Technology Fusion Research Articles

Networked Intelligence

In this article, it is argued that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (I4.0) is the result of a technology fusion between the following factors that define an economic epoch: (a) The production systems and the type of tools these systems are employing; (b) The communication technologies as well as the means used for information storage, processing, sensing and knowledge creation: the information and communication technologies (ICT); (c) The energy generation and distribution systems used, and (d) The biotechnology. The thesis of this article is that ICT is the predominant factor in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To justify this claim, the progress of the scientific fields of which this factor consists is elaborated, and its impact on other factors is highlighted with emphasis on the societal impact. It is claimed that the eventual fusion of these factors leads to a single technological continuum. The eventual fusion of all factors is made possible because they all exploit a common material base while we are entering the era where we can regulate and superintend a vast number of heterogeneous technologies via open software. The eventual fusion of these factors will lead to a single technological continuum, and it will redefine the notions of “production” and “work,” as it will allow overcoming the over-fragmentation in specialization, while it will reshape our cities, our personal lives and our relationship with science.

Technology fusion of metal injection moulding and selective laser melting for the manufacture of complex and multifunctional (hydraulic) components

Selective laser melting (SLM) and metallic injection moulding (MIM) are established processes for the production of high-performance metallic components for small and large series. In the aerospace industry, where very high demands are placed on materials and components, both processes are still considered to be relatively new. In both processes, the conventional titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V can be used in the form of powder. Currently, both technologies are only considered separately. By fusing components of the same type, multifunctional components with a high lightweight construction potential can be produced.
 In order to generate direct material fusion, the MIM component must be mechanically processed accordingly. In addition, suitable SLM process parameters must be developed in order to ensure both generative construction and high joint strength. To this end, a characterisation of the joining zone and the static joint strength was carried out. Furthermore, pressure test samples were designed and examined both statically and for fatigue strength. Thus, a high static joint strength could be proven. The compression test samples also withstood a fatigue strength of over 1 million cycles.

Identifying potential technological spin-offs using hierarchical information in international patent classification

As the relationships among technologies become more complex, technological convergence is occurring in many fields, resulting in technological spin-offs in which technologies born in an industry are used in unexpected fields. Predictions of these events, such as patent citation analysis and International Patent Classification's (IPC) association analysis, are used to propose a method. Previous studies have not taken into account the hierarchical structure of technologies. In this study, we propose a hypothetical co-occurrence network in multiple technology layers using IPC's hierarchical information to show that features of different hierarchies can contribute to predictive performance and interpretation. Patent information on carbon fiber reinforced plastics and functionally graded material is extracted from patent database, Thomson Innovation, for a case study. The results show that an F1 measure of classification model exceed 0.94 and an adjusted R2 of regression model exceed 0.73. The existence of key common IPCs, which occurred in a different layer than the spin-off prediction target, allowed us to identify the technology fusion behind each specific example. The identification and prediction of technological spin-offs can contribute to research and development strategies and the development of potential business partners.

Establishment of a NanoBiT-Based Cytosolic Ca2+ Sensor by Optimizing Calmodulin-Binding Motif and Protein Expression Levels.

Cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]c) change dynamically in response to inducers, repressors, and physiological conditions, and aberrant [Ca2+]c concentration regulation is associated with cancer, heart failure, and diabetes. Therefore, [Ca2+]c is considered as a good indicator of physiological and pathological cellular responses, and is a crucial biomarker for drug discovery. A genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) was recently developed to measure [Ca2+]c in single cells and animal models. GECI have some advantages over chemically synthesized indicators, although they also have some drawbacks such as poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low positive signal, delayed response, artifactual responses due to protein overexpression, and expensive detection equipment. Here, we developed an indicator based on interactions between Ca2+-loaded calmodulin and target proteins, and generated an innovative GECI sensor using split nano-luciferase (Nluc) fragments to detect changes in [Ca2+]c. Stimulation-dependent luciferase activities were optimized by combining large and small subunits of Nluc binary technology (NanoBiT, LgBiT:SmBiT) fusion proteins and regulating the receptor expression levels. We constructed the binary [Ca2+]c sensors using a multicistronic expression system in a single vector linked via the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), and examined the detection efficiencies. Promoter optimization studies indicated that promoter-dependent protein expression levels were crucial to optimize SNR and sensitivity. This novel [Ca2+]c assay has high SNR and sensitivity, is easy to use, suitable for high-throughput assays, and may be useful to detect [Ca2+]c in single cells and animal models.

Technology Fusion Characteristics in the Solar Photovoltaic Industry of South Korea: A Patent Network Analysis Using IPC Co-Occurrence

This study analyzes the technology fusion phenomena and its characteristics, focusing on the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry in South Korea. Co-occurrence networks of international patent classification (IPC) codes have been analyzed based on the photovoltaic patents in South Korea during a 15-year period (2002–2016). The results reveal that, while the strength of technology fusion has greatly increased during the period, the structural pattern of fusion has been diversified or decentralized. In the early stage, widespread emergence of new technologies has been observed but, in the later stage, the focus of fusion shifted to the utilization of existing technologies. The characteristics of key technologies also changed as the technology fusion progressed. In the early stage, product technologies such as materials and components played a central role, while operation technologies such as monitor, structure, and arrangement were the drivers of fusion during the later stage.

Exploring robustness management for dynamic technology fusion

The concepts of technology fusion describe the phenomenon of technology overlap. Despite its importance, the evolutionary trajectories of technology fusion are not explored well. The main contributions of this article have two aspects: One is the mathematical modeling of a two-dimensional technology fusion system with technical efficiency and convergence parameters that can determine the evolution trajectories of technology fusion; the other is to reveal the dynamics of the evolution process through robust analysis and improving the stability of technology fusion under external disturbances. A novel technology fusion analysis method is proposed for technology fusion by applying dynamic development scenarios of manufacturing technology and information technology to be robust under external disturbances. In this article, firstly, we introduce technical efficiency and convergence parameters to establish a two-dimensional technology fusion system. Secondly, according to the characteristics of different fusion stages, we select the order parameters at each stage and establish order parameters function to determine the evolution trajectories of technology fusion. Finally, the fixed-point theory and the bifurcation theory are used to analyze the robustness of each stage, and the robust theorem at different technology fusion stages is proposed. The research results show: (1) We find that the characteristics analysis of technology fusion can divide the technology fusion process into three different stages, and the main characteristics of each stage as the order parameter can better reveal the evolution trajectory of technology fusion. (2) We find that the dynamics of technology fusion are caused by competition between the driving force and the dissipating force in the process of technology fusion. (3) We find that the dynamics of the technology fusion process may cause technology fusion to fall into chaos. (4) We find that by reasonably changing the relationship between the driving force and the dissipating force, the technology fusion process can be kept stable.

다국적기업 판매 자회사의 혁신 활동에 관한 탐색적 연구 : 기술 퓨전 혁신 활동 중심으로

본 연구는 다국적기업 판매 자회사의 적극적인 혁신 활동에 관한 연구이다. 기존 다국적기업 판매 자회사의 적극적인 혁신 활동에 관한 문헌은 혁신 유형을 구분해 논의된 적이 없다. 본 연구는 혁신 유형을 구분하되, 과연 기존과 크게 거리가 있는 혁신에서도 판매 자회사의 적극적인 혁신 활동이 가능한지를 확인하고자 하였다. 본 연구의 주제는 기존 문헌에서 다루지 않았던 새로운 주제이므로 연구 방법을 한국 휴대전화 제조업체를 고객으로 하는 판매자회사 사례를 통한 탐색적 연구로 채택하였다. 기존과 크게 거리가 있는 혁신으로써 기술 퓨전을 선정하였으며, 기술 퓨전 혁신 관점에서 판매 자회사의 적극적인 혁신 활동을 연구하였다. 연구 결과는 예상과 달리 판매 자회사가 현지국에 연구개발 조직이 없음에도 불구하고 기존 점진적 혁신과 크게 거리가 있는 기술 퓨전 혁신에서도 적극적인 혁신 활동이 가능하다는 것을 확인하였다. 이러한 연구 결과는 연구개발 조직이 없는 판매 자회사의 혁신 활동영역이 연구개발 조직이 있는 자회사에서나 기대되는 영역까지 확장되었음을 의미하며, 앞으로 판매 자회사의 적극적인 혁신 활동에 대한 보다 더 심도 있는 연구가 필요하다는 것을 시사한다.

Progress in wearable electronics/photonics—Moving toward the era of artificial intelligence and internet of things

AbstractThe past few years have witnessed the significant impacts of wearable electronics/photonics on various aspects of our daily life, for example, healthcare monitoring and treatment, ambient monitoring, soft robotics, prosthetics, flexible display, communication, human‐machine interactions, and so on. According to the development in recent years, the next‐generation wearable electronics and photonics are advancing rapidly toward the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT), to achieve a higher level of comfort, convenience, connection, and intelligence. Herein, this review provides an opportune overview of the recent progress in wearable electronics, photonics, and systems, in terms of emerging materials, transducing mechanisms, structural configurations, applications, and their further integration with other technologies. First, development of general wearable electronics and photonics is summarized for the applications of physical sensing, chemical sensing, human‐machine interaction, display, communication, and so on. Then self‐sustainable wearable electronics/photonics and systems are discussed based on system integration with energy harvesting and storage technologies. Next, technology fusion of wearable systems and AI is reviewed, showing the emergence and rapid development of intelligent/smart systems. In the last section of this review, perspectives about the future development trends of the next‐generation wearable electronics/photonics are provided, that is, toward multifunctional, self‐sustainable, and intelligent wearable systems in the AI/IoT era.image

Exponential Disruptive Technologies and the Required Skills of Industry 4.0

The 21st century has witnessed precipitous changes spanning from the way of life to the technologies that emerged. We have entered a nascent paradigm shift (industry 4.0) where science fictions have become science facts, and technology fusion is the main driver. Thus, ensuring that any advancement in technology reach and benefit all is the ideal opportunity for everyone. In this study, disruptive technologies of industry 4.0 were explored and quantified in terms of the number of their appearances in published literature. The study aimed at identifying industry 4.0 key technologies which have been ill-defined by previous researchers and to enumerate the required skills of industry 4.0. Comprehensive literature survey covering the field of engineering, production, and management was done in multidisciplinary databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Sage, Taylor & Francis, and Emerald Insight. From the electronic survey, 35 disruptive technologies were quantified and 13 key technologies: Internet of Things, Big Data, 3D printing, Cloud computing, Autonomous robots, Virtual and Augmented reality, Cyber-physical system, Artificial intelligence, Smart sensors, Simulation, Nanotechnology, Drones, and Biotechnology were identified. Both technical and personal skills to be imparted into the human workforce for industry 4.0 were reported. The review identified the need to investigate the capability and the readiness of developing countries in adapting industry 4.0 in terms of the changes in the education systems and industrial manufacturing settings. This study proposes the need to address the integration of industry 4.0 concepts into the current education system.

Economic Analysis of Carbon Removal Strategy by Fusion–Biomass Hybrid System in the Future Market Mechanism

Since the low-carbon technology fusion energy is scheduled to be commercialized beyond 2050, the late-mover needs to flexibly and strategically operate for sustainable cash flow responding to the future market mechanism. Carbon sequestration of the fusion–biomass hybrid system by using low-temperature heat is proposed under the two preconditions: the establishment of the deregulated electricity market, and the emission trading market. When the price is above the breakeven price, the hybrid system generates electricity; otherwise, charcoal production is performed. Charcoal production is a stable solid form of carbon capture, and can possibly be traded on the emission credit market to secure profit. The experimental result shows that it is possible to produce charcoal at low temperature of 280 °C, indicating that any type of blanket design is applicable in the hybrid system concept. The carbon sequestration cost is 39 $/tCO2 at the default parameter of net electric output of 4000 $/kWe for the fusion power plant, and 60% of charcoal yield from experimental result. Comparison between the hybrid system and the fusion power plant proves that the fusion–biomass hybrid system prevents further loss, by setting two-track income structures in the various market mechanisms.

Research on Environmental Feedback Mechanism Based on System Dynamics

Cultural science and technology integration and innovation has become a new way to promote the coordinated development of culture and science and technology. Based on the theory of fusion innovation and collaborative innovation, this paper applies the basic principles of system dynamics to construct the causality model of the interaction between cultural system and technology system, and uses Vensim PLE software to simulate the system and analyze the path of cultural technology fusion innovation and its influencing factors. The research results show that: culture and technology integration innovation system is composed of complex feedback mechanisms that interact with each other. Each feedback loop represents the realization path of cultural science and technology fusion innovation. In the implementation path, cooperation between industry, universities and research institutes, market demand forecasting accuracy, innovation there is a significant positive impact between the perfection of incentive mechanism, the perfection of cultural intermediary service system and the integration of cultural science and technology innovation.

Highly Rigid Assembled Composite Structures with Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics for Automotive Applications

Abstract Future technological and product developments will be measured by their improved resource and energy efficiency, as well as their competitiveness, while allowing effective climate and environmental protection. Manufacturing processes that are currently discrete for different groups of materials such as metals, plastics or textiles have to be merged to generate large-scale technologies for the sustainable production of high-performance structures for automotive applications. Fiber-reinforced plastics have been established in manufacturing components of high strength, stiffness and lightweight structures. Well-known examples are sandwich composites: an assembly of two continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layers and an intermediate injection molded core structure. The vision is to make use of the savings potential of technology fusion and lightweight structures pursuant to the central idea of resource-efficient manufacturing technologies to produce multi-material components.

创客教育视野下认知生物医用高分子材料的3D打印技术融合

创客教育视野下认知生物医用高分子材料的3D打印技术融合

An Evaluation method for teaching effect of information technology integrated engineering management course based on data clustering

Aiming at the problems of poor evaluation effect in the teaching effect evaluation of engineering management specialty, this paper designs a new evaluation method of teaching effect of information technology Fusion Engineering Management Specialty Based on data clustering. The evaluation index sys

Beyond fusion towards IoT by way of open innovation: an investigation based on the Japanese machine tool industry 1975-2015

In a last few decades, innovation research scholars proposed several new concepts, one after another, but independently, and in a chronological sequence: technology fusion; digital convergence; disruptive technology; open innovation; and IoT (Internet of Things). Each concept has its own explaining power for a certain innovation at a certain time period, but has obvious limitations. A basic question is, therefore, whether each of those proposed concepts is independent among them or inter-related dynamically, i.e. in what sequences? In order to answer this question, a specific industrial product, i.e. machine tools, is selected for our study. Although the machine tool is described as the mother machine, i.e. the machine of all the machinery, this industry experienced a drastic technological shift toward NC (numerically controlled) revolution around 1975. However, up until now, this industry continues to be a pivotal industry in modern and high-tech industrial era. By reviewing the technological history of the Japanese machine tool industry from 1975 to 2015, we observed several technological shifts even after the NC revolution, each of which can be explained with one of those concepts proposed in the last decades. We find a dynamic interrelationship among those concepts in the following sequence with the publication dates in parenthesis: disruptive technology (1997), technology fusion (1992), open innovation (2003), digital convergence (1996). We describe characteristics and analytical framework for IoT innovation that has gone beyond the traditional Schumpeterian formulation of innovation.

Hybrid Technology Fusion MRI/US and Sonoelastography in Diagnosis of Fatty Degeneration and Atrophy of Supraspinatus Muscle of the Shoulder

Evaluation of the rotator cuff muscles is of value for surgical indications and successful postoperative prognosis. Ultrasound is widely used for detection of rotator cuff tears, but it’s role in evaluation of the rotator cuff muscles is not yet defined. A new method Fusion MRI/US with elastography is able to show differences in tissue stiffness, and a simultaneous combination of two methods helps to overcome limitations from US – narrow field of view, and from MRI – impossibility for real time examination and low space resolution.Purpose.To investigate diagnostic performance and interobserver reliability of US elastography and to study possibilities of Fusion MRI/US technique in grading fatty degeneration and atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle.Materials and methods.72 patients from 128 with shoulder pain and disability with written diagnostic confirm were specially selected for the study with US elastography and MRI and 29 patients were enrolled for Fusion MRI/US study. Oblique sagittal scans through the supraspinatus muscle were performed during US elastography study in the standard manner for comparance with MRI. The amount of fatty degeneration was graded according to the modified Goutallier five-point scale, with use of a 3-point scale – with US elastography. US results for grade of atrophy and fatty degeneration were retrospectively reviewed by 2 blinded to each other results experts. Sensitivity and interobserver reliability was estimated.Results.The sensitivity of standard US in comparance to US elastography in assessment of muscle atrophy with the reference to MRI was 53% and 76%, respectively. The sensitivity of US and US elastography increased with increasing of the grade of muscle atrophy. The sensitivity of US and US elastography in detection of fatty degeneration was slightly better 65% and 85%, respectively. US elastography were more sensitive in evaluation of fatty degeneration in full thickness than in partial thickness rotator cuff tears. In all cases of full thickness tears US with elastography had a 100% sensitivity in assessment of atrophy and fatty degeneration in the reference to MRI. While in partial tears the sensitivity decreased to 66%. The agreement between MRI and US elastography for the grade of fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus was substantial (kappa = 0.78). The interobserver reliability for US was fair (kappa = 0.41), and for US elastography substantial (kappa=0,71).Conclusion. Sonoelastography helps to increase the diagnostic performance of US in identifying and grading fatty degeneration and atrophy of the supraspinatus. US with elastography can be used as a primary modality for fatty changes and atrophy of the supraspinatus.

Review of Data Analysis Methods in Measuring Technology Fusion and Trend

Review of Data Analysis Methods in Measuring Technology Fusion and Trend

Investigating the Dynamics of Interdisciplinary Evolution in Technology Developments

In a global economy where technology plays a vital role, technology fusion is important for developing designs of outstanding innovations. These designs often involve the transfer of knowledge between different technological industries, a term known as “interdisciplinarity”. This paper aims to contribute to the literature of interdisciplinary innovation by using patent indicators to explore how conventional technologies have evolved into interdisciplinary technologies in different industries. Patent citation analysis and negative binomial regression were conducted to: 1) observe the dynamics and evolution of interdisciplinary technologies and, 2) explore how interdisciplinary knowledge influences technology developments. The study found that interdisciplinary knowledge plays a significant role in the development of valuable technologies in all investigated industries. An important managerial implication from this is that firms should consider developing interdisciplinary technologies whenever possible.

Investigating the dynamics of interdisciplinary evolution in technology developments

In a global economy where technology plays a vital role, technology fusion is important for developing designs of outstanding innovations. These designs often involve the transfer of knowledge between different technological industries, a term known as “interdisciplinarity.” This paper aims to contribute to the literature on interdisciplinary innovation by using a novel methodological approach to explore how conventional technologies have evolved into interdisciplinary technologies in different industries. The new methodological approach was based on patent citation analysis and negative binomial regressions conducted to: 1) observe the dynamics and evolution of interdisciplinary technologies, and 2) explore how interdisciplinary knowledge influences technology developments. The study found that interdisciplinary knowledge plays a significant role in the development of valuable technologies in all investigated industries. An important managerial implication from this is that firms should consider developing interdisciplinary technologies whenever possible.

A REVIEW OF SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AND SENSOR FUSION METHODS FOR MAP-BASED LOCALIZATION OF SERVICE ROBOT

Service robot is currently gaining traction, particularly in hospitality, geriatric care and healthcare industries. The navigation of service robots requires high adaptability, flexibility and reliability. Hence, map-based navigation is suitable for service robot because of the ease in updating changes in environment and the flexibility in determining a new optimal path. For map-based navigation to be robust, an accurate and precise localization method is necessary. Localization problem can be defined as recognizing the robot’s own position in a given environment and is a crucial step in any navigational process. Major difficulties of localization include dynamic changes of the real world, uncertainties and limited sensor information. This paper presents a comparative review of sensor technology and sensor fusion methods suitable for map-based localization, focusing on service robot applications.