National Institute for Materials Science Launches Smart Lab Initiative

National Institute for Materials Science Launches Smart Lab Initiative

In addition to improving the efficiency of research, the project will promote the development of materials through materials informatics (MI), which applies AI to the development of materials. In order to maintain international competitiveness amidst a shortage of research personnel, innovative methods to improve the efficiency of experiments will be necessary. (6G), which is expected to be introduced around the year 30, as the subject of the Smart Lab. In the case of the development of high energy density batteries, we will search for new electrolytes that will improve the performance of storage batteries. The Smart Lab will automate processes such as the synthesis and evaluation of samples that are candidates for electrolytes, and the proposal of optimal electrolyte compositions based on experimental results.

Thermoelectric power generation module developed by NEDO and NIMS.

Thermoelectric power generation module developed by NEDO and NIMS.

The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Aisin Seiki, and Ibaraki University announced on April 21 that they have developed a thermoelectric power generation module, which is composed of an alloy of easily available elements such as iron, aluminum, and silicon, and converts temperature differences into electricity. The company has developed a prototype communication device that incorporates the module, and confirmed that it can generate electricity and communicate with a temperature difference of 5 degrees Celsius. The temperature and humidity information was transmitted via Bluetooth, a short-range wireless communication standard, and was successfully displayed in real time on a tablet terminal screen. Photo taken on August 21, 2019, location unknown, credit: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun / Kyodo News Images