5G, 6G, RFID & Telecoms

A free collection of insights from our industry experts, sharing some of the key technology innovation trends shaping the next decade.

LiDAR has been touted as a solution to the automotive industry's endeavor to build safer and completely driverless cars, working towards a world with zero road fatalities and more accessible transport. So, after a decade of development, testing, trials, funding, partnerships, acquisitions, mergers, where is it? Why are there not more cars on the road running LiDAR?

IDTechEx predicts that 2024 and the coming couple of years will be seen as the hockey-stick moment for robotaxis. Companies across the US and China are preparing for a mass roll-out of services. Cruise was one of the early leaders in robotaxi development, getting off to a good start and attracting the attention of General Motors who acquired the company in 2016. However, in December 2024 it appears that GM and Cruise's robotaxi endeavour is coming to a premature end.

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) represent a combination of automotive features that provide new possibilities for passengers to engage with vehicles. IDTechEx depicts how the cellular connectivity within SDVs can provide access to IoT (Internet of Things) features including OTA (over-the-air) updates, personalization, and entertainment options.

Autonomous driving technologies have seemingly been on the horizon for the last decade, maybe more. Over the past four years, level 3 technologies have been certified for consumer use on public roads, hands-off/eyes-on driving has solidified as a market segment, and commercial driverless robotaxi services have become available to the public.

The evolution of telecommunications continues with each decade, and as 5G becomes widespread, attention is shifting to the next generation: 6G. Promising next-level capabilities compared to next generation, 6G will offer data rates reaching terabits per second (Tbps), microsecond-level latency, and ultra-high level of network reliability.

Emerging advanced semiconductor packaging technologies, such as 2.5D and 3D hybrid bonding, are crucial for enhancing system performance across various applications such as AI and high-performance computing. This article explores the technology development trends in 2.5D and 3D packaging technologies and the key market growth drivers.

CPO represents a significant leap in data transmission technology by integrating the optical engine and the switching silicon onto the same substrate. This design eliminates the need for signals to traverse the PCB, further reducing the electrical channel path and significantly improving performance.

Conductive inks are a diverse and versatile technology, with differing price points to suit various applications. Conductivity, stretchability, cost, and durability are just some of the factors of consideration for manufacturers when selecting ink types and materials, and IDTechEx's latest report, Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players, deep dives into the many combinations available.

Tuesday 24 September 2024 - How Chronic Supply Challenges Are Reshaping Helium Use in Key Industries. An overview of global helium production and supply; Impact of supply challenges on different industries e.g. semiconductors and fiber optics manufacturing, cryogenics, and several others; Technological advances to reduce helium consumption (e.g. MRI and NMR); Trends in the adoption of substitutes or reclamation systems; Outlook for global helium production capacity and demand