Printed sensors: an overview

There is an increasingly greater need for a wide choice of sensors to make objects smarter, safer and more responsive. Printing is the natural way to process wet inks and pastes, and it is therefore no surprise that printing has been used to make sensors for years. But there are new materials appearing, taking advantage of the progress that have been enabled by printed electronics. The article gives an overview of what is currently happening in the field of printed sensors. In particular, we will overview main trends in commercialising printed glucose sensors, force and pressure sensors, image and light sensors, gas sensors and temperature sensors. We will highlight key companies commercialising each printed sensor type.