{"title":"Van der Waals magnet integration for energy-efficient spintronics","authors":"Lishu Wu","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00048-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00048-3","url":null,"abstract":"An article in Science Advances reports an integrated van der Waals system that enables field-free electric control of the magnetization of Fe3GaTe2 above room temperature.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 4","pages":"217-217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140559878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"After confronting one uncanny valley, another awaits","authors":"Jan-Philipp Stein, Karl F. MacDorman","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00041-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00041-w","url":null,"abstract":"The ‘uncanny valley’ has guided robot engineers on the limits of human likeness, yielding design principles to mitigate the risk of creepy robots. Yet unease with advancements in AI has exposed a new ‘uncanny valley of mind’, with researchers now exploring acceptable boundaries on simulating human intelligence, emotion, empathy and creativity.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 5","pages":"276-277"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140584396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Power electronics in wind generation systems","authors":"Frede Blaabjerg, Meng Chen, Liang Huang","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00032-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00032-x","url":null,"abstract":"The integration of wind power into the power system has been driven by the development of power electronics technology. Unlike conventional rotating synchronous generators, wind power is interfaced with static power converters. Expanding the role of converter-interfaced wind power generators in future power systems from passively following the power system to actively participating in its regulation offers frequency support functionality, which is beneficial for enhancing the frequency stability of power systems with high penetration of wind and low inertia. In this Review, we first present the achievements of wind energy development over the past three decades. We then highlight the role of power electronics for wind power systems, including their advanced control, and discuss issues from the power system-level perspective that relate to the emerging requirements of supporting future sustainable power systems. We present ongoing research and pilot projects in Europe that demonstrate the current research focus of wind power systems and, finally, discuss future areas of research required to enable improved integration of wind energy. This Review discusses the current capabilities and challenges facing different power electronic technologies in wind generation systems from single turbines to the system level. Several projects are reviewed to highlight areas of current research focus, and future trends of wind power generation are summarized.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 4","pages":"234-250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140379094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Applications of hyperspectral imaging technology in the food industry","authors":"Da-Wen Sun, Hongbin Pu, Jingxiao Yu","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00033-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00033-w","url":null,"abstract":"Emerging issues related to food quality include the need to ensure food safety, detect adulteration and enable traceability throughout the food supply chain. Such issues must be addressed to ensure the quality, hygiene and nutritional value of food, and thereby safeguard the health and interests of consumers. Hyperspectral imaging, which combines spectroscopic data on the chemical constituents of a sample and high-resolution imaging of its physical features, is already being used in the food industry for quality inspection purposes. However, the complexity, high cost and large size of hyperspectral imaging equipment is a substantial obstacle to the widespread implementation of this technology. Moreover, the very large, information-rich datasets generated by hyperspectral imaging are difficult to interpret appropriately. This Review describes currently available types of hyperspectral imaging hardware as well as the wide range of image analysis and data modelling tools used to analyse hyperspectral data. Illustrative examples of hyperspectral imaging applications used for food quality inspection are described in detail, and future developments in hyperspectral imaging are presented. The overall aim of this Review is to provide guidance for non-specialist researchers in the selection of hyperspectral imaging equipment, software and models that are appropriate for their intended application. Rational and scientific use of hyperspectral imaging involves the selection of appropriate imaging hardware and data analysis software. Sun et al. describe applications of hyperspectral imaging in food quality inspection and provide guidance for non-specialist researchers aiming to implement this technology.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 4","pages":"251-263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140302180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marco Dorigo, Alexandre Pacheco, Andreagiovanni Reina, Volker Strobel
{"title":"Blockchain technology for mobile multi-robot systems","authors":"Marco Dorigo, Alexandre Pacheco, Andreagiovanni Reina, Volker Strobel","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00034-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00034-9","url":null,"abstract":"Blockchain technology generates and maintains an immutable digital ledger that records transactions between agents interacting in a peer-to-peer network. Initially developed for financial transactions between human agents, the technology could also be used across a broader spectrum of applications, providing transparency, security and trust without the need for a central authority. In this Perspective, we discuss how blockchain technology can enhance mobile multi-robot systems. This enhancement includes ensuring that autonomous robotic agents adhere to applicable laws, are identifiable and accountable for their behaviour, are capable of identifying and neutralizing malfunctioning robots and can actively participate in economic transactions for the exchange of goods and services. Discussing the first applications, we highlight the open challenges and describe the research directions that could reshape the mobile multi-robot research field in the coming decades. Blockchain technology can be integrated into mobile multi-robot systems. This Perspective overviews the initial achievements, open challenges and research directions in the field of blockchain-based mobile multi-robot systems.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 4","pages":"264-274"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44287-024-00034-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140302106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nature-inspired interfacial engineering for energy harvesting","authors":"Baoping Zhang, Wanghuai Xu, Liang Peng, Yuchao Li, Wei Zhang, Zuankai Wang","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00029-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00029-6","url":null,"abstract":"The ever-increasing demand for low-carbon energy underscores the urgency of harvesting renewable energy sources. Despite notable progress, current energy harvesting techniques are still limited by low efficacy and poor durability. Biological systems exhibit diverse principles of energy harvesting owing to their ability to interact with the environment. In this Review, we explore diverse energy harvesting processes in nature to establish a fundamental understanding of nature’s strategies and provide a biomimicry design blueprint for high-efficiency energy harvesting systems. Next, we systematically discuss recent progress in nature-inspired surface/interface designs for efficient energy harvesting from water, sunlight and heat. We then highlight emerging hybrid approaches that can integrate multiple energy conversion processes within a single design through interface engineering to achieve mutual reinforcement. Finally, we deliberate on remaining fundamental and technical challenges to guide future research directions and potential applications of sustainable energy harvesting. Nature evolves intricate surfaces/interfaces to achieve high energy efficiency, providing a promising, low-carbon solution to energy crisis. This Review explores diverse energy processes in nature and how to translate nature’s inspiration to efficiently harvest energy from water, sunlight, heat and their hybrids, especially through interfacial engineering.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 4","pages":"218-233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44287-024-00029-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140165280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A life in electrical engineering, glancing at biology","authors":"Silvia Conti, Elisa Vianello","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00028-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00028-7","url":null,"abstract":"Evolution and interdisciplinarity are key words for Elisa Vianello, senior scientist and Edge AI program coordinator at CEA-Leti, who talks to Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering about her research activity and the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 3","pages":"145-146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140139308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"MXenes for multispectral electromagnetic shielding","authors":"Aamir Iqbal, Tufail Hassan, Shabbir Madad Naqvi, Yury Gogotsi, Chong Min Koo","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00024-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00024-x","url":null,"abstract":"Electromagnetic interference (EMI) between unwanted electromagnetic (EM) waves and electronic circuits can lead to device malfunctions. The advancement of electronic, telecommunication and medical devices operating across a broad spectrum of EM waves (from ultralow kilohertz to high terahertz frequency) necessitates effective EMI shielding materials. MXenes — two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides — have emerged as EMI shielding materials that offer excellent metallic conductivity, large surface area, abundant surface terminations and facile solution processability. In composites with dielectric polymers, conducting carbons, magnetic particles and iontronic heterosystems, MXenes provide excellent multispectral EMI shielding against radiofrequency, gigahertz and terahertz or infrared-frequency waves at minimal thicknesses and in various structural forms. This Review delves into both theoretical and experimental aspects of the EMI shielding mechanisms of MXenes, showcasing their interaction with EM waves ranging from ultralow gigahertz to high terahertz frequency. The nanometre-thin pristine MXene films exhibit exceptionally low infrared emissivity, crucial for selective thermal management, infrared camouflage, stealth and anti-counterfeiting. MXene composites with polymers and magnetic inclusions not only enhance mechanical properties but also tune EMI shielding mechanisms. The Review also addresses challenges in developing MXene-based EMI shielding materials, offering insights into strategies and opportunities for their practical applications in electronics. Two-dimensional MXenes have emerged as state-of-the-art functional electromagnetic interference shielding materials in multispectral electromagnetic bands. Highly conductive and ultrathin films of MXenes can efficiently block electromagnetic waves from radiofrequency and gigahertz-range microwaves to terahertz or infrared-frequency waves.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 3","pages":"180-198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140139321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}