Electrical Engineering

This Review examines the development of cryogenic memory technologies—including non-superconducting memories, superconducting memories and hybrid memories—and their potential application in superconducting single-flux quantum circuits and quantum computers.

This Review discusses the characteristics of neural probes that are most likely to facilitate the clinical translation of invasive neural interfaces, the abiotic and biotic factors that contribute to their failure and emerging neural-interface architectures.

The commercialization of electronic textile (e-textile) products requires balanced sustainability considerations. Here the authors propose an e-textile design framework involving repair, recycle, replacement and reduction that can unify environmental friendliness, market viability, supply-chain resilience and user experience quality.

Graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials have remained an active field of research in science and engineering for over fifteen years. Here, the authors investigate why the transition from laboratories to fabrication plants appears to lag behind expectations, and summarize the main challenges and opportunities that have thus far prevented the commercialisation of these materials.

Optical analogues of electronic memristors are desirable for applications including photonic artificial intelligence and computing platforms. Here, recent progress on integrated optical memristors is reviewed.

This Review overviews the application of single photons in quantum communication and quantum computation discussing specific needs and requirements and achieved milestones and outlining future improvements.

Today’s energy systems rely on rechargeable batteries but the growing demand raises environmental concerns. As more data become available, sensing can play a key role in advancing utilization strategies for new and used lithium-ion devices. This Review discusses how optical sensors can help to improve the sustainability of batteries.

This Review examines the development of micro light-emitting diodes, exploring key performance characteristics, leading manufacturing approaches and current system demonstrations, as well considering the potential future applications of the technology.

This Review discusses the use of deep generative models, federated learning and transformer models to address challenges in the deployment of machine learning for healthcare.

This Perspective explores the use of flexible electronics in the development of brain–computer interfaces, considering their potential impact on neuroscience, neuroprosthetic control, bioelectronic medicine, and brain and machine intelligence integration.

Deep space exploration missions will require new technologies that can support astronaut health systems, as well as biological monitoring and research systems that can function independently from Earth-based mission control centres. A NASA workshop explored how artificial intelligence advances could help address these challenges and, in this second of two Review articles based on the findings from the workshop, the intersection between artificial intelligence and space biology is discussed.

The advances in artificial intelligence over the past decade are examined, with a discussion on how artificial intelligence systems can aid the scientific process and the central issues that remain despite advances.

The benefits and future prospects of neuromorphic, or bio-inspired, computing technologies are discussed, as is the need for a global, coordinated approach to funding, research and collaboration.

Smartphone-based mobile health platforms have drawn increasing attention from researchers developing point-of-care testing devices. Here the authors summarize recent progress and future directions of approaches combining microfluidics and artificial intelligence.

The advent of portable, low-field MRI is transforming clinical brain imaging. This Review discusses the bioengineering advances that have enabled scanning outside the controlled environment of conventional MRI suites, enhancing access to neuroimaging. Ongoing development and innovation will increase the real-world application of MRI.

Satellite radar altimetry enables the detection of sea-level changes by collecting data that have exceeded early expectations. This Perspective discusses potential advances that would enhance the data, allowing regional detection and attribution of sea-level change and improving ocean heat uptake estimates.

This Perspective examines the limitations of ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) used in fifth-generation (5G) communication systems and proposes key research directions for the next generation of URLLC, termed extreme ultra-reliable and low-latency communication.

As one of the most important protocols in quantum information technology, quantum teleportation enables the nonlocal transmission of unknown quantum information. This Review discusses the latest developments in the quantum teleportation of complex quantum states and applications to quantum communication and computing.

While academic research into resistive switching materials continues to grow, Intel recently shut down its resistive switching memory manufacturing plant. What does this mean for the future of nanoelectronic technologies based on resistive switching devices?

To ensure a sustainable future and combat food scarcity, we must boost agricultural productivity, improve climate resilience and optimize resource usage. There is untapped potential for dense wireless sensor networks in agriculture that can increase yields and support resilient production when linked to smart decision and control systems.

This Review examines the development of micro-thermoelectric devices, exploring progress in device design, integration and performance, and the potential applications of the technology in cooling, power generation and sensing.

The environmental effectiveness of procurement incentives for electric vehicle (EV) sales depends on the behaviour of EV adopters. This study explores such a relationship and how procurement policies should be designed in order to achieve emissions reduction and be economically efficient.

Laboratory innovations in energy research do not necessarily transfer into commercial success due to scale-up and other related issues. Here the authors review scientific challenges in realizing large-scale battery active materials manufacturing and cell processing, trying to address the important gap from battery basic research.

Crystalline silicon solar cells are today’s main photovoltaic technology, enabling the production of electricity with minimal carbon emissions and at an unprecedented low cost. This Review discusses the recent evolution of this technology, the present status of research and industrial development, and the near-future perspectives.

Although perovskite solar cells now have competitive efficiencies compared with silicon solar cells, their low stability has hindered their commercial application thus far. This Review summarizes the tremendous improvements made over the past decade and offer a perspective on how to reach >25-year stable perovskite solar cells.