Inkjet-printed sensors: a useful approach for low cost, rapid prototyping [Instrumentation Notes]

Over the past ten years, the development of low cost graphic technology-based sensors has been proceeding rapidly. The use of innovative materials and substrates has also picked up momentum. The interest in such sensors is justified by the need for both low cost, rapid prototyping techniques for research laboratories and mass-production processes for the realization of very low cost devices. Examples of addressed devices are RFID tags, antennas, keyboards, displays and especially sensors. The rapid prototyping of inexpensive devices and sensors by printing technologies is of great importance for the everyday activities of the scientific community including research laboratories and academia.