LOPEC 2018: Printed Electronics Moves into Everyday Life

From OLEDs to intelligent packaging, LOPEC in Munich showcased groundbreaking developments in flexible electronics. The LOPEC Conference, which ran from March 13-15, provided stimuli for application, research and development. The topic of wellbeing was a recurring theme throughout exhibition, conference and supporting program.
 
“LOPEC once again confirmed its status as a visionary platform for the industry. This is where trends are being set,” said Falk Senger, managing director of Messe München. “The topic of wellbeing in particular turned out to be a market of the future with high growth potential.”
 
Dr. Klaus Hecker, managing director of the OE-A (Organic and Printed Electronics Association) also sees the wide range of applications in this area, which includes the pharmaceutical and medical industries as well as the sports industry.
 
“The properties of organic and printed electronics make the technology particularly interesting for the medical sector,” Dr. Hecker said. “Unlike conventional sensors, printed sensors are ultra-thin and flexible. They can be worn directly on the skin. This makes, for instance, the measurement of long-term ECGs more comfortable for patients.”
 
Exhibitors and OE-A members Brewer Science, the Swiss Research and Development Center CSEM, Holst Centre and the Technical Research Centre of Finland VTT presented additional new developments in the field of medical sensor technology and smart textiles.
 
The automotive industry continues to be a strong driver in the development of new applications for printed electronics. Ashutosh Tomar, principal engineer (research) at Jaguar Land Rover, sees great opportunities for printed electronics in the field of autonomous driving and electro mobility. “The car of the future is filled with electronics,” Tomar said. “From entertainment systems for the driver to sensors for monitoring the environment. Without printed electronics, there would be no room left for passengers. The need for innovation and implementation capabilities is substantial.”
 
LOPEC Conference: international exchange of know-how
 
Researchers, developers and industry representatives from numerous industries spent three days discussing the potential and current applications of printed electronic components. With 188 conference presentations, the participants were given a comprehensive overview of the diverse aspects of printed electronics.
 
“The LOPEC Congress once again demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary work for problem solving,” said Wolfgang Mildner, general chair of LOPEC. “Networking with peers from all over the world provides important impulses for advancing the technology and realizing new applications.”
 
About 2,500 participants from 51 countries attended the tenth edition of the international exhibition for printed electronics. Hence, the figures are at the same level as for the previous event. According to the independent participant survey conducted by Gelszus Messe-Marktforschung, LOPEC received top marks, as 97% of the respondents rated LOPEC as overall excellent to good. In addition, 76%of the participants stated that they wanted to visit LOPEC again next year (as compared to 64% in 2017). The 153 exhibitors came from 21 countries. 51% came from abroad. The exhibition space increased by 6% compared with the previous year.
 
The next LOPEC will take place from March 19-21, 2019.