• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Printed Electronics
    • Raw Materials
    • Equipment
    • Services
    • Suppliers Guide
    • Resources
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Printed Electronics
  • Raw Materials
  • Equipment
  • Services
  • Suppliers Guide
  • Resources
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Breaking News
    Experts Opinion
    Financial News
    Manufacturers News
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Online Exclusives
    Personnel
    Product Releases
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Displays and Lighting
    Photovoltaics
    Printed Batteries
    Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
    Flexible and Printed Electronics
    RFID and NFC
    Sensors and Wearables
    Smart Cards and Packaging
    Touch Screens
    Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
    Chemicals, Metals and Powders
    Conductive Inks and Coatings
    Electronic Materials
    Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
    Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
    Nanomaterials
    Printed Electronic Components
    Research Reports
    Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    Energy Curing Equipment
    Lab and Testing Equipment
    Manufacturing Equipment
    Printing Equipment
    3D Printing
    Contract Manufacturing Services
    Product Design and Testing
    Research and Consulting
    Research Institutions
    Research Reports
    Universities
    Equipment
    All Companies
    Materials
    Categories
    Converting
    Printed Electronics Systems
    Associations
    Research and Services
    Used Machinery
    Add New Company
    Industry Events
    Live from show events
    Podcasts
    Videos
    Blogs
    Slideshows
    Infographics
    Webinars
    Whitepapers
    Equipment and Services
    Glossary
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Suppliers Guide
      • Suppliers Guide
      • Add Your Company
    • Printed Electronics
      • Photovoltaics
      • Printed Batteries
      • Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
      • Flexible and Printed Electronics
      • RFID and NFC
      • Sensors and Wearables
      • Smart Cards and Packaging
      • Touch Screens
    • Raw Materials
      • Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
      • Chemicals, Metals and Powders
      • Conductive Inks and Coatings
      • Electronic Materials
      • Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
      • Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
      • Nanomaterials
      • Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    • Equipment
      • Energy Curing Equipment
      • Lab and Testing Equipment
      • Manufacturing Equipment
      • Printing Equipment
      • 3D Printing
    • Services
      • Contract Manufacturing Services
      • Product Design and Testing
      • Research and Consulting
      • Research Institutions
      • Research Reports
      • Universities
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from show events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    IDTechEx Reports Smart Building Opportunities for Printed Sensors

    Smart buildings promise automated control of the buildings’ operations, along with integrated technology for human-machine interactions, per IDTechEx.

    Related CONTENT
    • RFID Journal Live! 2022
    • Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx
    • The 2021 Conductive Ink Market
    • RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT
    • JOLED Display Adopted for Newly-Announced ASUS OLED Monitor for HDR Content Creators
    IDTechEx01.05.21

    Smart buildings promise automated control of the buildings’ operations, along with integrated technology for human-machine interactions. 

     

    Such functionality requires multiple sensors, to which printed/flexible electronics are very well suited due to their low weight and thin-film form factor. 

     

    Indeed, the building of the future may have printed sensors built into the walls, floor, and ceiling to detect water leaks, air quality, usage patterns, and more. 

     

    Extensive discussion and analysis of many printed/flexible types can be found in the IDTechEx report “Printed and Flexible Sensors 2020-2030: Technologies, Players, Forecasts”.

     

     A long-cited advantage of printed/flexible electronics is their compatibility with low-cost, large-area manufacturing. However, to date, these attributes have not been widely utilized, with the greatest adoption in high-value applications such as  OLED displays. 

     

    Given the large areas involved, low-cost manufacturing is essential for some building-integrated applications such as touch-sensitive walls. 

     

    This functionality is achieved by printing carbon-based conductive inks with conventional graphics printers. 

     

    By arranging multiple capacitive sensors underneath decorative graphics, people can interact with the ‘wall’ to produce light and sound (generally produced via conventional electronics at this stage). Currently, this application of printed electronics is used primarily for promotional purposes, such as marketing campaigns.

     

    Touchless light switches using capacitive touch are another application that utilizes the ability of capacitive sensors to detect the proximity of conductive objects (such as hands) rather than pressure. 

     

    Given the current COVID-19 situation, technology that enables contactless switching is attracting increased interest.

     

     Pressure sensors have long been manufactured using screen printing of both conductive inks and a force-sensitive resistive material, with car occupancy sensors the most common application. 

     

    The low production costs mean that these sensors can be used to cover very large areas such as flooring. 

     

    Potential applications include monitoring customers in a shop or patients in a hospital, without the privacy concerns associated with cameras.

     

    Pressure-sensitive floor pads have also been developed and deployed in shops to help enforce COVID-19 social distancing requirements.

     

    An innovative and commercially available interior application is thin-film moisture sensors. 

     

    These determine humidity using a printed antenna that is read remotely by an RFID reader , enabling non-destructive measurement. 

     

    The basic principle is that a moisture sensitive layer changes the resonant frequency of the antenna. The thin-film format enables the sensor to be placed behind waterproof tiles to check the waterproofing efficacy.

     

    Capacitive sensors can also be used to sense water, which is why your smartphone screen doesn’t work in the rain. 

     

    By using cheap carbon-based ink printed onto reels of plastic, a thin strip of leak detective material can be cost-effectively spread around the perimeter of a room. 

     

    The sensors communicate wirelessly with the cloud whenever a change in capacitance is detected, with most of the processing performed in the cloud.

     

    Air quality is an increasingly monitored metric throughout the world, as the health consequences of poor air quality become apparent. 

     

    To date, most gas sensors are made from inorganic materials and are thus rigid, making them more conspicuous and difficult to install.  

     

    Gas sensors made from printed/flexible electronics offer a thin film alternative that can potentially be produced at a lower cost due to their compatibility with continuous low-temperature manufacturing. 

     

    Such gas sensors typically comprise an array of functionalized materials such as carbon nanotubes , with the conductivity of each changed by the absorption of gas molecules. 

     

    Algorithmically analyzing the output from all the gas sensors in the array then enables the composition of specific gases to be determined. 

     

    Obtaining this information in real-time throughout a building would enable the air circulation rate to be modified as appropriate and provide early warning of high pollutant levels.

     

    To summarize, printed/flexible electronics are well suited to building integrated applications due to their lightweight and potential for low-cost large-area manufacturing. Figure 1 shows IDTechEx’s assessment of technological and commercial readiness for the applications outlined above.
     


    Figure 1: Technological and commercial readiness level assessment for the outlined applications. Source: IDTechEx
    Suggested For You
    RFID Journal Live! 2022 RFID Journal Live! 2022
    Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx
    The 2021 Conductive Ink Market The 2021 Conductive Ink Market
    RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT
    JOLED Display Adopted for Newly-Announced ASUS OLED Monitor for HDR Content Creators JOLED Display Adopted for Newly-Announced ASUS OLED Monitor for HDR Content Creators
    IDTechEx Forecast Market for Fully Printed Sensors Will Reach $4.9 Billion by 2032 IDTechEx Forecast Market for Fully Printed Sensors Will Reach $4.9 Billion by 2032
    CYD, Nanosys’ ‘Air Stable’ Quantum Dot Component Enters Mass Production CYD, Nanosys’ ‘Air Stable’ Quantum Dot Component Enters Mass Production
    LG Display to Showcase Transparent OLED Display at IAA 2021 in Munich LG Display to Showcase Transparent OLED Display at IAA 2021 in Munich
    QUAD Industries QUAD Industries
    AmphiLab Uses Conductive Ink to Merge Books and Electronics AmphiLab Uses Conductive Ink to Merge Books and Electronics
    Universal Display Announces Recipients of the 2021 UDC Awards Universal Display Announces Recipients of the 2021 UDC Awards
    PPG, Universal Display Expand OLED Operations in Ireland PPG, Universal Display Expand OLED Operations in Ireland
    LG Display Highlights its ESG Management in Sustainability Report for 2021 LG Display Highlights its ESG Management in Sustainability Report for 2021
    eMagin Corporation Announces 2Q 2021 Results eMagin Corporation Announces 2Q 2021 Results
    IDTechEx: The Killer App For Smart Textiles IDTechEx: The Killer App For Smart Textiles

    Related Expert's Opinion

    • Experts Opinion | Research Institutions
      No Time, No Chips: No Problem for NREL

      No Time, No Chips: No Problem for NREL

      Researchers build two computing solutions amid global supply shortages.
      Brooke Van Zandt, NREL Communications Specialist 05.10.22

    • Breaking News | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Research Reports
      IDTechEx Evaluates the Sustainability of 3D Electronics

      IDTechEx Evaluates the Sustainability of 3D Electronics

      Ease of recycling is generally the greatest sustainability concern for 3D electronics.
      Dr. Matthew Dyson, IDTechEx 04.28.22

    • Breaking News | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions
      Scientists Decide How to Prove Out Perovskite Panels for Space Power

      Scientists Decide How to Prove Out Perovskite Panels for Space Power

      In space, radiation comes from all directions in the form of protons, electrons, neutrons, alpha particles and gamma rays.
      Wayne Hicks, NREL 04.19.22


    • 3D Printing | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
      3D Electronics Enables Greater Integration: IDTechEx

      3D Electronics Enables Greater Integration: IDTechEx

      Three approaches are applying electronics to a 3D surface, in-mold electronics, and fully additive 3D electronics.
      Dr. Matt Dyson, IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst 04.01.22

    • Research Institutions | Sensors and Wearables | Universities
      Measuring Pulse Waves with a Hair-Thin Patch

      Measuring Pulse Waves with a Hair-Thin Patch

      Personalized design was possible by inkjet printing technology.
      POSTECH 03.22.22

    • Breaking News | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions | Universities
      Disorder-Engineered Inorganic Nanocrystals Set New Efficiency Record for Ultrathin Solar Cells

      Disorder-Engineered Inorganic Nanocrystals Set New Efficiency Record for Ultrathin Solar Cells

      In the search for new technologies for thin photovoltaic systems, solar cells based on AgBiS2 nanocrystals have emerged.
      ICFO 02.16.22


    • Breaking News | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Universities
      New Technique Boosts Efficiency, Sustainability of Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells

      New Technique Boosts Efficiency, Sustainability of Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells

      This allows for the creation of lightweight, flexible solar cells.
      Matt Shipman, North Carolina State University 01.27.22

    • Breaking News | Research Reports | RFID and NFC
      IDTechEx: The Market Momentum in RFID

      IDTechEx: The Market Momentum in RFID

      Retail apparel and footwear tagging is the largest UHF RFID market by tag volume as well as market value.
      Dr. Yu-Han Chang, IDTechEx Technology Analyst 01.14.22

    • Breaking News | Research Reports | RFID and NFC
      IDTechEx: What to Expect for the Future for RFID

      IDTechEx: What to Expect for the Future for RFID

      ...
      Dr. Yu-Han Chang, IDTechEx Technology Analyst 12.07.21


    • Experts Opinion | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Universities
      Ultrathin Solar Cells Get a Boost from Perovskites

      Ultrathin Solar Cells Get a Boost from Perovskites

      Rice lab finds 2D perovskite compound has the right stuff to challenge bulkier products.
      Mike Williams, Rice University 12.02.21

    • Experts Opinion | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Sensors and Wearables | Universities
      NUS Researchers Develop World’s First Smart Bandage that Detects Multiple Biomarkers

      NUS Researchers Develop World’s First Smart Bandage that Detects Multiple Biomarkers

      Wearable sensor can detect multiple chronic wound biomarkers to facilitate timely and personalized wound management.
      National University of Singapore 12.02.21

    • Experts Opinion | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Sensors and Wearables | Universities
      UArizona Researchers Develop Ultra-Thin

      UArizona Researchers Develop Ultra-Thin 'Computer on the Bone'

      Engineers and physicians teamed up to develop a wireless device to monitor and protect bone health.
      Emily Dieckman, University of Arizona Communications 11.30.21


    • Breaking News | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Research Reports
      IDTechEx: In-Mold Electronics: Short Term Pain - Long Term Gain

      IDTechEx: In-Mold Electronics: Short Term Pain - Long Term Gain

      This greater integration means that IME will enable reduced fewer parts/materials and fewer assembly processes overall.
      Dr. Matthew Dyson, IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst 11.09.21

    • Manufacturers News | Sensors and Wearables
      The Lab of the Future May Be Here Before We Know It

      The Lab of the Future May Be Here Before We Know It

      Spurred by COVID-19, the momentum for digital tech in lab research is growing and brings a broad digital toolkit that includes AI, robotics, and IoT sensors.
      Cole McCollum, Lux Research Analyst 11.04.21

    • Breaking News | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions
      New Technique Paves the Way for Perfect Perovskites

      New Technique Paves the Way for Perfect Perovskites

      Next-gen solar material could outshine other solar cells.
      Theresa Duque 10.25.21

    Breaking News
    • Jabil Strengthens Additive Manufacturing Offerings
    • Avery Dennison, Wiliot Partner to Build and Scale the Future of IoT
    • HP Delivers Enhanced Platform Capabilities to Accelerate Additive Manufacturing Production at Scale
    • Identiv Showcases Bespoke RFID and IoT Solutions at RFID Journal LIVE!
    • Scout Clean Energy Orders 378 MW of First Solar Modules
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Winter 2021

    • Printed Electronics Now’s International Suppliers’ Directory
    • The Automotive Market and Flexible and Printed Electronics
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics in Healthcare
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics Make Gains in Smart Packaging
    • PAPERONICS: Low-cost multisensory paper and packaging applications
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support
    Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan
    Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    DIC’s Indian Subsidiary Begins Construction of Coating Resins Production Facility
    Celanese Declares Force Majeure on Acetyl Chain and Acetate Tow Products
    CPI Announces New Hybrid Professional Development Program for 2022
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Linear Health Sciences’ Orchid SRV Receives FDA & Health Canada Approval
    Vivasure Medical Raises $23 Million in Series D Financing Round
    New Patents Add Value to Know Labs' Bio-RFID Tech
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Evotec SE and Sernova Corp Announce Partnership in the Field of Diabetes
    Emergex COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Successfully Coated onto Zosano Micro-Needle Patch
    Thabor Therapeutics Appoints Jérémie Mariau as CEO
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Aveda is Leaping Bunny Approved by Cruelty Free International
    Smashbox Expands Becca Highlighter Collection
    Bite Beauty Is Closing Later This Year
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Selig Group Names Adam Sheridan Next President
    Nautica Introduces Oceans Pacific Coast Vegan & Sustainable Fine Fragrance Collection
    Dip Powder Nail Brand Nailboo, Expands Into Retail Exclusively At Sally Beauty
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Nazdar Ink Technologies to Manufacture VFP Ink Technologies Electronic Inks for US
    Sun Chemical Heads to Flexo and Labels 2022
    PETRONAS Chemicals Group to Acquire Perstorp Group
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
    The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart
    Jim Cree Joins Monadnock Nonwovens
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Paragon 28 Launches Grappler Suture Anchor System
    Paul Stellato Appointed Chief Accounting Officer at Zimmer Biomet
    DuPuy Synthes’ INHANCE Shoulder System Cleared by FDA for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Jabil Strengthens Additive Manufacturing Offerings
    Avery Dennison, Wiliot Partner to Build and Scale the Future of IoT
    HP Delivers Enhanced Platform Capabilities to Accelerate Additive Manufacturing Production at Scale

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login