV Elektronik. The land doesn’t belong to me. It’s only on loan from my children.” This wisdom from his grandfather, a farmer, still drives Karl Lehnhoff…
Heat pumps are considered a key technology for the energy transition in the heating sector. They harness environmental heat and convert it into usable heating energy with the help of electricity. Due to their high efficiency and flexibility, they play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions. Space heating and hot water generation account for…
In 2021, the International Energy Agency published its first net-zero roadmap, outlining a pathway to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. In 2023, an updated version was released, which takes into account the extraordinary growth of certain clean energy technologies, but also highlights increased investments in fossil fuels and persistently high…
The All Electric Society will not only impact the lives of individuals but also fundamentally change the relationships between states and regions. The geopolitical consequences are outlined in a report by the “Global Commission on the Geopolitics of Energy Transformation,” with a title that makes clear the magnitude of these shifts: a new world. According…
Energy efficiency is often referred to as the “first fuel” for a clean energy transition, as it allows for the quickest and most cost-effective reductions in CO2 emissions. In the All Electric Society, the focus is particularly on electricity conversion, with power electronics playing a central role. Being mindful of energy use pays off, as…
Critical raw materials such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements are essential for the various technologies of the All Electric Society. To secure supply and reduce dependencies, the European Union enacted the Critical Raw Materials Act in spring 2024. By 2050, the global demand for cobalt and lithium for electric vehicle batteries is expected…
With the Cyber Resilience Act, a significant step is being taken to strengthen cybersecurity in Europe. It will apply to all connected products, including components of the All Electric Society, which are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of cyberattacks on energy utilities worldwide more than doubled between…
The transformation of energy supply brings enormous challenges. Integrating energy technology with information and communication technologies plays a key role in addressing these challenges. In the All Electric Society, various actors in the energy system communicate with each other: energy producers, grid operators, consumers, and prosumers all have different technical backgrounds and interests (e.g., cost…
Sector coupling is a key approach for integrating renewable energy into various areas such as electricity, heating, transport, and industry. By closely linking these sectors, excess green electricity can be optimally utilised to replace fossil fuels. Electricity generation from renewable sources like wind and photovoltaics is subject to significant fluctuations due to time and weather…
Industry is responsible for 25 percent of global CO2 emissions, with the majority stemming from inefficient drive systems and process heat. Emissions can be significantly reduced through the use of energy-efficient technologies and electrification. According to the International Energy Agency, the industrial sector was directly responsible for emitting nine gigatonnes of CO2 in 2022, accounting…
More than a third of CO2 emissions from end-use sectors are attributed to transport. Electrification of road transport is the most significant lever for greater sustainability. However, climate-neutral alternatives are also being sought for aircraft and ships. The transport sector remains reliant on fossil fuels. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), around 8 gigatonnes…
The global electric vehicle (EV) charging station market is exploding, and it’s expected to reach 12.1 billion US dollars by 2030, with an 8.8 percent compound annual growth rate. With rising sales of EVs and the growing demand for zero-emission transport, the EV Charging station market will continue to proliferate. With this growth comes the expectation…
Renewable energy is essential for achieving an All Electric Society, facilitating the critical transition from fossil fuels to sustainable sources. Modern homes use solar panels, heat pumps, and battery energy storage systems. Passenger and cargo transportation are witnessing the growing adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Industry employs increasingly electric machinery and equipment, advanced…
AT ST, we believe that technology has a critical role to play in addressing the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing our world today. We are committed to developing innovative technologies and products that enable the transformation of our economies and societies through digitalisation, smarter mobility, and decarbonisation. Sustainability has been a guiding principle for…
As electric costs increase and the world moves away from fossil fuels, today’s manufacturers are challenged with how to build industrial applications that operate both responsibly and efficiently. Adaptive computing can play an important role by delivering a competitive balance of cost, power, and performance for a variety of industrial applications. Adaptive computing technology includes…
The storage of energy is an essential component of the All Electric Society. On the one hand, it enables off-grid power supply for mobile devices, from smartwatches to electric vehicles. On the other hand, it plays a crucial role in balancing the fluctuating energy generation from renewable sources with current demands. The replacement of conventional…
To connect the multitude of renewable energy sources and manage the increasing electrification of industry, transport, and heating, energy distribution networks must be modernised and expanded. This will make the network smarter overall, and new technologies such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission will enhance system efficiency. The energy transition poses significant challenges for power…
In 2024, the demand for electrical energy has experienced its largest growth in the past twenty years, and experts predict a similar demand for 2025. The good news: more and more sustainable energies are meeting the world’s energy hunger. Photovoltaics alone account for around half of this increase. The growth in global electricity demand this…
Phoenix Contact was one of the first companies to use the term All Electric Society to describe the comprehensive electrification, networking and automation of all areas of the economy and infrastructure. At the beginning of September 2023, Phoenix Contact unveiled the All Electric Society Park at its Blomberg location. Joel Stratemann, Manager Business Development Integrated…
One of the most important strategies for reducing energy-related CO2 emissions is electrification. In this All Electric Society, the electricity used should be generated exclusively from renewable energy sources, providing global access to affordable, clean energy supply. The polar ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. Some regions are experiencing an increase in…
Floods in southern Germany, record heat in India, drought in the Amazon, and even tornadoes raging in the middle of Europe – the consequences of the climate crisis are increasingly intruding into the everyday lives of many people. The answer to this is provided by the All Electric Society: the vision of a CO2-neutral and…
Start-ups play a crucial role in electrifying our society. With their innovative ideas, they are significantly shaping the path to a sustainable energy future and making an important contribution to achieving net-zero goals. All-in-one Storage Solution p&e power&energy has developed an efficient power electronics platform for sustainable energy storage solutions. This platform integrates previously separate…
Start-ups around the world are working on innovative solutions for increasingly natural interactions with machines and computers. Here we present six exciting companies as examples of this inventive spirit. Recognising Cognitive State The deep-tech brain monitoring developed by CorrActions utilises existing motion sensors, for example in the steering wheel, to detect the cognitive state of drivers…
Rarely has a term such as the Metaverse garnered such rapid and widespread media attention. Fundamentally, it’s about the experience of a virtual world that individuals can shape according to their own ideas. Pioneering Human Machine Interfaces will be a core technology in this endeavour. It’s posited to be nothing less than the future of the…
Immersion is the key term in the gaming sector. Gamers want to dive into the game, to experience the virtual world as realistically as possible. The industry is continually bringing new solutions onto the market – from game controllers to Brain Computer Interfaces. Anyone who has ever been engrossed in a game knows what “immersive” means….
Smart home applications make up a large part of the market for Human Machine Interfaces. The ultimate benchmark remains the kind of interaction offered by today’s smartphones. Lights controlled by an app, a smart thermostat that automatically turns off the heating when a window is open, a vacuum cleaner robot that starts with a voice command:…
With feedback technologies, Human Machine Interfaces can provide feedback to humans. The applications range from a simple confirmation of the received command to the transmission of diverse information. The interaction between humans and machines is usually not one-sided, but rather a kind of communication: the operator issues a command and receives feedback on whether the…
The freezing cold, dust, moisture – Human Machine Interfaces often have to withstand extremely harsh environmental conditions. Protection against vandalism and hygiene requirements also play an important role in some areas of application. Whether in the rough daily routine of construction machinery, in food production or as a public terminal in the city – Human Machine Interfaces…
As collaboration between humans and machines becomes closer, the level of required safety must increase. It is therefore imperative that functional safety occupies a pivotal position in the design of a Human Machine Interface. Wherever a human interacts with a machine, there is theoretically a risk of injury or material damage if a technical component…
From a cybersecurity perspective, the Human Machine Interface is considered the most vulnerable element in a technical system. To operate a machine, the HMI has access to all essential system data. If the system is hacked, it can have devastating consequences: operating personnel can lose control over a process, valuable data can be stolen and systems can…
From smartphones to machine tools, operating devices by touch has become commonplace today. The type of technology that is used is determined by the application. Touch-sensitive displays as Human Machine Interfaces have long become a firm part of our everyday lives. Anyone using a smartphone is utilising touch technology. In shopping centres, touchscreens help people find…
As the technologisation of our society increases, so does the importance of Human Machine Interfaces. The latest advancements now enable machines to be controlled intuitively with speech and gestures. In the future, technical systems may even be able to respond empathetically to humans. Machines have been indispensable partners to us humans in everyday life since…
Douglas Engelbart’s numerous technological innovations were crucial to the development of personal computing. His work helped make computers operable for everyone. It was December 1968. An as yet unknown scientist from the Stanford Research Institute stood before a silent crowd in San Francisco and began what would go down in history as “the mother of…
Karl Lehnhoff, Director Segment Industrial, Scientific & Medical at EBV Elektronik, on trends in the field of Human Machine Interfaces. Our daily life is now permeated by technology. With the complexity of technologies that surround us every day, there’s a growing need for Human Machine Interfaces that provide a positive user experience. The possibilities for…
Digital information pillars are becoming an increasingly essential way to connect citizens with municipal administrations. Since they are typically installed outdoors, it is essential that they are protected against weather and vandalism. Connected infrastructure made up of electronic and digital technologies aims to positively change life in the city. Energy savings, more efficient traffic flow, increased…
Driver fatigue and distraction are common causes of accidents, which is why modern Human Machine Interfaces in the automotive sector include systems that monitor the condition of the occupants. These systems are an integral part of the testing protocols of Euro NCAP, the new European General Safety Regulation for vehicles and various other regulations around the…
Prostheses and exoskeletons are nothing more than machines. However, as they interact very closely with humans, their interfaces have to fulfil a particular set of requirements. The interaction can hardly be any closer: “We are literally working at the interface between humans and machines,” says Professor Claudio Castellini, professor of medical robotics at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg…
Mobile work machines have undergone various technical advancements in recent years to increase efficiency and safety at work. In agricultural and construction machinery, the human factor is becoming even more central to human-machine communication. This means that the industry must increasingly rethink conventional operating concepts: “The construction site of the future is a more connected…
Collaborative robots work in close proximity to humans – even as a team. The interaction between humans and machines is thus very close and direct. The robot has a multitude of sensors that allow it to perceive the human and adjust its movements accordingly. What is a cobot? A cobot, or collaborative robot,is a robot that…
Operators of machine tools need to be able to concentrate on their work. This is why there has been a greater focus on developing HMIs for use in industry that are intuitive and have a multimodal operating principle. Traditional control elements are being replaced by virtual switches on touchscreens, which will be supplemented by gesture…
Artificial Intelligence has influenced the interaction between humans and machines like no other technology before. However, with increasing capabilities, regulations are also required to make their decisions transparent, understandable and safe. James Cameron’s 1984 film “Terminator” is a classic that still shapes many people’s perception of Artificial Intelligence to this day. In the film, a computer…
Familiar and easy to use, touchscreen displays are the public facing part of every modern-day payment system and point of sale (POS) terminal. Yet, they also have security vulnerabilities. Secure hardware and software systems that comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) are essential to building robust, protected payment products. This…
Human Machine Interfaces are increasingly appearing in new and unexpected places, but this comes with a range of challenges. How can companies create rich animations and “smart” User Interfaces (UIs) on the latest embedded systems while keeping costs down? Human Machine Interfaces exemplify the well-known idiom “putting information at our fingertips”. By replacing the…
Various different communication standards are used for transmitting human data input to the machine – or more precisely, to the machine control system. The right one depends on factors such as the industry, the data to be transmitted and the transmission path. For a long time, the individual control elements of a Human Machine Interface…
Brain Computer Interfaces make it possible to control machines and devices solely with the mind. The number of practical applications being found for this technology outside of the laboratory is steadily increasing. The human brain contains about 86 billion neurons. They communicate via electrical impulses, which among other things initiate muscle movements. Wouldn’t it be elegant…
Systems that capture users’ vital parameters represent a form of Human Machine Interface that is relevant not only in medicine. They can be used to monitor a person’s health and ensure that they are fit enough to operate machinery such as a car properly. Tired? Angry? Inattentive? Or even sick? A person’s state of mind…
The quality of voice recognition systems is steadily increasing thanks to developments in AI and semiconductor and microphone technology. Voice assistants are gaining in importance and popularity beyond the smart home environment and are increasingly being used for more sophisticated applications, such as voice-based device control in cars and industry. “Alexa, turn on the living room…
Gesture control is a Human Machine Interface technology that detects and interprets human body movements for interaction with devices without direct physical contact. Thanks to its natural form of communication, this technology is spreading into an increasing number of fields. Thumbs up, waving, the open hand as a stop sign – gestures are a natural form…
A measurement method that captures the time taken to travel a distance to determine the distance, speed or properties of the medium.
The level of protection provided by an enclosure for electrical devices against dust and other foreign bodies, accidental touch and water is described by the IP code. IP stands for “Ingress Protection”. The code was defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the standard IEC 60529.
A globally standardised IO technology (IEC 61131-9) to communicate with sensors and also actuators.
A term describing a type of experience or technology that completely immerses the user in a virtual world.
Classifies the protection against mechanical impact, the degree of impact resistance.
A user interface that graphically displays information, typically with movable windows, buttons and icons.
The application of physical force in response to user inputs.
A measurement of the electrical currents that regulate the heartbeat, displayed as a curve.
A driver assistance system (ADAS) that monitors the driver’s eye and head movements for signs of fatigue or distraction.
A digital representation of a real entity or system. The implementation of a digital twin is an encapsulated software object or model that mirrors a unique physical object, process, organisation, person or other abstraction.
A manufacturing process that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools using pre-programmed computer software.
A serial bus system, originally developed to reduce the wiring effort in vehicles.
A direct interface between the brain and a machine or computer that records the brain’s electrical activity using electrodes, analyses it and transforms it into control signals.
A virtual ledger in a network of computers. Each change is recorded and distributed and stored on multiple computers. As a result, it no longer requires a central entity, such as a bank or authority.
The process of focusing a radio signal using intelligent multi-antenna technology in a specific direction, thereby achieving better signal strength and quality.
An avatar is a computer-generated 3D character that represents a human user in the online world.
A system capable of detecting the degree of a driver’s visual attention towards the traffic and warning the driver if they become distracted.
Refers to the number of fundamental ways in which a solid object can move through a 3D space. In total, there are six degrees of freedom. 6DoF refers to the translational movement along these axes, generally understood as forward or backward motion, upward or downward motion, or left or right motion.
Hardly any machine or device can function without traditional controls such as buttons, switches or keyboards. They still form the basis of most Human Machine Interfaces. The Human Machine Interface is as old as the first machine developed by humans – thus, the history of control elements dates back to antiquity. It all began with purely mechanical…
One of the biggest challenges in developing Human Machine Interfaces is natural interaction. Solutions such as gesture and voice control have already enabled significant progress to be made in this area. Recently, the focus has also shifted towards controlling machines with thoughts: Brain Machine Interfaces measure brain EEG signals and use these to derive control…
Technology has become an indispensable part of our day-to-day lives. Controlling it requires humans to interact with the device, machine or technical system in one way or another – which is where Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) come in. HMIs come in many different forms; you could even consider the humble light switch to be an…
Most solutions relating to future mobility would not be possible without the use of semiconductors and microelectronics. That’s why the field of mobility is so important for EBV Elektronik, highlights Frank-Steffen Russ, Senior Director Market Segments. He’s also fascinated by how mobility is constantly reinventing itself, and how new solutions are quickly developed when existing…
Henry Ford has changed the way of life for countless people with his vision of making car ownership affordable for all. He turned his vision into reality using assembly line production and other mass-production methods. For Henry Ford, mobility was about more than just cars; it was about a whole new way of life. Ford…
Designers have basically been dreaming of flying cars ever since the first flight took place at the start of the 20th Century. Now, technology has advanced so much that their launch really could be just around the corner. If you grew up in a German-speaking country, you might well have come across the popular children’s…
Cities around the world are suffering from the effects of increasing car traffic. Micromobility has the potential to reduce traffic jams and pollution whilst also offering accessible, comfortable and affordable transport options for all. Micromobility is a worldwide trend which aims to combine private transport, high traffic volumes and an efficient use of resources. E-bikes,…
Supersonic passenger flights could soon be a reality again, some 20 years after Concorde went into retirement. But this time, the focus is on ensuring they are kind to the environment as well as your wallet. Almost two decades after Concorde’s last flight, supersonic airliners could soon take to the skies again. Several manufacturers have…
Numerous start-ups and established manufacturers are working intensively on unmanned aviation systems and electrically operated vertical take-off and landing aircraft. These are laying the foundation for an entirely new transport sector: urban air mobility. Benefits of air taxis for the EU and Europe 100 percent reduction of local emissions for electric propulsion 73 percent faster delivery…
Whether they’re operating as flying measuring stations, relaying information in real time to rescue services or being used as a smart transport solution to cover the last mile in logistics chains – drones are now widespread and used in a whole host of different applications. Innovative technologies and a new regulatory framework will be key to…
The shipping industry is looking for ways to reduce its CO2 emissions. Batteryelectric drives only offer a solution for short routes. For overseas journeys a combination of various technologies is likely to be needed. According to the International Energy Agency IEA, in 2021 the shipping industry was responsible for around two percent of global energy-related…
In order to satisfy the requirements of the future, the railways are also moving towards digitalisation. Intelligently networked data provided by infrastructure and vehicles makes more space for trains, improves punctuality and reduces disruptions. In contrast to road traffic, there have been driverless and fully automatic vehicles on the railways for a surprisingly long time –…
While in the car sector there is a clear trend towards using battery-electric drives, in the heavy-duty commercial vehicles sector, it is still being discussed which traction system is most suitable for trucks, buses and work machines. Competing in this space are battery-electric drives, fuel cells and combustion engines powered by hydrogen or renewable fuels…
There are already partially automated cars in accordance with automation Level 3 driving on our roads today. But to get to Level 5, i.e. fully automated driving, there is still quite a way to go. Nevertheless, the first milestones to achieving this are already being implemented – from automated parking through to Level 4 shuttles. The…
“Mobility as a Service” is a user-centric model for providing a means of transportation. Different modes of transport are integrated via digital channels in such a way that the user can plan, book and pay for them using just one app. These days, private cars are still frequently considered an all-in-one solution for all mobility…
Compared to conventional fuels, synthetic fuels produced from renewable sources have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent. Furthermore, they can be used in conventional combustion engines and make use of the existing refuelling infrastructure. Whether battery-electric drives, fuel cells or hydrogen engines, all of these alternatives to the conventional combustion engine require…
There are all kinds of visions and technologies for the mobility of the future, but what ideas do the people who will actually be living in the world of tomorrow have. Emilia, age 6 My dream vehicle can drive, swim and fly. • It has a parachute. • You can sleep and dance in it….
Silicon carbide (SiC) is the basis for ever more efficient e-vehicles and charging infrastructures. onsemi offers a broad portfolio of SiC solutions and practical design support. Silicon carbide SiC is increasingly becoming the driver of electrification in mobility. The wide-band-gap material is highly efficient at high voltages and is the basis of 800-volt drive systems….
ams OSRAM is a global leader in optical solutions with a focus on sensing and emitter technologies. The company is known for its imagination, deep engineering expertise and worldwide industrial manufacturing capacities. It imagines radically new applications that make life better for everyone. Using the full spectrum of light, ams OSRAM captures, analyzes and visualizes…
Whether it’s shared mobility apps, people movers or spaceplanes – start-ups are driving huge changes in the mobility sector. The following six companies are doing some very exciting things and are great examples of a pioneering spirit. Hydrogen-powered shuttle car Auve Tech has developed the world’s first autonomous hydrogen-powered shuttle together with the University of Tartu….
The technology developments we make are guided by long-term market trends. These enable or enhance applications for our customers by turning state-of-the-art chip fabrication technologies into cutting-edge commercial products. We create a ‘funnel of innovation’ that allows us to develop the market-leading products and solutions that our customer need, and which fuel our future growth….
For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. For more information about how AMD is enabling today & inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, Facebook & Twitter. Industrial businesses need solutions that enable them to converge operational and information technology networks, deploy predictive maintenance,…
Artificial intelligence is going to play a decisive role for many developments in the mobility of the future. Thanks to new microprocessor technologies, there is now a huge amount of computing power available which is helping to drive the automation of mobility solutions forward. Artificial intelligence is at the heart of many intelligent applications, making…
Alongside battery-electric drives, hydrogen is also set to play an important role in the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Fuel cells in particular, however, still require a lot of development work in order to make them feasible for mass production. Battery-electric drives are a firm focal point in the discussion of how to decarbonise the…
These days, most new cars already have certain kinds of automated driving functions. In future, however, we will encounter vehicles on the road that can drive completely autonomously. Against the backdrop of the general chaos of daily traffic, there are high hopes that vehicles that don’t need a driver to travel on the road, across…
The increased connectivity between vehicles, other road users and infrastructure brings with it a growing risk for manipulation. The easiest way to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks is through prevention and putting security at the heart of vehicle technology from the outset. Data and connectivity form the basis for the future of mobility and they…
Vehicles are communicating with one another, other road users and with the infrastructure. This connectivity makes transport both safer as well as more efficient, and it even allows vehicle functions to be updated over the air. According to the industry association 5GAA, more than 200 million connected vehicles are equipped with V2X applications via mobile…
The electrification of transport is leading to massive upheaval, not just in the automotive industry. New technologies are enabling vehicles to become more efficient, which is also making them increasingly cheaper and is giving rise to new potential uses. The quiet hum in the distance is the sound of a fundamentally changing mobility sector – away…
The Hyperloop system is originally one of the visionary ideas of Elon Musk, but numerous companies and institutions have taken inspiration from it. Despite many concerns regarding feasibility and profitability, lots of projects are now entering their implementation phase. Elon Musk was clearly getting annoyed by traffic when he posted the following tweet in 2016:…
The so-called sharing economy trend is profoundly changing our society and economic system. Ownership is becoming less and less of a goal, especially for millennials, who are more focused on the purpose of an item or device. This philosophy is also playing an ever greater role in shaping mobility. For more and more people, what…
Kersten Heineke has always been fascinated by products and solutions that have a utility value that can be experienced by everyone. He sees mobility solutions as more than “just” technology. In his eyes, mobility is a contribution to improving people’s lives – by making the way from A to B cheaper, more convenient or more…
The entire mobility sector is undergoing huge changes. Electrification, autonomous vehicles and the sharing economy are shaking up vehicle and user behaviour as well as entire business models. Electric vehicle start-ups have come from nothing but have become some of the richest companies in the world. Drivers have been caught napping at the wheel in…
The world of mobility is in the midst of a radical transformation, the likes of which has arguably not been seen since the advent of the car. Entirely new mobility solutions are coming onto the market, and this can be seen not only on the streets but also the rail network, the water and in…
The boost in innovation for electric vehicles and battery systems has also led to innovations in charging technology. Fast-charging stations and the associated infrastructure are some of the most important requirements for electric vehicle users. It is not only the large companies asserting their position in the market. From mobile charging stations to intelligent software…