Semiconductors, Computing & AI

In recent years, optical transceiver technology has been steadily shifting toward placing the optics closer to the ASIC. Many in the industry expect the transition to progress directly toward fully integrated solutions such as co-packaged optics. IDTechEx's new report "Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) 2026-2036: Technologies, Market, and Forecasts" examines this transition in detail.

The transition to 800V EVs is one which affects the whole powertrain, including the power electronics. In IDTechEx's report, Power Electronics for Electric Vehicles 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, and Forecasts, these trends are analysed and used to forecast the adoption of wide bandgap semiconductors SiC and GaN, as well as the entire power electronics market for electric vehicles (EV).

The rise of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) is transforming not only passenger cars but also the commercial vehicle industry, which is reshaping how trucks, vans, and specialty vehicles are designed, operated, and maintained.

IDTechEx forecasts that the global sensor market will reach $250B in annual revenue by 2036, as global mega-trends in AI, future mobility, wearables, edge computing, and automation drive renewed growth opportunities. Next generation sensor technology innovations in quantum sensors, ADAS sensors, image sensors, MEMS, photonic integrated circuits, and printed sensor markets will be key to realizing the highest growth opportunities over the next decade.

The sensitivity and unmatched performance of quantum technologies is allowing for great advancements across a number of major sectors, including sensors, computing, and communication. This article explores a few of the recent developments and applications within commercial sectors.

Join IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst Dr Shababa Selim for this 30-minute webinar, where she will be sharing insights from the brand-new market report "Low-Loss Materials for 5G/6G, Radar, and High-Speed Digital 2026-2036: Markets, Trends, and Forecasts".

IDTechEx, along with many other industry experts, are expecting robotaxis to become a common sight in major cities over the next twenty years. The business case for robotaxis, although not without its obstacles, is compelling. However, in the meantime, there will still be billions of privately owned vehicles on the roads. This article considers the case for autonomous private vehicles and the software market: from adaptive cruise control to true autonomy, everywhere.

IDTechEx's report titled "Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) 2026 to 2036: Technologies, Market, and Forecasts" reviews recent advances in CPO technology, tracks emerging packaging approaches, assesses the strategies of leading companies, and provides long term market forecasts. The report highlights how CPO adoption is set to reshape data center infrastructure in the coming decade.

As of 2025, single-phase direct-to-chip (D2C) cooling remains the dominant solution for high-end GPU thermal management. However, as thermal design power (TDP) continues to climb, two-phase D2C cooling is expected to become essential, with large-scale adoption projected around 2026-2027.

As global demand for critical rare earths, battery materials, and semiconductors surges, end-of-life waste is quickly transforming into a strategic goldmine of critical materials. With IDTechEx forecasting that over US$66B of critical material value will be recovered from waste annually by 2046, IDTechEx evaluates hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and other emerging recycling technologies for critical material recovery.