Electronics are present in all aspects of modern life. The research and development required to maintain and improve efficiency and life span drives the industry forward, creating more sensitive and advanced devices at each step. The electronics industry is the economic sector that produces electronic devices.
The electronic device industry can be divided into two main subsectors: consumer electronics and industrial electronics. Consumer electronics are electronic devices that are used by the public, such as televisions, computers, smartphones, and tablets. Industrial electronics are electronic devices that are used in businesses and other industrial settings, such as medical devices, telecommunications equipment, and manufacturing automation systems.
Electronics industry research is conducted by a variety of organisations, including universities, government research laboratories, and private companies. Electronics companies typically invest heavily in R&D to maintain their competitive edge.
Electronic device research is essential to the continued development and innovation of the industry. By conducting research in new materials, devices, systems, and manufacturing processes, researchers are helping to create the future of electronics.
PI-KEM works with a wide range of customers in the electronics industry, including academic and commercial R&D teams, end users, universities, research institutes, design engineers, manufacturers, and OEMs. Our Business Development team works with customers to ensure they have the materials, equipment, and advice they need to progress their projects in-line with the constraints of their budget and timeline for completion.
Industry Insights
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): Developing new and innovative electronic devices, such as autonomous vehicles and smart home assistants
- The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT): Devising IoT devices and applications to enable connection to the internet and exchanging of data
- Sustainable electronics: Meeting the demand for electronic devices that are manufactured from sustainable materials, by sustainable processes and have a low environmental impact
Innovation Trends
The electronic devices industry research covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Semiconductor devices and materials: Including research on new materials, device structures, and ways to improve the performance and efficiency of existing devices
- Integrated circuit (IC) design and fabrication: Designing new IC design tools and technologies, as well as improving the manufacturing process of ICs
- Electronic systems: Devising new electronic systems for a wide range of applications, such as consumer electronics, automotive electronics, industrial automation, and aerospace and defence
- Electronics manufacturing: Trialling and implementing new manufacturing processes, fabrication methods and technologies, to improve the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of electronics manufacturing
Academic/ Industrial Partnerships
- The University of Bath, GKN Aerospace, TWI Ltd and other partners are collaborating on the SENSYCUT project developing new ultra-precise cutting tools and sensors for aircraft construction to reduce costs and waste associated with manufacturing errors. Click here to read article
- ClearSky Medical Diagnostics, a spin out from University of York, aims to commercialise automated assessment and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions using non-invasive devices. Click here to read article
- Aalto University is known for its strengths in design and engineering, and has close partnerships with a range of electronics companies, including Nokia who they are collaborating with to design and construct energy-efficient integrated circuits. Click here to read article
- The IMEC Research Institute in Belgium, specialises in nanotechnology and microelectronics. It has a strong track record of collaboration with the electronic devices industry and has helped to develop important technologies, such as the CMOS based image sensor and the 3D NAND flash memory. More recently IMEC is working with Johnson and Johnson on reducing the size of biosensors. Click here to read article
