Autonomous driving and self-driving cars represent one prominent example for the use of microelectronics and sensors, most importantly RADAR and LiDAR sensors. Their respective markets have a big potential, e.g. it is estimated that the market size of LiDAR in automotive will increase significantly in the next years. European Union´s H2020 funded TINKER project is set to develop a new reliable, accurate, functional, cost- and resource efficient pathway for RADAR and LiDAR sensor package fabrication based on AM. The presentation gives an overview of the TINKER project, its motivation and ambition as well as some insights into current developments.
Continue reading “Miniaturized sensor package fabrication for autonomous driving – an insight into the TINKER project”Stretchable Electronics: The Next Big Tech Platform May Be Your Skin
Stretchable Electronics: The Next Big Tech Platform May Be Your Skin.If you purchase La Roche-Posay sunscreen this summer, it may come with a complimentary device that looks something like a heart-shaped Band-Aid. But it’s even thinner—half the width of a human hair—and unlike a Band-Aid, it contains miniature electronics that connect to your smartphone and monitor your sun exposure in real time. Continue reading “Stretchable Electronics: The Next Big Tech Platform May Be Your Skin”
DIYer 3D Prints and Wires a Programmable Home Thermostat
These days, we’re more inclined to ask, “Is there anything that can’t be 3D printed?” than we are to exclaim in astonishment at the latest 3D printing feat. From 3D printed implants that help human bodies grow new cartilage (and, coming soon, internal organs and skin)… Continue reading “DIYer 3D Prints and Wires a Programmable Home Thermostat”
Micro-actuators fabricated with microscopic 3D printing technology
Scientists have been conducting research on micrometre-sized actuators which one day may make it possible to transport drugs or chemical sensor molecules to specific locations throughout the human body. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now taken the development of such micro-devices a crucial step forward: Continue reading “Micro-actuators fabricated with microscopic 3D printing technology”
Ultrasonic 3D Printing Allows for Electronics to be Embedded in Metal via Sound
A machine’s sensors take a beating during its lifetime. They can degrade over their lifetime of use due to force, corrosion, or the simple wear of everyday usage. It may be possible to significantly extend the lives of this important sensor equipment by housing them in solid metal. While it wouldn’t keep them operational forever, such a protective case could conceivably give them a much longer life cycle. Continue reading “Ultrasonic 3D Printing Allows for Electronics to be Embedded in Metal via Sound”