• 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
    Online Exclusives

    PARC Begins Work on Printed Flexible Audio Speakers

    Potential applications for FlexTech project include smart packaging, wearables and the IoT.

    PARC Begins Work on Printed Flexible Audio Speakers
    A printed flexible hybrid circuit recently fabricated at PARC, comprising an electro-chemical sensor, Bluetooth communication and inductive charging. (Photo courtesy of PARC).
    Related CONTENT
    • Sustainability and the Challenges Facing Flexible and Printed Electronics
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics Offer Sustainability Benefits
    • Recycling and Reusing Flexible and Printed Electronics
    • Sustainability and Flexible and Printed Electronics
    • FLEX 2021 Opens Virtually with Sessions on FHE, Materials
    David Savastano, Editor01.31.18
    The ability to communicate with consumers is not necessarily through visual keys alone. Audio capabilities are also an excellent approach. However, the development of cost-effective, mass producible, truly thin speakers has yet to take off.
     
    PARC, a Xerox Company, may have the key to unlocking this technology. In conjunction with FlexTech, a SEMI Strategic Association Partner, PARC researchers are working on a one-year project developing paper-like smart tags printed flexible audio speakers that could be used for smart tags, wearables and much more.
     
    Under the project, PARC will use inkjet printing for the prototypes, which would be produced on plastic sheets by printing the active materials and silver ink conductive traces.. PARC will also create a process for bonding chips, as well as printing active and passive components and interconnects necessary to drive the speakers.
     
    Dr. Bob Street, senior research fellow and project technical lead at PARC, said that when FlexTech put out a call for projects, printed audio speakers came immediately to mind.
     
    “This is something I have been interested in for quite a while, and it’s a good opportunity to get back into printed actuators,” Dr. Street said. “FlexTech has a number of members who are interested in this technology. It seems like a good fit for our printed electronics technology.” He added that numerous markets would be ideal for this speaker technology, including smart tags, food safety, wearables and tracking packages. 
     
    “We worked on a project for piezo actuators for sound years ago,” added Dr. Janos Veres, program manager, Novel and Printed Electronics, Electronic Materials and Devices Laboratory at PARC.
     
    Dr. Veres sees numerous potential uses for this technology.
     
    “It could be useful for wearables and sensors, and fits the IoT environment,” Dr. Veres reported. “We see this progressing in many interesting ways, thousands and even millions of different opportunities. Customization is very interesting, for example in smart packaging , combining the graphics look and smart interactive functions.”
     
    Dr. Street said that printing the speaker would work well with numerous processes.
     
    “We are very open to different technologies, including inkjet, screen and gravure ,” said Street. “Inkjet can be a low-cost technology, and it provides the opportunity to customize the device. Analog works really well for long runs, and digital is ideal for short runs. You can create thousands of devices with different designs.”
     
    There are technical challenges is developing flexible printed speakers.  
     
    “There have been some developments in terms of speakers, but they are not functional yet,” Dr. Street noted. “A regular speaker is designed to be three-dimensional. The real challenge for us is to get it really thin. It is a big open space, and we are trying different possibilities out.”
     
    Ultimately, the benefit of reaching the consumer will drive the development of printed audio speakers.
     
    “Consumer product companies want devices that are connected to the real world,” said Dr. Veres. “ Smart packaging is the first wave, then comes customizable wearables whose design would depend on the person in terms of health monitoring and fashion. The third wave is structural electronics, which will benefit significantly from printing. For example, automotive and aerospace companies can reduce the complexity and weight of their parts.”
     
    “Printed speakers are an exciting technology,” Dr. Street continued. “It enables everyday objects to communicate with the user. One way to do that is visually, with displays, and another is audio, which can provide the user with a different information channel.”



    A printed flexible hybrid circuit recently fabricated at PARC, comprising an electro-chemical sensor, Bluetooth communication and inductive charging. (Photo courtesy of PARC).
    Related Searches
    • smart packaging
    • wearables
    • printed electronics
    • devices
    Suggested For You
    Sustainability and the Challenges Facing Flexible and Printed Electronics Sustainability and the Challenges Facing Flexible and Printed Electronics
    Flexible and Printed Electronics Offer Sustainability Benefits Flexible and Printed Electronics Offer Sustainability Benefits
    Recycling and Reusing Flexible and Printed Electronics Recycling and Reusing Flexible and Printed Electronics
    Sustainability and Flexible and Printed Electronics Sustainability and Flexible and Printed Electronics
    FLEX 2021 Opens Virtually with Sessions on FHE, Materials FLEX 2021 Opens Virtually with Sessions on FHE, Materials
    FLEX Conference Has Come a Long Way in 20 Years FLEX Conference Has Come a Long Way in 20 Years
    Xerox Releases 4Q, Full Year Results Xerox Releases 4Q, Full Year Results
    DARPA Awards PARC Contract to Expand Ocean Knowledge DARPA Awards PARC Contract to Expand Ocean Knowledge
    PARC Selects AlphaSTAR’s GENOA 3DP for AM Simulation PARC Selects AlphaSTAR’s GENOA 3DP for AM Simulation
    ITN Energy Systems Leverages SEMI FlexTech R&D Funding to Develop Defense, Commercial Products ITN Energy Systems Leverages SEMI FlexTech R&D Funding to Develop Defense, Commercial Products
    SEMI FlexTech Launches Three Projects to Advance Flexible Hybrid Electronics SEMI FlexTech Launches Three Projects to Advance Flexible Hybrid Electronics
    Avery Dennison Aims to Make Shopping Avery Dennison Aims to Make Shopping 'Frictionless'
    RFID Takes Stage at NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show RFID Takes Stage at NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show
    2018FLEX to Feature Newest Developments in Flexible Hybrid Electronics 2018FLEX to Feature Newest Developments in Flexible Hybrid Electronics
    Most Intriguing Flexible and Printed Electronics Products of 2017 Most Intriguing Flexible and Printed Electronics Products of 2017

    Related Online Exclusives

    • 3D Printing | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
      RadTech 2022 Highlights Energy Curing Roles in Electronics

      RadTech 2022 Highlights Energy Curing Roles in Electronics

      UV/EB curing is playing a role in numerous areas, including structural electronics, Li-ion batteries and 3D printing.
      David Savastano, Editor 05.11.22

    • Flexible and Printed Electronics | Research Institutions | Semiconductors and Quantum Dots | Sensors and Wearables | Universities
      Imec, KU Leuven and PragmatIC Collaborate on Flexible Microprocessors

      Imec, KU Leuven and PragmatIC Collaborate on Flexible Microprocessors

      Project opens the possibilities for low-cost, low-power IoT applications which do not require very high performance.
      David Savastano, Editor 04.13.22

    • Breaking News | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Manufacturers News | Sensors and Wearables
      Grapheal Brings Graphene to Medtech

      Grapheal Brings Graphene to Medtech

      Grapheal’s TestNPass test strip technology earns honors, interest at CES 2022.
      David Savastano, Editor 03.23.22


    • Conductive Inks and Coatings | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Photovoltaics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Sensors and Wearables | Suppliers News
      The Conductive Ink Market is Showing Growth

      The Conductive Ink Market is Showing Growth

      There are more products featuring printed and flexible electronics that are reaching the market, and conductive inks are playing a critical role.
      David Savastano, Editor 03.16.22

    • Displays and Lighting | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Photovoltaics | Printed Batteries | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Sensors and Wearables | Smart Cards and Packaging | Suppliers News
      LOPEC 2022 Returns to Munich

      LOPEC 2022 Returns to Munich

      After three years, the conference will showcase advances in printed, flexible electronics and more.
      David Savastano, Editor 03.09.22

    • Manufacturers News | Research Institutions | Sensors and Wearables
      Onera Health’s Biomedical-Lab-on-Chip Draws Interest at CES 2022

      Onera Health’s Biomedical-Lab-on-Chip Draws Interest at CES 2022

      It is designed for wearables, patch-based and implantable technologies.
      01.26.22


    • Displays and Lighting | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Photovoltaics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | RFID and NFC | Sensors and Wearables | Suppliers News
      Most Intriguing Flexible, Printed Electronics Products of 2021

      Most Intriguing Flexible, Printed Electronics Products of 2021

      Here’s a look at five interesting technologies that have either reached the market or were nearing commercialization in 2021.
      David Savastano, Editor 01.05.22

    • Breaking News | Conductive Inks and Coatings | Displays and Lighting | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Manufacturers News | Photovoltaics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | RFID and NFC | Semiconductors and Quantum Dots | Sensors and Wearables | Suppliers News
      Printed Electronics Now’s Top Stories for 2021

      Printed Electronics Now’s Top Stories for 2021

      New technologies, conductive ink and graphene led the headlines in 2021.
      David Savastano, Editor 12.26.21

    • Breaking News | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | RFID and NFC
      CVS Pharmacy, Identiv Develop Spoken Rx for Visually-Impaired Patients

      CVS Pharmacy, Identiv Develop Spoken Rx for Visually-Impaired Patients

      RFID label enables patients to connect to apps to get instructions on their prescriptions.
      David Savastano, Editor 12.08.21


    • Flexible and Printed Electronics | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Manufacturers News | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
      Origo Steering Wheel Shows Promise of In-Mold Electronics in Vehicles

      Origo Steering Wheel Shows Promise of In-Mold Electronics in Vehicles

      Collaboration earns Canatu, Siili Auto, TactoTek and Rightware a CES 2022 Innovation Award.
      David Savastano, Editor 12.01.21

    • Displays and Lighting | Manufacturers News | Sensors and Wearables
      CareWear Sees Potential for PhotoBioModulation to Help Australia’s Arthritis Sufferers

      CareWear Sees Potential for PhotoBioModulation to Help Australia’s Arthritis Sufferers

      Light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths to trigger chemical responses that accelerate tissue recovery.
      David Savastano, Editor 10.27.21

    • Breaking News | Conductive Inks and Coatings | Flexible and Printed Electronics
      The Ink Industry Gathers for NAPIM’s 2021 Technical Conference

      The Ink Industry Gathers for NAPIM’s 2021 Technical Conference

      Printed electronics among the topics as NAPIM holds its first in-person event since the pandemic began.
      David Savastano, Editor 10.20.21


    • Conductive Inks and Coatings | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Suppliers News
      NAPIM’s 2021 Technical Conference to Cover Inks, Printed Electronics

      NAPIM’s 2021 Technical Conference to Cover Inks, Printed Electronics

      This year’s theme is theme is ‘The Ink Industry: Adaptable, Flexible, Resilient!’
      David Savastano, Editor 10.06.21

    • Conductive Inks and Coatings | Displays and Lighting | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Research Institutions | Sensors and Wearables
      AmphiLab Uses Conductive Ink to Merge Books and Electronics

      AmphiLab Uses Conductive Ink to Merge Books and Electronics

      Innovative bitbook utilizes conductive ink to connect wirelessly with digital devices.
      David Savastano, Editor 09.01.21

    • Manufacturers News | Sensors and Wearables
      Flexible and Printed Sensors Gain in Key Markets

      Flexible and Printed Sensors Gain in Key Markets

      Flexible sensors are enjoying opportunities in a wide range of markets, including automotive, health care, environmental and others.
      David Savastano, Editor 08.11.21

    Breaking News
    • InnovationLab Acquires Flexible Printed Battery Technology from Evonik
    • Canatu Receives IATF 16949:2016 Certification
    • Applied Materials Announces 2Q 2022 Results
    • ams OSRAM Supervisory Board to Elect Dr. Margarete Haase as Chairwoman
    • Weekly Recap: Graphene Flagship, Japan Display and LG Display Top This Week’s Stories
    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

    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
    Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports
    GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    PPG Hosts The Future of Coatings' Technology Innovation Day in Amsterdam
    Azelis Expands Presence in India with Acquisition of Chemo India and Unipharm Laboratories
    Teknos Publishes Sustainability Report
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Pediatric Medical Device Competition Reveals Five Finalists
    Medical Device Packaging Market to Reach $34B by 2027
    Penumbra Secures CE Mark for its Advanced Mechanical Thrombectomy Tech
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Mirum Pharmaceuticals Acquires San Diego-based Satiogen
    Catalyst Biosciences Sells Complement Portfolio to Vertex Pharmaceuticals
    Insmed Appoints Drayton Wise as Chief Commercial Officer
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    La Roche-Posay Launches Matte Moisturizer for Oily Skin
    3 Amorepacific Employees Stole $2.3 Million
    L'Oreal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus On Sustainability Initiatives
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Thayers Natural Remedies Celebrates 175 Years with Social Campaign
    Former Model Shirley Powell’s Indie Beauty Brand LaJeanell Comprises Gender Inclusive Skincare and Makeup
    L’Oréal's New UVMune 400 Sun Filtering Technology Protects Skin From Ultra-Long UVA Rays
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Flint Group Flexible Packaging Europe Implements Further Price Increase
    Nazdar Launches 205 Series Inks for Roland TrueVIS SG2 and VG2 Series Printers
    Quad Adds Landa S10P Nanographic Printing Press
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    AWA to host 22nd Global Release Liner Industry Conference & Exhibition
    Domino assists Grace Label with supply chain disruptions
    Rotocon wins AI Business Excellence Award
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Rael Raises $35M in Series B Funding
    Schobertechnologies Offers Rotary Web-fed Converting Solutions
    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Study Confirms Knee Shapes are Highly Individualized
    Stryker Launches EasyFuse Dynamic Compression for Foot & Ankle
    Extremity Medical Rolls Out OMNI Stable Ankle Fracture System
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    InnovationLab Acquires Flexible Printed Battery Technology from Evonik
    Canatu Receives IATF 16949:2016 Certification
    Applied Materials Announces 2Q 2022 Results

    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