Flexible Hybrid Sensor Systems (IDTechEx Sensors USA 2015)

Printed, flexible, hybrid electronics are of significant interest for sensor systems, structural electronics and wearable devices. Printed flexible systems allow new form factors, complex shapes, and conformal devices. In particular, the inclusion of sensors in novel form factors or large areas has significant potential in areas such as environmental monitoring and chemical sensing. This talk will describe some pilot projects being pursued at PARC towards real-life deployment. Low-cost sensor systems will make it possible to broaden the scope of the products and devices that will be part of the future of the Internet of Things. The technologies required for these sensor systems are a mix of novel sensors, printing processes, conventional microchips, flexible substrates and energy harvesting power solutions.

A global center for commercial innovation for 40 years, PARC, a Xerox Company, is a pioneer in the development and commercialization of thin film transistors, circuits, and sensors. With deep knowledge of printing technology applied in domains such as displays, image sensors, and medical sensors, PARC's technical expertise and facility support printed dielectrics, nanoparticle metals, organic, oxide, and silicon (amorphous, polycrystalline, printed nanowire) semiconductors. PARC's clients include display manufacturers, consumer electronics firms, IT companies, government agencies, and materials suppliers to the printed and flexible electronics markets.