#R&D

Wind turbines, engines or cranes can have a virtual replica that enables to prevent possible problems or risks and to experiment without compromising their operation before implementing new functionalities. It is not science fiction, they are digital twins, a disruptive technology that will be vital in the rise and progression of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Four companies were chosen to carry out their pilot projects in the Startup Challenge: Photovoltaic panel cleaning. We chatted with them to find out a little more about the projects that led them to win this challenge, which was looking for waterless, sustainable and low-cost solutions to improve the cleaning process for solar panels in large-scale photovoltaic projects.

Educational robots enable students of all ages to become familiar with and deepen their knowledge of robotics and programming, while at the same time learning other cognitive skills. Find out how robots can help your children's education and which are the most popular among the wide range of robots available on the market.

According to the consultancy Gartner, hyperautomation will be one of the technological trends that will have the greatest impact in the next decade. This concept, which goes far beyond mechanising repetitive manual tasks carried out by people, refers to the automation of any business process using a combination of robotic process automation (RPA) and other advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Iberdrola, in collaboration with a group of industry partners and technological companies, is driving the development of a new digital platform (SSP) for secondary substations. Based on Edge Computing, will allow the company to continue leading the digital transformation of its network business.

We live in the age of technology, but there's still plenty to come. In recent years, large companies have been taking small — but important steps — forward in quantum computing, which looks set to revolutionise the world as we know it. The following selection of potential applications will impact everything from mobility to healthcare.