3D printed sensors will likely become a key factor in the seamless Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is hailed as one of the next major steps in our technological development. The vision is somewhat utopian: the system collects information, and then quickly transmits the information in a hyper-connected network, and uses this data to discover insights and take actions to Improve our daily lives. By improving equipment efficiency, optimizing infrastructure and transportation, and helping waste management and personal health, it can save more energy. The function of the Internet of Things is the result of many factors, but a basic aspect to consider is the sensing technology that will be used to collect data in the entire Internet of Things system. We must not only consider the strength and power of these sensors, but also how to create such a large number of devices in order to adequately track the large amount of data generated in the world. It is here that 3D Printing technology and the use of nanomaterials come into play. When used together, they can help create the seamless and powerful Internet of Things we envision.

Advantages of 3D printing 3D printing is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to provide great value in scientific, industrial and even daily environments. You can actually see the technology used to create and mass-produce a large number of IoT sensors. At the very least, additive manufacturing processes can help design the best housing for sensor electronics. Because of this process, you can easily modify or add new features to the chassis without starting from scratch. With the development of sensors and changes in form or function, this flexibility will certainly benefit from the creation of sensors. But the exciting development of 3D printed electronic components will truly unleash the mass production of powerful and powerful IoT sensors. The use of conductive ink-an ink used for 3D printing in which conductive materials such as copper, silver and gold are injected-not only allows us to conveniently print electronic products, but also eliminates the limitations of traditional 2D circuit boards. By creating three-dimensional circuit boards that can take many different shapes or sizes, we will be able to build more versatile device arrays. Importantly, this can consolidate and accelerate the creation of IoT sensors. Play the role of nanomaterials In addition to the development of 3D printed sensors such as conductive inks, we can also turn to nanomaterials, which are often cited for their high functionality. In particular, graphene is considered an ideal material for sensors: it is durable, flexible, and highly conductive, and it can detect environmental changes through factors such as temperature, light, pressure, and even chemical changes.

Graphene, a “fantastic material” that has been difficult to produce in the past, has recently seen potential breakthroughs that will enable scientists to create larger quantities. In the case of 3D printing IoT sensors, this means that the printer can use many materials well. . Scientists also recently conducted experiments on 3D printed objects using graphene, which may prove to be the ultimate key to unlocking nanomaterial-based sensors for IoT. Chinese researchers have discovered a way to use virtual 2D materials to create 3D objects by using graphene oxide ink, and have successfully used nanomaterials to create miniature supercapacitors. It can be said that if graphene ink can be used for 3D printing batteries, sensor technology will not lag far behind. For example, graphene has been used to 3D print biologically inspired cilia sensors that mimic how living creatures in nature perceive their surroundings. Combined with other developments in printed sensor technology (such as integration with wearable devices), the scientific community has taken an important step towards making the mass production of nanomaterial-based sensors more affordable. When discussing the amazing possibilities brought by the Internet of Things, the development of sensing technology and the need to overcome various obstacles encountered in its creation and implementation seem to have become issues of concern. However, despite these challenges, the Internet of Things is expected to become mainstream in 2020. Moreover, judging from the development trajectory of 3D printing and nanotechnology for sensors, it is clear that we are gradually realizing a seamless sensor-based Internet of Things.