The TEC Centre (Cork IT) and Centre for Design Innovation (IT-Sligo) will develop, validate and demonstrate a process for embedding thin flexible electronics in veneers. This will be achieved by (1) creating innovative electronics design and process integration solutions that permit sensor and control subsystems to be directly and functionally embedded in veneers, (2) developing comprehensive first design and process guidelines, derived through FEM modelling and experimental characterisation and (3) implementing security-based demonstrators to support evaluation of commercial potential.

The significant user need

This project seeks to develop a technology to implement intelligent veneers. Veneers are extremely versatile and can employ natural materials (e.g. wood) that can be used in tailoring the design, and furnishing, of our living and working spaces. Creating integrated electronics solutions that do not significantly alter current veneer fabrication processes will answer a number of significant stakeholder needs:

• It will provide more versatile solutions for sensing and control that can employ eco-friendly materials.
• It will provide veneer manufacturers with added-value product that can be sold directly to specialists in services for home and business environments
• It will greatly facilitate retrofitting of user environments with technology that provides control, sensing and security for home and business systems

The unique approach

This concept will utilise thin systems electronics (i.e. thin flex, thin silicon, etc) to embed subsystems directly in veneers, employing FEM modelling for optimisation of electronic design performance under the fabrication stresses inherent in veneer manufacture. The concept will also develop design solutions for distributed, and potentially networkable, embedded subsystems that permit veneers to be cut, shaped, laminated etc, consistent with the current approaches for ‘inert’ veneers.

The positive impact on Irish economy

Successful implementation of this technology creates convergence of the home and business systems markets, particularly where hidden systems are beneficial (e.g. for security), of markets supporting new services in user spaces (e.g. device recharging surfaces) and drivers for more scalable, eco-friendly systems. As controllers, intelligent veneers offer unique added-value to veneer manufacturers, who can this sell directly, and provide beach-heads to more sophisticated smart solutions.