• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • 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
    Features

    New Applications for Printed and Flexible Sensors Gain in Markets

    New opportunities emerge in gas sensing, healthcare, military and automotive markets, among others.

    New Applications for Printed and Flexible Sensors Gain in Markets
    Photo courtesy of Tekscan
    New Applications for Printed and Flexible Sensors Gain in Markets
    Photo courtesy of NextFlex
    New Applications for Printed and Flexible Sensors Gain in Markets
    Photo courtesy of Brewer Science
    New Applications for Printed and Flexible Sensors Gain in Markets
    Photo courtesy of Bonbouton
    David Savastano, Editor02.21.20
    Flexible and printed sensors continue to find new applications. This, in turn, is spurring new markets to emerge in a wide range of fields.

    NextFlex is working on numerous sensor projects, and Art Wall, director of fab operations at NextFlex, said that he is seeing opportunities for flexible and printed sensors in the military and consumer spaces.

    “Both military and civilian-focused companies have looked at what we have done in the flexible microcontroller space and realized that if we could attach or build flexible sensors compatible with the flexible microcontroller architecture, you’ve taken something that’s interesting and really made it applicable – something that people really can make use of,” Wall said. “We’re taking tech demonstrations and adding sensor capabilities that can make them a true product.”

    Tekscan has been producing printed sensors since 1983 and is probably best known for its work with Dr. Scholl’s and its Custom Fit Orthotics Kiosk, where a customer stands on a low-profile mat that is embedded with a custom pressure mapping matrix. The software walks the customer through a process and in less than two minutes, they receive an orthotic recommendation based on their foot pressure pattern, arch type, and foot length. Tekscan CTO Rob Podoloff said it’s hard to visit a technology conference or read a technology publication without the subject of printed and flexible sensors being front and center.

    “A lot of this has to do with the demand for smart and sleek devices that pack many capabilities into a small, lightweight package,” Podoloff said. “At Tekscan, we manufacture printed piezoresistive force and pressure sensor technologies. When you factor the size you have to sacrifice to embed a load cell into the device, or the complex circuitry required to integrate a strain gage or MEMs device, those are some tall orders for the design engineer. Printed sensor technologies allow the engineer to incorporate force- or pressure-sensing capabilities, without needing to sacrifice space, weight and power within a design.”

    Podoloff said while it may take some engineers by surprise, printed force- and pressure-sensing technologies are not a new development whatsoever.

    “In fact, Tekscan has been manufacturing printed sensors since the mid-1980s, so we’ve seen first-hand how quickly demand has grown. We currently own 18 patents in printed force- and pressure-sensor technologies, the most recent of which was issued at the end of 2019,” Podoloff added.

    SPEC Sensors, LLC just launched its SPARROW gas sensor system, which connects a carbon monoxide monitor to smartphones, allowing people to monitor the environment in real-time. SPEC Sensors, LLC GM Ed Stetter noted that there is great interest in measuring gases and other parameters transdermally.

    “These could be medical devices that detect alcohol or ketones through the skin and monitor a number of conditions,” Stetter said. “Of course, flexible sensors could more easily become part of existing and new infrastructure like lights or automotive components. I think for gas sensors, in particular, some of these would be very new applications, and our challenges there are more performance right now than form factor, but the truly revolutionary high volume products will likely be for flexible sensors.”

    Bonbouton has been developing graphene printed sensors designed to provide preventive medicine and enable better health and well-being for diabetes care. Laura Saracho, head of product marketing for Bonbouton, reported that printed and flexible sensors offer key advantages in healthcare.

    “I definitely see a bright future for printed and flexible sensors, especially hybrid systems that can be applied to different substrates/materials,” Saracho said. “Our ability to use polymers for more breathability and enhanced human interface presents an exciting future for sensors that can be used for numerous human physiology applications.”

    Nick Skelton, marketing manager, Brewer Science, observed that opportunities for flexible and printed sensors continue to grow every month/quarter for a few different reasons.

    “There is a growing awareness of the benefits of printed and flexible technology,” Skelton said. “It is getting out there to people who aren’t just in the industry but are looking for new technology integration solutions that provide them with fast, highly efficient sensing. There is an urgency within several industries to implement faster, smarter sensing systems and arrays where conventional sensing options are not fully adequate to meet requirements.

    “We are overcoming technical challenges – with any new technology or innovation there are challenges at the beginning that typically slow opportunities. Over the last three months, we have made significant improvements to reduce drift, while addressing other challenges within the industry,” Skelton added.

    Among other projects, Ynvisible has been working with InviSense on thin, passive humidity sensors for the construction industry. Ynvisible CEO Jani-Mikael Kuusisto noted that printed flexible sensors offer several form factors and product integration advantages.

    “Application fields where conformability is a major factor are areas with a great opportunity for printed sensors,” Kuusisto said. “It allows the introduction of sensors into places where it previously may not have been possible due to confined spaces, harsh conditions, or where conventional sensing systems were uneconomical to implement.”

    Key End-Use Markets

    In speaking with industry leaders, automotive, healthcare and gas sensors are already areas of interest. For example, Skelton said that automotive, healthcare and environmental sensing are very promising markets for flexible and printed electronics. 

    “Automotive manufacturers continue to look at printed electronics for printed interconnects, in-mold electronics and touch sensors. The healthcare industry continues to be testing and evaluating the use cases for better wearable devices,” added Skelton. “Other promising markets right now are in water and environmental quality monitoring, where customizable form factor or cost of ownership needs are not met by existing technology.”

    John Hannafin, global product manager for Sun Chemical, said that medical diagnostics and patient tracking appear to be leading the way.

    “Non-invasive monitoring of glucose and some cardiac functions are creating a lot of demand,” Hannafin reported. “Of course, the Internet of Things and the commensurate infrastructure is already being built to support the anticipated demand. This infrastructure will also enable the consumer brand groups to support item level tagging and smart surfaces which drive the consumer experience in the retail space.”

    Stetter also pointed to environmental sensing for cities and vehicles, as well as healthcare.

    “For gases, we see smart cities as one of the most promising markets, monitoring for pollution and other gases in urban environments (some call this IoT or Industrial IoT),” Stetter said. “Auto manufacturers are also interested in indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring and some see the car or bus as the best platform on which to monitor outdoor pollution. As sensors improve and costs go down I think individuals will also see value in this information and seek out wearable or fixed home air quality monitors. Healthcare is also ripe for growth with sensor applications. In the gas space, breath and transdermal monitoring and diagnosis of conditions or chronic diseases are definitely promising.”

    Saracho noted that Bonbouton is heavily invested in the healthcare market, especially preventive care.

    “In order to see promise with this end-use, we need to focus on 1) comfort; 2) the precision/accuracy of the sensor readings; and 3) scalability/ease for manufacturing partners to adopt the sensing technology,” Saracho added.

    Ultimately, Podoloff can see sensors being used in many different fields.

    “I don’t think there is a market or industry where printed sensors are not, or should not be, in high demand,” Podoloff said.

    “Certainly, we’ve worked with a lot of different industries including medical devices, manufacturing systems, vehicle/tire design, consumer goods, athletics – you name it. That’s really one of the most exciting parts of being in the printed sensor business; new applications and uses come our way every day.

    “I do think that medical devices are generally a hot market for this type of technology,” Podoloff added. “There seems to be a clear trend toward medical devices that put the patient experience at the forefront of the design. Devices like infusion pumps need to function with little-to-no direct human interaction, and thin printed sensor technologies go a long way in helping make these concepts possible.”

    Kuusisto noted that printed sensors can impact all the end markets Ynvisible is directly or indirectly dealing with.

    “Health and wellness is the sector that most strongly comes to mind,” he added. “But also, logistics, retail, environmental sensing and construction are particularly promising fields. Conformable sensors are allowing a wide range of end applications: anything from monitoring humidity in built infrastructure to novel consumer experience-enhancing features to e-commerce, and new types of solutions for healthcare to minimizing waste. We need to stop staring solely at the price of sensors and rather look at the benefits and efficiencies their use brings to end products. Ultimately the spread of printed sensors will have huge positive impacts on sustainability and eco-efficiency.”

    Wall said that there are so many potential end-use markets, it’s hard to know which one will take off sooner than the rest.
    “I think of two promising end-use markets, one military and one civilian,” Wall said. “On the military side, there are many applications, but if I were to pick one, the safety of the warfighter is an area that has real importance, whether they’re engaged in conflict or not. Even with things like maintenance on aircraft, safety could be enhanced by the right flexible or wearable
    electronic devices.

    “On the civilian side, I’d say a compelling use case is asset monitoring,” added Wall. “It’s a broad topic, but in some cases, it could be something as simple as locating objects and knowing where they are, answering the question of ‘where did I put my tools, my assets?’ You could think of it as an extension of the Internet of Things.”

    Kuusisto said hybrid sensor systems in the form of smart labels are already available in the market.

    “We recently announced a collaboration with Identiv,” Kuusisto said. “Identiv’s uTrust Sense Temperature Tracker is a compact datalogging NFC smart sensor that tracks and stores temperature readings. The temperature sensing and logging chip are grain-sized, and the label is flexible. Through our collaboration, Identiv is introducing Ynvisible’s EC displays as the visual indicator into the system. This makes it possible to instantly visually identify the NFC smart sensors (or labels) that have experienced temperatures outside the allowed temperature range and require immediate attention.”

    “A recent brand new application for our sensors is in shutoffs for CO for portable generators. Every year a few hundred people are killed when they start their portable generators indoors or in places with poor ventilation. We co-designed a sensor-based shutoff for portable generators that will turn the generator off if it’s started indoors,” Stetter reported.

    “We are also in the Array of Things project in Chicago with hundreds of pollution sensing nodes deployed throughout the city,” Stetter added. “We are still crunching the results but you can see some of them on our website. We have many other customers with projects in air quality. We recently also built and ran human trials on a transdermal alcohol monitor. This work was funded by NIH and we pretty conclusively demonstrated a high-performance monitor for alcohol that you can wear on your wrist and is BLE enabled with an app.”

    “There’s a lot of printed sensors in the market right now, especially in sports,” said Saracho. “You’ll find various products that mostly use pressure sensors to measure things like running form and skiing orientation. However, we have yet to see pressure sensing adding large value in other industries. For preventive health, we’ll be looking at temperature, humidity and other physiology sensing elements.”

    “You can go down any list of things that can be sensed: we can see applications for temperature monitoring, humidity, volatile organics, even in the area of MEMS or in areas like motion sensing and location,” Wall observed. “As another example, optical sensing is something we’re doing now for medical applications. It’s almost harder to find a form of flexible sensing that wouldn’t be of interest to someone.” 
    Related Searches
    • devices
    • graphene
    • identiv
    • nextflex
    Suggested For You
    Tekscan Introduces ESS102, Its Newest Standard FlexiForce Sensor Tekscan Introduces ESS102, Its Newest Standard FlexiForce Sensor
    Brewer Science’s Dan Brewer to Deliver Keynote Speech at Tech and Innovation Summit Brewer Science’s Dan Brewer to Deliver Keynote Speech at Tech and Innovation Summit
    Techblick Articles Discuss Innovation Trends in Printed, Hybrid, In-Mold, 3D Electronics Techblick Articles Discuss Innovation Trends in Printed, Hybrid, In-Mold, 3D Electronics
    Flexible and Printed Sensors Gain in Key Markets Flexible and Printed Sensors Gain in Key Markets
    Brewer Science to Show Smart Devices, Printed Electronics Capabilities at Innovation Days Brewer Science to Show Smart Devices, Printed Electronics Capabilities at Innovation Days
    Sustainability and the Challenges Facing Flexible and Printed Electronics Sustainability and the Challenges Facing Flexible and Printed Electronics
    Brewer Science Milestone Anniversary Supports World Bird Sanctuary Brewer Science Milestone Anniversary Supports World Bird Sanctuary
    Flexible and Printed Electronics Offer Sustainability Benefits Flexible and Printed Electronics Offer Sustainability Benefits
    Brewer Science Shows Sustainability in Action with Local Event Brewer Science Shows Sustainability in Action with Local Event
    Tekscan Introduces I-Scan 9 Software Tekscan Introduces I-Scan 9 Software
    Recycling and Reusing Flexible and Printed Electronics Recycling and Reusing Flexible and Printed Electronics
    Post Dispatch Names Brewer Science a Winner of the Greater St. Louis Top Workplaces 2021 Post Dispatch Names Brewer Science a Winner of the Greater St. Louis Top Workplaces 2021
    Sustainability and Flexible and Printed Electronics Sustainability and Flexible and Printed Electronics
    Brewer Science Launches American Materials Technology Partnership Brewer Science Launches American Materials Technology Partnership
    Brewer Science Achieves ISO 45001:2018 Brewer Science Achieves ISO 45001:2018

    Related Breaking News

    • Breaking News | Manufacturers News | Product Releases | Sensors and Wearables
      Tekscan Introduces ESS102, Its Newest Standard FlexiForce Sensor

      Tekscan Introduces ESS102, Its Newest Standard FlexiForce Sensor

      The sensor operates in high-temperature (up to 85°C) and high-humidity (relative humidity of 95%) environments.
      09.02.21

    • Breaking News | Conductive Inks and Coatings | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Semiconductors and Quantum Dots | Sensors and Wearables
      Brewer Science’s Dan Brewer to Deliver Keynote Speech at Tech and Innovation Summit

      Brewer Science’s Dan Brewer to Deliver Keynote Speech at Tech and Innovation Summit

      Chief resource officer’s remarks highlight Missouri’s robust technological advancements.
      08.23.21

    • Breaking News | Conductive Inks and Coatings | Displays and Lighting | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Printed Batteries | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Research Institutions | RFID and NFC | Semiconductors and Quantum Dots | Sensors and Wearables | Smart Cards and Packaging | Suppliers News | Universities
      Techblick Articles Discuss Innovation Trends in Printed, Hybrid, In-Mold, 3D Electronics

      Techblick Articles Discuss Innovation Trends in Printed, Hybrid, In-Mold, 3D Electronics

      The goal is to demonstrate progress and state-of-the-art on various fronts.
      08.20.21


    • 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

    • Conductive Inks and Coatings | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Sensors and Wearables
      Brewer Science to Show Smart Devices, Printed Electronics Capabilities at Innovation Days

      Brewer Science to Show Smart Devices, Printed Electronics Capabilities at Innovation Days

      Their cutting-edge Flexible Hybrid Electronics lab enables a full range of electronics platforms, including sensors and systems.
      07.28.21

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Onsemi Presents Path To Accelerate Revenue Growth
    • Printed Electronics Now Interview: Francisco Melo Of Avery Dennison
    • Japan Display To Acquire JOLED OLED Business
    • HID Unveils Eco-friendly Bamboo Access Cards
    • Ambiq Receives 2023 Bronze Stevie Award
    Breaking News
    • DIC Acquires Photoresist Polymers Manufacturer PCAS Canada
    • Arkema Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
    • Vitesco Technologies, onsemi Sign SiC Long-Term Supply Agreement
    • Ambiq Receives 2023 Bronze Stevie Award
    • onsemi Presents Path to Accelerate Revenue Growth
    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

    Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, Selected to Lead NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing
    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Teal and Mackrill Director Geoff Mackrill Honored by BCF
    Evonik's TEGO Airex 923 Wins 2023 Ringier Technology Innovation Award
    120 Years HOFFMANN MINERAL - Success Through Innovation and Responsibility
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    LifeQ Unveils New 24-Hour Sleep Solution
    Babson Diagnostics Welcomes New Clinical Advisor, Andrew Carroll
    EvoEndo Names CEO and Chief Operating Officer
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    WuXi Increases Manufacturing Capacity in Germany
    Quanticate, KPS Life Partner to Advance Clinical Research
    Sterling Joins Partnership to Advance AI Flow Chemistry Techniques
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    L'Oréal North Asia President Discusses China's Consumer Sector Recovery & Premium Beauty Trends
    Kiehl’s Celebrates Pride by Supporting The Trevor Project
    L’Oréal & UNESCO Announce 2023 Laureates of the For Women in Science International Awards
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Beauty & Wellness Brand Veracity Hires Chief Hormone Officer
    Skincare Brand Three Ships Beauty Expands Retail Partnership With Whole Foods
    Uoma Beauty Founder and CEO Sharon Chuter Steps Down
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    WestRock Advances its Commitment to a Sustainable Future
    Roland DGA Announces Key Service Department Personnel Changes
    The 2023 CPIPC Golf Outing is Teeing Off on June 21
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Appvion announces new, sustainable coatings for label facestocks
    Epson teams with 5 Gyres Institute to battle plastic pollution
    Maxcess opens new facility in India
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Harper Hygienics Launches Hemp-Based Intimate Care Wipes
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Biodiapers Signs Agreement with Sicam
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Augmedics Debuts New Features, Indications for xvision Platform
    Artelon Closes $20M Series B Funding
    Orthofix Unveils Seven-Year Outcome Data for M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    DIC Acquires Photoresist Polymers Manufacturer PCAS Canada
    Arkema Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
    Vitesco Technologies, onsemi Sign SiC Long-Term Supply Agreement

    Copyright © 2023 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