Innovations from LiU

Did you know that the first digital hearing aid was developed at LiU? So was the visualisation table, which is today used in hospitals, museums and science centres all over the world. And without data compression originating from LiU, we would have no streaming services.

Innovations from Linköping University are used in many sectors of society. They give us better health and more environmentally friendly energy. They are used to produce music for world-famous artists. With nanotechnology, we can now also start manufacturing clothes that change size to fit the wearer.

LiU is known for collaborating widely, both within the university and with society at large. This creates excellent conditions for innovations that are of real benefit.

The visualisation table that shows the invisible

The visualisation table enables the user to explore the human body in 3D, down to the smallest muscle and bone. The table is similar to a giant smartphone with a touch-sensitive screen. It was created in 2010 in close interdisciplinary collaboration between LiU and other actors, including the company Sectra, which introduced it on the market. It is now used all over the world – to conduct virtual autopsies, investigate 3D-scanned mummies in museums, and prepare healthcare students for their tasks. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at LiU was the first in the world to use the visualisation table in teaching, and it is, of course, also to be found at Visualization Center C in Norrköping.

The riding boot that changes size

Man with riding boot — Photographer: Julius Norrbom

A smart thread that allows garments to change size – it sounds like science fiction. But when economics student Sam Issa’s dreams of revolutionising the textile industry met LiU’s research, it became a reality. Now the first product is here: the riding boot that at the press of a button shapes itself to the wearer’s legs. The fabric with woven-in nanowires heats up and expands. Then it cools around the leg and, when the boot fits well, retains its shape. Going forward, this will create completely new opportunities for a sustainable textile industry where clothes can be reused.

Game at work for your health

A woman who moves, a man who sits — Photographer: Anna Nilsen

Sweden is one of the countries in Europe where people sit the most, easily up to ten hours a day. W get back, shoulder and neck problems and there’s research showing that the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and several common cancers increases. LiU researchers have created a a digital gaming gym available around the clock. You play by moving your body in front of your webcam and the gaming feature increases the likelihood of taking a movement break at work.

More innovations from Linköping University

Telephone directory with digital hearing aid on the cover, detail — In 1998, the Swedish telephone directory featured the digital hearing aid on its cover. Photographer: Pelle Bergström

The first digital hearing aid

A digital hearing aid can be described as a small computer in the ear. It makes it easier to distinguish speech from background noise and gives people with impaired hearing a better quality of life. A degree project at LiU was the basis for the technology, at a time when all hearing aids were analogue. The innovation was developed by LiU researchers in collaboration with industry, and we were able to present the world’s first digital hearing aid. Digital technology is now standard in all hearing aids.

Portrait Robert Forchheimer — Robert Forchheimer, now professor emeritus at LiU, was the driving force behind the development of the MPEG algorithm. Photographer: Anna Nilsen

The basis of all streaming services

Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Spotify are now a natural part of everyday life for many people. What not so many people know is that the streaming of film and music can take place thanks to data compression developed at LiU. In the 1970s, it became technically possible to send images via telecommunications networks, but the files were very large. The solution was the MPEG algorithm, an effective method for compressing data. MPEG became the standard worldwide and is now used in all streaming media services.

Metre after metre of thin solar cells rolls out from the printing press — Metre after metre of solar cells roll out of the printing presses of the company Epishine. Photographer: THOR BALKHED

Rolls of solar cells replace batteries

Out with disposable batteries – in with small printed organic solar cells. These are optimised to react to the light found in indoor lamps and convert it into electricity. Not much, but enough to power many of the small connected gadgets we have in our homes, such as sensors of various kinds. The technology is based on over 30 years of LiU research in organic electronics. Replacing batteries with solar cells printed on recyclable plastic will yield great environmental benefits. And that is just the beginning of the road to truly large-scale manufacturing to provide the world with sustainable energy.

Skin with translucent membrane with colour doplets. — Linköping University continues to develop the wound dressings. This nanocellulose wound dressing can reveal early signs of infection without interfering with the healing process. Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Skin-like dressing for hard-to-heal wounds

Hard-to-heal wounds constitute a health problem that entails much suffering and large costs for society. LiU researchers have created new cellulose dressings that resemble the skin and are temporarily integrated into the living tissue. The dressings stimulate the formation of new skin and kill bacteria in the wound. Unlike traditional wound dressings, they do not need to be replaced, which is a big advantage. They are used today in healthcare and thanks to them, people who have been suffering from chronic wounds for many years have been able to recover.

Synthesizer — Model 77 DualLayer Synth captures the sound of three Japanese synthesizers from 1977. heard on the movie soundtracks for Blade Runner. Photographer: Softube

The shortcut to the perfect sound

In the past, an advanced recording studio was needed to create high-quality music – now it is done via computer. This was made possible thanks to technology that simulates analogue sound and started as a degree project at LiU. The purpose of the degree project was to develop a simulated guitar amplifier for music production, and it turned out so well that it became the basis of the company Softube. Thus began a journey of success towards delivering both hardware and software to a global music market. The products are used today by major studios and world-famous artists such as Beyoncé as well as by amateur producers who love music.

How LiU supports innovation

Finger pointing at a glss wall with the word innovation

LiU Innovation

The innovation office at Linköping University. LiU Innovation supports students, researchers and staff with developing and improving ideas, from early concept to finished product or service.

Student Innovation by LiU

Do you have an idea you want to explore or take forward but don't know how to do? Then you can get help from Student Innovation by LiU. Through guidance, events and workshops, they give you as a student the tools to start your own venture.

50 years of societal benefit

LiU 50 years - LiU in society

Today’s society is facing enormous challenges. LiU has what it takes to meet these – with your help.Meet LiU researchers in relevant areas where we are at the forefront and want to continue developing.