«Technology Briefing» on the scarcity of raw materials
31 January 2012
No future without scarce metals
It is not just in laptop computers, mobile telephones and LED screens that scarce metals are to be found but also in solar cells, batteries for mobile technologies and many other similar applications. The rising demand for these metals increases the risk of a bottleneck in supplies.
Automobiles made of steel suffer from a weight problem, and racing yachts made of steel have no chance of winning regattas. Fiber-reinforced composites offer an alternative which has spread rapidly in the transport industry. Empa's «Technology Briefing» offers an overview of the current situation and a preview of future developments.
An anatomically designed seat developed for wheelchairs encourages user movement
16 January 2012
Improved ergonomics for wheelchair users
Empa engineers, together with the firm «r going», have succeeded in developing an ergonomic seat for electric wheelchairs which encourages the user to move around frequently. True to the motto «life is movement » the aim is to enhance the freedom of movement of wheelchair users with a range of disabilities.
more 
