The Role Of Printed Electronics And Related Technologies In The Development Of Smart Connected Products

This research paper highlights the opportunities arising from these technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.

The most important concept to take away from this paper is how printed electronics enables the development of smart connected products. PE is a disruptive technology for the electronics industry that offers inexpensive, flexible, and sustainable device development. By embedding IoT and AI into the value chain, PE enables the development of SCPs that can change industries and work together in order to realize Society 5.0. These products are able to increase connectivity, efficiency, and personalization across a wide spectrum of applications and are a giant step forward into a smarter, more interconnected world.

Printed Electronics (PE): PE involves using conductive inks and flexible substrates to create electronic circuits. This technology offers advantages over traditional electronics, including reduced cost, lightweight construction, and enhanced design flexibility.

Smart Connected Products (SCPs): These are devices equipped with sensors, communication capabilities, and intelligence, enabling them to communicate or interact with users or other devices.

Manufacturing Technologies: The paper discusses manufacturing processes relevant to SCPs that are based on printing methods suitable for organic materials. It specifically focuses on contact and non-contact printing, which are essential for producing flexible and stretchable electronic components.

Society 5.0: This vision of a "Super Smart Society" connects advanced technologies with everyday life, enhancing human capabilities and creating new societal value. Printed electronics play a crucial role in this transformation by enabling the development of SCPs.

Challenges and Opportunities: The paper addresses the challenges facing PE technologies, such as performance, power management, data security, and standardization. Despite these challenges, there are tremendous opportunities for innovation and the creation of customized, sustainable products.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Overview of societal changes leading to Society 5.0 and the historical context of industrial revolutions and their technological impacts.

Technologies for SCP: Discussion of manufacturing and integration processes and the benefits of PCB-less electronics.

Printable Components and Applications: Review of various printing technologies for electronics and examples of PE technology applications in different sectors.

Concluding Remarks: Summary of the benefits and challenges of PE technologies and future perspectives on SCP development.