PRINTED ELECTRONICS
Printed Electronics in 2021 meets with wider adoption
IDTechEx Cambridge, UK explores the emerging applications in printed electronics that are finding their way in to an increasing number of applications
Author Dr Matt Dyson, Senior Technology Analyst
P
rinted/flexible electronics has long been touted as the technology that will make electronics ubiquitous. Promised applications
include wireless sensors in packaging, skin patches that communicate with the Internet, and buildings that detect leaks to enable preventative maintenance. However, until recently such applications have largely remained in the prototyping and development stages. However, 2021 has been an exciting year for printed electronics, with
multiple applications reaching commercial adoption and significant funds flowing into the sector. Even where technologies are not yet commercialised, companies are increasingly transitioning from
developing their technology and producing speculative demonstration prototypes to development and qualification projects for specific customers. Successfully commercialising printed/flexible electronics requires
identifying applications where its differences from conventional electronics add significant value. Electronic skin patches are a great example of this, with flexible thin-film devices improving patient comfort while enabling continuous monitoring of biometric parameters. Interest in electronic skin patches has really accelerated in 2021,
with dedicated material portfolios being developed by major players such as Dupont and Henkel, and the patches being utilised in hospitals. This uptake in traction is partially attributed to COVID-19 since both patients and healthcare professionals are now much more comfortable with remote consultations that necessitate home monitoring. Furthermore, many healthcare systems are struggling with a backlog of patients after operations/screenings were cancelled, creating an additional drive to adopt new technologies that can improve efficiency, for example by facilitating earlier discharge from hospital.
Automotive: Transitioning to EVs While the transitions towards automotive electrification and autonomy attract plenty of attention, they are accompanied by the adoption of other technologies that to some extent fall under the
34 NOVEMBER 2021 | ELECTRONICS TODAY
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