Looking ahead to LOPEC 2019

Whether it is sensors for autonomous driving or light emitting diodes in smart clothing, in their innovation process, many industry sectors rely on lightweight and flexible electronic components from the printer. “Printed electronics have evolved into a cross-sectional and key technology,” pointed out Wolfgang Mildner, General Chair of LOPEC and CEO of the consulting and technology company MSW. Its range is reflected in the approximately 200 contributions to the Conference, which will begin with the Business Conference and the Short Courses. The Technical and Scientific Conferences will be held on 20th and 21st March respectively.

Focus on human-machine interactions
The 2019 Conference will focus on human-machine interactions and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. On 20th March Sébastien Chaumiole, Electronics Leader at IBM's Watson IoT Center, will give a plenary lecture about the combination of printed electronics and artificial intelligence, for example to ensure safety in the workplace. During the ‘Human Machine Interfaces’ session on 21st March, Christophe Cazes, Innovation Director at the French automotive supplier Novares, will take a visionary look at the interior of vehicles.

In their plenary lectures on the third day of the conference, Professor Korina Molla from the Spanish textile technology institute AITEX, Professor Steve Beeby from the English University of Southampton and Dr. Jyrki Schroderus from the Finnish company Polar are going to focus on e-textiles and portable electronics. With the sessions ‘Wearable Electronics’ and ‘Smart Textiles’, the Technical Conference will explore the topic even further.

3D structural electronics and innovative materials
The success of printed electronics is based on the rapid evolution of materials and manufacturing processes. The Short Courses are taking a closer look at the trend topic 3D structural electronics. They are going to provide information on manufacturing techniques ranging from 3D printing to in-mould processes for the integration of printed electronics in injection moulding of plastics.

The Scientific Conference will also focus on innovative printing techniques and, above all, new materials - from magnetic inks and new semiconductor polymers to microfluidically produced nano materials. “The numerous confirmations received from renowned scientists from all over the world are proof of the international importance of the LOPEC Conference”, emphasised Mildner. Speakers include Professor Xugang Guo from the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzen, China, and Professor Alison Walker from the University of Bath in England.

An opportunity for start-ups
Success stories, market opportunities and other economic aspects are on the agenda for the Business Conference. For example, Jon Stark, CEO of the British company Peratech, is providing an opportunity for start-ups under the keyword co-innovation, as more and more corporations are opening up their development departments to external partners. A start-up forum with ten minute pitches is going to round off the Business Conference.