Bringing technology closer to people
Brain-controlled prosthetics
Imagine controlling a prosthetic limb with your mind. Already in 2012, Chalmers University of Technology researcher Max Ortiz Catalan built a prototype that allowed users to control a prosthesis in a lab environment via nerve and muscle implants. Today, brain-computer interface (BCI) systems can read brain signals and wirelessly operate robotic prostheses, bringing future neuroprosthetics closer to reality. Swedish research has been crucial for testing and developing this technology, and experiences are shared in international collaborations to make it accessible to more users.
Exoskeletons that enhance the body
Exoskeletons were initially developed for healthcare to assist people with reduced mobility, but the technology is now rapidly advancing to enable us to walk farther, run faster, and lift heavier loads. Swedish researchers and engineers have driven much of the early development, and knowledge exchange in EU projects has been essential to advance the technology and adapt it to a wider range of applications.
Smart contact lenses
Smart contact lenses can display information directly on the eye without the need for external devices. Swedish companies, such as XPANCEO, are developing the technology and collaborating with international augmented reality (AR) partners to accelerate both development and commercialisation.
Bioprinting for future healthcare
Bioprinting has moved from lab experiments to experimental treatments, where skin, cartilage, and small blood vessels can be tailored to individual patients. Swedish research groups at the Karolinska Institutet, Chalmers University of Technology, and Uppsala University collaborate with companies such as CELLINK, whose bioprinters are used worldwide, enabling knowledge sharing and accelerating the development of next-generation medical solutions.
The film is in Swedish but English subtitles are available.
Energy and materials transforming society
Wave energy inspired by the heart
CorPower Ocean develops wave energy buoys that mimic the pumping of the heart and can generate significantly more energy per tonne of equipment than previous technologies. Swedish engineers and researchers share results and further develop the technology alongside international partners, accelerating the emergence of next-generation energy solutions.
Fusion energy on Earth
In France, ITER is approaching the goal of producing energy from fusion. Swedish researchers contribute advanced instruments and control systems, including a neutron spectrometer from Uppsala University and the CODAC control system, led by Swedish engineers. Collaboration with international teams allows research breakthroughs to be translated into practical solutions for star power on Earth.
Self-healing concrete
Self-healing concrete uses bacteria activated by water to produce limestone that repairs cracks. The technology is being developed by researchers at Luleå University of Technology and Lund University, and is tested in multiple European infrastructure projects, where knowledge exchange with international partners helps create more sustainable buildings worldwide.
Direct air capture of carbon dioxide
Direct Air Capture removes carbon dioxide directly from the air. Mammoth in Iceland is the world’s largest facility, and next-generation technology developed through international collaborations aims for both higher capacity and lower energy use. Swedish actors actively participate in the development and standardisation of this technology for global deployment.
Air-purifying electric cars
In the Netherlands, students demonstrate how electric vehicles can clean the air while driving and simultaneously store carbon dioxide at charging stations. The project shows how Swedish innovations in transport and environmental technology can combine with international ideas to create practical, sustainable solutions.
The film is in Swedish but English subtitles are available.
Space as the Next Innovation Frontier
Satellites monitoring the planet
Projects such as Climate TRACE use AI and satellite data to measure emissions globally in near real-time. Data is downloaded at the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, northern Sweden, where Swedish researchers contribute to analysis and processing. International partners enable extensive comparisons and standardisation, creating new opportunities for effective climate monitoring and environmental governance worldwide.
Solar power in orbit
The European Space Agency explores solar power in orbit through the SOLARIS project, aiming to transmit energy wirelessly to Earth around the clock. Swedish companies, such as Beyond Gravity, develop the computers and separation systems needed to deploy and operate future space power stations, in close collaboration with international technical teams.
Laser technology for asteroid mining
At Luleå University of Technology, groundbreaking laser-based technology is being developed that can break down materials without physical contact. This enables resource extraction in microgravity and forms part of international research projects for future space mining. Swedish research leadership combines with global expertise to solve complex engineering challenges.
Supermaterials for future space elevators
Within the EU project Graphene Flagship at Chalmers University of Technology, research focuses on ultra-strong materials that could be key to future space elevators. Swedish researchers contribute specialised expertise, and collaboration with international partners drives the development of materials with exceptional strength and lightness.
Managing space debris
ESA’s Clear Space-1 is the first mission to actively remove space debris. Swedish OHB is responsible for propulsion and final assembly of the “space sweeper,” and collaboration with international engineering teams demonstrates how global partnerships make it possible to tackle complex problems in space. The solution also opens the door for future maintenance, repair, and upgrades of satellites in orbit.
The film is in Swedish but English subtitles are available.