<p id="isPasted">We’ve heard the saying that modern cars are like computers on wheels. Well, vehicles are also like smartphones on wheels. Familiar and favorite apps from your phone are now available natively inside your ride. You can listen to streaming music, play a movie, map a route to the nearest ATM, and soon even order dinner or your favorite beverage on the way home or to work.</p><p>We’re in the age of <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/blogs/chip-design/software-defined-vehicles-changes-auto-design.html" target="_blank">software-defined vehicles</a>, where automotive functions and features are driven more by software than by mechanical components. Over-the-air (OTA) updates allow carmakers to correct software bugs, deliver new capabilities (including apps!), and assess the vehicle’s operation. This way of constantly modifying the vehicle also presents opportunities for collaboration with third parties for new offerings—and new revenue streams.</p><p>However, as with any electronic system, vehicles can be ripe for cyberattack if not properly protected. OTA updates, especially when they involve third parties, represent a potential area of vulnerability. In this article, I’ll highlight key security considerations of OTA updates and in-vehicle apps and the measures that should be taken to keep cars safe and secure.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk3NjMxMDI3NDAzLW9wdGljYWwtc2NhdHRlcmluZy1hdXRvbW90aXZlLndlYnAiLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><section id="isPasted"><h2>Automotive Software Is Driving Vehicle Evolution</h2><p>OTA updates are delivered over a cellular network, Wi-Fi, or other radio frequency- (RF-) based methods that provide software updates. This grouping of technologies offers a fast and convenient way for vehicle manufacturers to resolve issues and future-proof their cars, all without requiring car owners to visit the dealer. There isn’t currently a standardized way in the automotive industry to verify software updates. As such, it’s possible for an OEM to have multiple ways to confirm software updates for some of its components or to rely on a complex supply chain for the delivery of these updates. But this should change as the software-driven features become further ingrained in the industry.</p><p>In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers security guidance through its <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2022-09/cybersecurity-best-practices-safety-modern-vehicles-2022-tag.pdf" target="_blank" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Safety of Modern Vehicles</a> report. The report outlines steps for vehicle manufacturers to take to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. NHTSA isn’t alone in this endeavor. The EU has issued<a href="https://unece.org/transport/documents/2021/03/standards/un-regulation-no-155-cyber-security-and-cyber-security" target="_blank">&nbsp;UN Regulation No. 155,</a> which has clear requirements that require OTA capabilities to update vehicles in order to sell in that market.</p><p>Efforts generally begin with a risk assessment, outlining components in a vehicle that any application would interact with. But then, there are a lot of questions about risk and responsibilities. As an example, let’s consider a self-parking application that’s activated by a smartphone. The vehicle in question already has autonomous driving capabilities. However, to enable self-parking, the driver needs to install an app that is tied to a parking garage company and must be allowed to communicate with the vehicle. For this application to work, the carmaker needs to provide location and other vehicular data to the app so that the car can navigate safely through the garage to an available parking spot once prompted by the driver. Is the OEM responsible for monitoring and managing the app’s security and capability, or is it the supplier's responsibility to ensure that the app contains nothing malicious or compromised? Many of these questions will be resolved by legal departments, but proper cybersecurity hygiene is the primary focus for minimizing these types of events.</p><p>In-vehicle apps such as the self-parking example represent a new revenue stream, and the opportunities are wide open for a host of new and exciting capabilities. Imagine having a car that knows your favorite morning coffee order—once you step inside for your commute, the car has already placed the order, handled the payment, and is navigating the fastest route to the café for order pickup. Or, what if different in-vehicle apps could interact with one another? Your car senses—thanks to an app plus a tracking tag on the bag—that you have clothes in the trunk for the dry cleaner. The dry-cleaning app communicates with the café app, directing the car on the most efficient route to drop off the dry cleaning and pick up your coffee.</p><p>The apps themselves must have built-in protections against malicious attacks. When they’re ready to be updated, the OTA updates must flow securely from server to vehicle, with little risk that the data will be intercepted and compromised.</p><p>These days, carmakers and app developers are collaborating closely, though a primary focus is getting new capabilities to market. At the consumer level, it may be several years before we start seeing these example scenarios come to fruition. Enterprise-level innovations may come sooner. <a href="https://www.thewrap.com/pizza-hut-new-driverless-delivery-vehicle-scares-black-mirror-fans/" target="_blank">Pizza Hut, for example,</a> is exploring a driverless concept vehicle equipped with a pizza oven, a move that could transform how food is ordered, prepared, and delivered.</p><p>Regardless of when these new offerings are available, the time is ripe to start addressing the security considerations.&nbsp;</p></section><section><h2>Keeping Connected Vehicles Safe and Secure, Inside and Out</h2><p>The risk assessment is a solid starting point that requires the right people for the task. Also important is assigning areas of responsibility, as well as accounting for the steps and actions needed to mitigate security risks. Carmakers would be wise not to rely on third-party app developers to understand the security requirements of their vehicles. These requirements will vary widely across vehicle types and manufacturers. A secure set of application programming interfaces (APIs) for the app developers is a good safeguard and opens an opportunity to monitor and limit access. This way, if anything inappropriate happens with the app, the vehicle would know how to react and potentially protect itself. Another important element is establishing a protective layer for the vehicle subsystems, enabling a safe, secure way for third parties to interact with the vehicle to deliver value-added services.</p><p>Key elements of an effective OTA software update security program include having a robust public key infrastructure (PKI), well-defined software verification and validation practices, and effective vehicle software deployment, storage, and activation. The automotive industry can also take some lessons from the mobile device industry – smartphone makers, for example, must apply robust security measures to ensure that their devices, the apps installed on them, and the data accessible by these apps remain safe and secure. Carmakers must do the same across all their product lines.</p><p>A variety of security and monitoring technologies is available to support carmakers. For the vehicles themselves, automotive engineers can employ <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/automotive.html" target="_blank">electronic digital twin solutions</a>, which provide virtual environments to test silicon solutions before they are deployed. As we see more consolidation of in-vehicle compute platforms, traditional methods to test silicon for security become impractical given all the touch points in these complex environments. Electronic digital twins provide an answer. <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/solutions/silicon-lifecycle-management.html" target="_blank">Silicon lifecycle management (SLM)</a> sensors and monitors can track electronic component behavior over time, from in-design stages to the field. With SLM, automotive engineers have a way to evaluate how devices are performing under their workloads over the long lifespan of vehicles.</p><p>On the software side, <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/software-integrity/security-testing/static-analysis-sast.html" target="_blank">static application security testing</a>, <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/software-integrity/security-testing/fuzz-testing.html" target="_blank">fuzz testing</a> to uncover security weaknesses, and <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/software-integrity/code-dx.html" target="_blank">application vulnerability correlation</a> to diagnose and manage software risk are among the solutions available to safeguard in-vehicle apps and OTA updates.</p><p>OTA updates are an efficient and cost-effective way for carmakers to future-proof vehicles, provide updates, or keep cars out of the dealerships for recall fixes. As with any electronic component or software solution, these updates as well as the in-vehicle apps that enrich the driver experience can all be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Conducting a thorough risk assessment, assigning areas of security responsibility, and deploying both hardware and software security solutions can help keep vehicles safe and sound for the long haul.</p><p>Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://wevlv.co/synopsys3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Key Considerations for Securing In-Vehicle Apps</a>.<br><br><strong><em>Read more about Synopsys in previously published articles:</em></strong></p><p id="isPasted"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/designing-energy-efficient-ai-accelerators-for-data-centers-and-the-intelligent-edge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Designing Energy-Efficient AI Accelerators for Data Centers and the Intelligent Edge</a></p><p id="isPasted"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/why-ai-requires-a-new-chip-architecture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Why AI Requires a New Chip Architecture</a></p></section>

Balancing Innovation with Safety in the Age of Smart Mobility



Key Considerations for Securing In-Vehicle Apps

<p id="isPasted">Thibaut Soulestin, PhD ; Lead Application Engineer at Henkel Printed Electronics; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-fr-linked="true" href="mailto:thibaut.soulestin@henkel.com">thibaut.soulestin@henkel.com</a></p><p>Henkel Adhesive Technologies has developed a large material portfolio of conductive inks and coatings suitable for printed electronics technology. Our portfolio offers material solutions ideal for various smart surface technologies, including self-regulating foil heaters. Self- regulating foil heaters are enabled by Henkel’s Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) inks in combination with silver and dielectric inks. Understanding the origin of the PTC effect, typical characterizations, and basic design rules enable our customers to reveal the full potential of this technology.</p><h3>1 &nbsp; Introduction to Henkel Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) carbon inks</h3><p>Different types of conductive polymer composites (CPC) exhibit positive temperature coefficient (PTC) properties. They have been extensively studied and some are commercially available. A vast majority is obtained by compounding a polymer binder with conductive fillers, mostly carbon-based.</p><p>The increase in resistance of the conductive networks during heating is caused by the thermal expansion of the polymer and the change in the distance between the conductive fillers. The PTC effect usually occurs during the phase transition of the polymer matrix, the glass transition, or the melting. After the maximum PTC effect, if the temperature keeps rising, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effect can be observed due to the re-aggregation of the conductive particles.</p><p>Henkel carbon PTC inks are like other screen-printable carbon inks and are based on three main components:</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (i) &nbsp;carbon particles for the electrical conductivity,</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (ii) &nbsp;a polymer binder for the mechanical properties and adhesion to the substrate, and</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (iii) &nbsp;a solvent.</p><p>The dry ink layer is then obtained after drying and solvent evaporation.</p><p>Henkel developed a specific and patented technology using micronized wax particles to introduce the PTC effect. A fine wax powder is added as a fourth main component to the ink. The resistance will increase exponentially near the wax melting point, resulting in a high PTC ratio and a well-controlled self-regulation temperature. By finely controlling the melting point and the size of the wax particles, and thus the particles’ volume expansion, the PTC effect can be finely tuned to match customer requirements.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjAxOTg1OTI0LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0yMCAwOTI1NTIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 544px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Figure 1. Schematic graph representing the exponential increase of resistance of Henkel positive temperature coefficient (PTC) ink. At a defined temperature, the micronized wax particles (spherical white), nicely dispersed between the carbon particles (black ovals), increase in volume, pulling apart the conductive carbon particles, leading to the resistance increase.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 736px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1699454978001-B-and-B-2024%28blog%29.jpg" style="width: 734px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><span contenteditable="true" id="isPasted">Join us in Berlin and/or Boston and lets us RESHAPE the Future of Electronics, making it Additive, Sustainable, Hybrid, Wearable, and 3D - techblick.com</span></span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted"><strong>Table 1</strong> overviews the commercially available and under-development Henkel PTC ink range. Low voltage inks are formulated to self-regulate at voltages below 50 V. High voltage inks, identified by HV in the name, can be used for voltages above 50 V. Low and high voltage inks differ mostly by their sheet resistance. A non-conductive ink, NCI, is also available for each self- regulation temperature, allowing the printer to adjust the sheet resistance.</p><p><strong>Table 1.</strong> Henkel PTC ink range.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjAyMDI0NTc2LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0yMCAwOTM2MjcucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 629px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h3 id="isPasted"><strong>2 &nbsp; Typical Example of 9V, 60 °C, self-regulating demo heater</strong></h3><p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 &nbsp;Layout</strong></p><p><strong>Figure 2</strong> shows the exploded view for a typical PTC heater. The polyester substrate is an industry standard. A first layer of highly conductive silver ink tracks is printed, typically with LOCTITE ECI 1010. Two main areas can be identified: the busbars and the fingers. On the sides, the busbars carry the current and must be designed according to the maximum current peak to avoid local heating. The finer silver fingers give the interdigit structure and allow having all PTC elements in parallel. Then, the PTC ink, from LOCTITE ECI 8000 series is printed on top of the silver tracks as numerous independent elements. On top of the conductive inks, an insulating layer is mandatory. This layer can either be a printable dielectric or a laminated foil. As PTC inks are living materials with a variable resistance, the influence of the insulating layer should be closely monitored. It should not deteriorate the ink properties, such as PTC ratio and long-term reliability.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjAyMDY1NjE2LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0yMCAwOTM3MDUucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 621px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Figure 2. Exploded view of 9 V demo heater showcasing the four main components. For this 9 V self-regulating demo heater, substrate is PET 125 µm, silver ink is LOCTITE ECI 1010, PTC ink is LOCTITE ECI 8001 with self- regulation in the 55-60 °C range, and translucent dielectric UV-curing ink is LOCTITE EDAG PF-455BC.</p><p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 &nbsp;Typical Voltage Sweep Characterization</strong></p><p id="isPasted">Voltage sweep curves are characteristic of one self-regulation in a specific condition. Taping a heater on different surfaces, like a metallic plate or a foam, will give different results. For characterization purposes, it is interesting to characterize the heater on an insulating foam to expose potential limitations like hotspots or printing inhomogeneities.</p><p><strong>Figure 3</strong> shows the resistance and average surface temperature change with increasing applied voltage. Three typical zones of a self-regulating PTC heater are nicely exemplified.</p><p><strong>- Zone I</strong>,<strong>&nbsp;Heating-Up.</strong> Temperature increases with the increasing voltage thanks to the Joule effect until reaching the onset of self-regulation.<br id="isPasted"><strong>- Zone II</strong><strong>, Self-regulation</strong>. With the increasing voltage, resistance increases thanks to the volume expansion of the wax particles.<br><strong>- Zone III</strong>, <strong>Overruled PTC effect</strong>. The voltage is too high. The resistance cannot increase anymore. Temperature rises above the self-regulation, reaching the melting point of the wax. Melting of the wax brings the carbon particles closer and the resistance drop. Runaway may occur.</p><p>Applying 5, 8, or 10 V to the heater will give the same self-regulation temperature based on this voltage sweep. This is due to the sharp PTC effect around 60 °C. The higher the PTC ratio, the larger the self-regulation plateau. High PTC ratio of Henkel inks enables rapid heating than to high initial power.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjAyMTcwNTYyLVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0yMCAwOTM3NDgucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 553px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Figure 3. Typical characterization curve of a self-regulating PTC heater. Temperature (grey curve) and resistance (red curve) are measured as a function of increasing voltage.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 730px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1699455002364-B-and-B-2024%28e-mail%29.jpg" style="width: 728px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner"><span contenteditable="true" id="isPasted">Join us in Berlin and/or Boston and lets us RESHAPE the Future of Electronics, making it Additive, Sustainable, Hybrid, Wearable, and 3D - techblick.com</span></span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted"><strong>3 &nbsp;Heater Initial Guidelines</strong></h3><p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; 3.1 &nbsp;Requirement Definition</strong></p><p>To start your self-regulating PTC heater project, you must have some crucial primary information:</p><ul><li>The driving voltage that will power your heater. It will be closely related to the spacing between two silver fingers and the resistance of one PTC unit. The higher the voltage, the higher should be the resistance of the PTC unit. It is possible either by increasing the distance between the silver fingers or increasing the sheet resistance of the PTC ink.</li><li>The initial heating power. To heat an object, you need a heat source with a higher temperature than the object and sufficient power to heat this object. If you have a low power hot heater, then the object will heat-up very slowly. Conversely, you may overrule the PTC effect if your heater is too powerful. Knowing the driving voltage and the initial heating power will allow the calculation of the resistance of the heater, 𝑅 = 𝑈2⁄𝑃. Voltage and resistance define the initial in-rush current 𝐼 = 𝑈⁄𝑅. Silver busbars must be designed according to the in-rush current.</li><li>The self-regulation temperature to choose the adapted PTC ink.</li><li>The heater dimension or available area.</li></ul><p>It will also be important to identify the heater integration and heat diffusion behavior early in the project as it strongly impacts the heater design and layout.</p><p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 &nbsp;Basic Design Rules and Calculations</strong></p><hr><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjAyMzg5OTU5LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xOSAxNDQ1NTIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 663px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><hr><h3>4 &nbsp;Accelerating Customer On-Boarding</h3><p>Developing self-regulating heaters requires a large range of expertise such as material, printing, circuit design, heat transfer, and integration. Following a methodology based on years of feedback enables a progressive learning curve and the identification of key parameters.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Figure 4</strong> gives an overview of this methodology. If specific expertise is needed, Henkel team can bring external partners to the table for the success of customer projects.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk1MjAyMjU5MzAyLVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0yMCAwOTM4MzIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 641px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Figure 4. Overview of Henkel PTC ink on-boarding methodology</p><p><span contenteditable="true" id="isPasted">Join us in Berlin and/or Boston and lets us RESHAPE the Future of Electronics, making it Additive, Sustainable, Hybrid, Wearable, and 3D - techblick.com</span></p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1699455021093-B-and-B-2024%28small-LinkedIn+for-email%29.jpg" style="width: 724px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><span contenteditable="true" id="isPasted">Join us in Berlin and/or Boston and lets us RESHAPE the Future of Electronics, making it Additive, Sustainable, Hybrid, Wearable, and 3D - techblick.com</span></p>

Heaters are one of the most successful applications of printed electronics. At first they seem deceptively simple, yet their successful realization is in fact an art relying on the interplay of all the elements from the right material selection to right design, right printing, etc. Learn how here.

From Experiment to Final Print: Understanding Self-Regulation PTC Heaters

<p id="isPasted">Authors: Steliyan Vasilev<sup>1</sup>, Melanie Hoerr<sup>1</sup>, Michaela Kasdorf<sup>1</sup>, Sven Boehmer<sup>2</sup></p><p><em><sup>1</sup></em><em>3E Smart Solutions, Krefeld, Germany</em></p><p><em><sup>2</sup></em><em>ZSK Stickmaschinen GmbH, Krefeld, Germany</em></p><p><em>This article originally appeared </em><a href="https://www.techblick.com/post/optimizing-embroidered-conductive-traces-for-e-textiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>here.</em></a></p><h3>1. Introduction</h3><p>Embroidery was historically a means of adorning fabrics with intricate patterns, a testament to human skill. However, in the modern era, this ancient art form has significantly evolved. In recent years, embroidery has undergone a profound transformation, emerging as a pioneering technology at the intersection of artistry and functionality. This article delves into the possibilities which embroidery offers for the production of Smart and E-Textiles, exploring technical intricacies, advantages, and challenges related to embroidered conductive traces.</p><p>&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4Mjk4MjI0LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzU1MjIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 649px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Join us at TechBlick&#39;s Future of Electronics RESHAPED conference &amp; tradeshow in Berlin on 17-18 OCT 2023 - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-fr-linked="true" href="//www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" id="isPasted">www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped</a></p><h3>2. Solutions for the E-Textiles Production Made Possible by Embroidery</h3><p>E-Textiles represent a fascinating synergy between traditional textiles and modern technology, serving diverse sectors like automotive, aerospace, sports and fitness, medical, home textiles, and wearable technology. Thanks to the exceptional precision and high degree of automation of embroidery technology, it is ideal for integrating functional elements into textiles, such as sensors, actuators, antennas, or electrodes.&nbsp;By use of conductive threads and specialized attachments for automated integration of electronic components, embroidery techniques, originally developed for aesthetic purposes, now enable reliable and scalable E-Textiles production. Embroidery makes possible the following innovative solutions, among all:</p><ul><li>Integrating and Interfacing Electrical Components and PCBs</li></ul><h4><em>Semi-Automated Integration</em></h4><p>In decorative embroidery, the Appliqu&eacute; technique is utilized to attach pre-made textile patches to the carrier fabric. This same method can be used for semi-automatic placement of printed circuit boards (PCBs). After the manual placement and adjustment of the PCB, the embroidery machine takes over, automatically fixing it to the fabric and establishing the electrical connections at the interface pads.&nbsp;</p><h4><em>Automated Integration</em></h4><p>Embroidery machines equipped with automated Sequin Placement Devices can be configured to incorporate functional sequins into textiles (Fig. 1a). Functional sequins can be equipped with SMD soldered components, such as LEDs or RFID chips. For larger circuit boards, whether rigid or flexible, embroidery machines fitted with automated PCB Placement Devices can precisely position and secure the PCBs to the textile (Fig. 1b), followed by embroidery of the electrical connections. Automated integration is especially valuable for achieving reliability and reproducibility in the production of E-Textiles on a large scale.</p><ul><li>&nbsp;Embroidery of Complete Electrical Circuits</li></ul><p>By embroidering conductive traces onto fabric, placed PCBs and peripheral components can be electrically connected to each other, as well as to power sources or external circuitry. This approach allows for the automated integration of complete electrical circuits into textiles during a single production step.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4MzM4OTEwLVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzA4NDAucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 689px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><em id="isPasted">Figure&nbsp;</em><em>1</em><em>&nbsp;Automated integration of functional LED sequins (a) and PCBs (b) by using automated Sequin Placement Device and PCB Placement Device from ZSK Stickmaschinen GmbH</em></p><ul id="isPasted"><li>&nbsp;Integration of Conductive Fibers and Wires</li></ul><p>Tailored Wire Placement (TWP) and Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) techniques allow precise conductor placement for applications such as illumination, textile-based heating, RFID antennas, and more.</p><ul><li>&nbsp;Embroidery of Conductive Areas</li></ul><p>With conductive threads, conductive areas in various shapes and sizes can be embroidered. These areas can serve a multitude of functions, including wide conductive traces, sensors, electrodes, and antennas, expanding applications from automotive control elements to advanced medical devices.</p><h3>3. Advantages of Embroidered Conductive Traces</h3><p>Embroidery of conductive traces has opened up new horizons for Smart and E-Textiles, driven by several distinct advantages:</p><ul><li>&nbsp;Versatility in Design and High Precision</li></ul><p>Embroidery offers unparalleled versatility in design. Complex patterns and intricate geometries become feasible, catering to diverse application needs. The precision achieved in embroidery ensures that these designs are replicated accurately and consistently.</p><ul><li>&nbsp; Flexibility and Breathability</li></ul><p>One of the standout features of embroidered conductive traces is their inherent flexibility. They easily integrate with the carrier fabric, preserving its natural drape. Unlike printed circuits, embroidered traces allow textiles to breathe, enhancing wearability in clothing and comfort in various applications.</p><ul><li>&nbsp;Durability and Washability</li></ul><p>Embroidered conductive traces exhibit impressive durability. They withstand the rigors of daily use and multiple washing cycles, remaining fully functional over extended periods. This longevity contributes to the reliability and sustainability of embroidered E-Textiles products.</p><ul><li>&nbsp;Enabling Direct Connection to Electrical Components and PCBs</li></ul><p>Embroidery facilitates the direct integration of conductive traces with electrical components and printed circuit boards (PCBs). This approach eliminates the need for additional connectors or complex wiring, enhancing the product&rsquo;s reliability and comfort and reducing production costs.</p><h3>4. Challenges and State-of-the-Art Solutions for Embroidered Conductive Traces</h3><p>While there are clear advantages to using embroidered conductive traces, there are also associated challenges. In the following sections, we will outline the primary challenges and present state-of-the-art solutions to address them.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a) &nbsp; Compensation for High Yarn Resistivity</p><p>One of the main challenges in utilizing conductive embroidery threads is their intrinsic high resistivity of up to a few hundred Ohms per meter. To address this challenge, several state-of-the-art solutions have emerged:</p><ul><li>&nbsp;<em>Multiple Passes and Use of Conductive Bobbin Thread&nbsp;</em></li></ul><p>A method to compensate for the high resistivity of the conductive thread is to embroider multiple passes using the so-called running stitch. Each pass adds to the overall conductivity, effectively acting like parallel resistors (Fig. 2a). Additionally, incorporating a conductive bobbin thread enhances conductivity by further reinforcing the electrical path (Fig. 2b). As an additional benefit, multiple embroidered passes compensate for the inhomogeneity in resistance throughout yarn length due to local damages in a single yarn pass during use, increasing the reliability of the E-Textiles product.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4NDA1MDAxLVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzEwMTYucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 723px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><strong id="isPasted"><em>Figure 2</em></strong><em>&nbsp;Equivalent circuit of embroidered conductive trace with one, two, and three passes (a), and conductive embroidery (yellow) and bobbin (green) thread (b)</em></p><ul id="isPasted"><li><em>&nbsp;Conductive Traces Embroidered as Filled Areas</em></li></ul><p>An alternative approach for reducing resistivity is to embroider conductive traces as filled areas, using the fill stitch rather than the running stitch. The high density of stitches in the filled areas enhances the overall trace conductivity. To ensure sufficient electrical contact between the stitches along the stitch direction, an underlayer must be added beneath the fill stitch, angled to the primary stitch direction (Fig. 3) [1].</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4NDU1NTMxLVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzEwNTIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 732px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><strong id="isPasted"><em>Figure 3</em></strong><em>&nbsp;Embroidered area with fill stitch without (a) and with a grid underlayer (b)</em></p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;b) Avoiding Conductive Thread Damage during Embroidery</p><p>During embroidery, stitching directly into the conductive yarn can damage it, compromising electrical properties. Therefore, special attention must be given to the digitizing of the embroidery design to avoid placing stitches over previously embroidered threads as well as repetitive stitching in the same spot.</p><p>To mitigate this while embroidering multiple running stitch passes, a swing factor can be introduced in the digitizing program, altering the stitching path slightly with each pass. This minimizes localized stress on the yarn, preserving its integrity and conductivity. Fig. 4 illustrates a conductive trace with four passes and an added swing factor, shown as a visualization in the embroidery machine&rsquo;s programming software (a) along with a photograph of the embroidered trace (b).</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4NDk4MjQ1LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzExMjAucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 731px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><strong id="isPasted"><em>Figure 4&nbsp;</em></strong><em>Conductive trace with four passes for increased conductivity and added swing factor, shown in the digitizing software (a) and after embroidery (b).</em></p><p><em>When adding a swing factor, corners pose a specific challenge, leading to repeated puncturing at the same location (Fig. 5a). Rounding corners in the embroidery design is essential, as it significantly reduces the risk of stitching into the yarn, maintaining its electrical properties (Fig. 5b) [1].</em></p><p><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4NjIyNTQ5LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzEyMTQucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 704px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></em><strong id="isPasted"><em>Figure 5</em></strong><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong><em>Running stitch with three passes and an added swing factor, with multiple punctures in sharp edges (a) and without multiple punctures in rounded corners (b)</em></p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c) Enabling Crossing and Insulation of Conductive Traces</p><p>Complex E-Textiles designs often require multiple closely adjacent or intersecting conductive traces. Without proper insulation, unwanted electrical connections can occur&nbsp;when these traces come into contact. Adding non-conductive bridges between traces prevents unintended short circuits and maintains the desired electrical paths. Insulating bridges can be created by embroidering multiple layers of satin stitch with non-conductive thread, as depicted in Fig. 6a. It is crucial to ensure that the stitch directions of the bridge layers are angled in relation to the intersecting conductive traces.</p><p>Covering conductive traces with non-conductive thread can also be used for insulation towards the surrounding environment. Fig. 6b illustrates an example of covered conductive traces connected to moss-embroidered electrodes for body signal acquisition. The covering prevents direct contact with the skin outside the electrode areas. For applications requiring waterproofing of the conductive traces, seam sealer in the form of tape or liquid, or dispensed polymer coatings can be utilized.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4NjcxMzQwLVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzEyNDAucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 702px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p><strong id="isPasted"><em>Figure 6</em></strong><em>&nbsp;Covering conductive traces with non-conductive thread to create insulating bridges between intersecting traces (a) and as a method of insulation towards the surrounding environment (b).</em></p><h3>&nbsp;5. Conclusion</h3><p>The integration of conductive traces into textiles through embroidery offers a promising avenue for the development of Smart and E-Textiles. While the advantages of embroidered conductive traces make them a compelling choice for a wide range of applications, there are technical hurdles. Fortunately, various state-of-the-art solutions have been developed to address these challenges, ensuring that embroidered conductive traces can meet the demands of diverse applications.</p><p>&nbsp;As technology advances and the demand for Smart Textiles grows, continued research and innovation in the field of technical embroidery will be essential. With ongoing efforts to refine techniques and materials, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and reliable embroidered E-Textiles, opening up new possibilities in wearable technology, healthcare, fashion, and beyond.</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>References</strong></p><p>[1] McCann, J., &amp; Bryson, D. (2023). Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology, Second Edition. Elsevier.</p><p><br></p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk0ODQ4NzExOTEwLVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyMy0wOS0xNiAwNzU0NDgucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 671px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p>Join us at TechBlick&#39;s Future of Electronics RESHAPED conference &amp; tradeshow in Berlin on 17-18 OCT 2023 - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-fr-linked="true" href="//www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" id="isPasted">www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped</a></p>

Embroidery was historically a means of adorning fabrics with intricate patterns,a testament to human skill.In the modern era, this ancient art form has significantly evolved, becoming a pioneering tech at the intersection of artistry & functionality. Learn here about Embroidered Electronics Textiles

Optimizing Embroidered Conductive Traces for E-Textiles

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In this article you will learn more about liquid metals, a material that never ceases to amaze. It is water-like at room temperature but with metallic properties. Here you will see how researchers want to make them printable or turn them into conductive, stretchable, and washable fibers for e-textiles.  

Liquid metals: a material that never ceases to amaze

<p id="isPasted">Mass manufacturing electronic textiles and in doing so combining textile fibers/garments as well as textile based wiring and sensors with PCB electronics is no easy task. A critical manufacturing challenge here has always been the creation of a reliable high-quality connection between textile wiring/sensors and PCBs/rigid components using a mass manufacturing machine. ZSK has innovated to solve this issue for embroidered electronic textiles. &nbsp;This article originally appeared <a href="https://www.techblick.com/post/embrioded-electronic-textiles-solving-the-textile-to-pcb-and-ecosystem-challenges" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p>ZSK will be exhibiting in Berlin at TechBlick&#39;s event on RESHAPING ELECTRONICS. &nbsp;Please join us and the entire global community on 17-18 OCT 2023. Lear more here <a data-hook="linkViewer" href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped</u></a>&nbsp;</p><div data-hook="rcv-block3" type="paragraph"><br></div><p><a href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a></p><div data-hook="imageViewer" tabindex="0"><a href="https://www.techblick.com/electronicsreshaped" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjg2MTI2MjU3ODA0LTE2ODYxMjYyNTc4MDQucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="" data-pin-media="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/634751_9cf1c10eb91548198a7b527d61b55af7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1135,h_281,al_c,lg_1,q_80/634751_9cf1c10eb91548198a7b527d61b55af7~mv2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></a></div><p><br></p><div data-hook="rcv-block6" type="image"><br></div><p><strong>Solving the textile-to-PCB connection issue</strong></p><p>As you can see in slide [1], typically PCBs do not lend themselves well to embroidery of electronics. This is because one often has loose connections, because the high thickness and the sharp edges act as failure points and because the large holes allow movement which loosens the connections. This means that it is not easy to achieve automatic manufacturing with standard PCBs in a reliable way.</p><p>This is why - as shown in slide [2] - ZSK developed the ZSK E-Tex-Board, which addresses the above mentioned issues, optimizing the board geometry (hole size, smooth edges, thickness, outer line design, etc) for mass embroidered e-textiles combining textiles wiring/sensors with PCBs.&nbsp;</p><p>As shown in slide [3], these special boards are also compatible with automatic placement machines, enabling a fully automatic manufacturing of e-textiles. This is an important step towards the realization of mass embroidered electronic textiles.&nbsp;</p><p>These PCBs - together with the ZSK&rsquo;s F-head for their embroidery machine - enable interesting opportunities. In the F-head, one can embroider the conductive threads with textile/garment to create wiring in the textiles. Using this head, one can also embroider insulating areas as needed, creating cross-overs which vastly improve wiring possibilities in tight spaces.&nbsp;</p><p>An example of a full system with embroidered conductive threads [wires] as well as crossovers and a stitched PCBs are shown in slide [3], showing how these innovations bring the entire system together, from conductive yarns to insulating to textile garments to PCBs and electronic components like LEDs etc</p><div data-hook="rcv-block18" type="paragraph"><br></div><p><strong>Solving the ecosystem issue</strong></p><p>ZSK has multiple other embroidery heads for different purposes [K-head for ECG and other sensors based on the moss embroidery and W-head for laying down tubes, fibers etc]. What is however of importance in our view is that they also offer business model innovation</p><p>They have correctly realized that the e-textile ecosystem is still immature and full of players each offering only a small part of the full system, which makes it very difficult for a potential end user to develop projects.&nbsp;</p><p>To this end, they have launched 3E Smart Solutions - an in-house engineering team - to help companies develop their ideas, prototype them, find manufacturing partners, etc. This fills an important void and we expect will accelerate the development of this industry &nbsp;</p><div data-hook="rcv-block28" type="empty-line"><br></div><div data-hook="galleryViewer"><div data-key="pro-gallery-inner-container" tabindex="-1"><div data-hook="item-link-wrapper" data-id="6cf29513-5f7f-4179-8b8a-06517f1e9ccb_0" data-idx="0" tabindex="-1"><div data-hash="6cf29513-5f7f-4179-8b8a-06517f1e9ccb_0" data-hook="item-container" data-id="6cf29513-5f7f-4179-8b8a-06517f1e9ccb_0" 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src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/634751_ada4a85aa3b6442082dd761c94ded95f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_960,h_540,fp_0.50_0.50,lg_1,q_90/634751_ada4a85aa3b6442082dd761c94ded95f~mv2.webp" data-pin-url="https://www.techblick.com/post/embrioded-electronic-textiles-solving-the-textile-to-pcb-and-ecosystem-challenges" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></div><div data-hook="item-hover-1"><br></div></div></div></div><div data-hook="item-link-wrapper" data-id="a3d36c35-14e3-4573-be23-ef2eb88c3181_2" data-idx="2" tabindex="-1"><div data-hash="a3d36c35-14e3-4573-be23-ef2eb88c3181_2" data-hook="item-container" data-id="a3d36c35-14e3-4573-be23-ef2eb88c3181_2" data-idx="2" tabindex="-1"><div data-hook="item-wrapper"><div data-hook="image-item"><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" alt="" data-hook="gallery-item-image-img" data-idx="2" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/634751_cd72824a188d43d8a2d99d26b1067bbb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_960,h_540,fp_0.50_0.50,lg_1,q_90/634751_cd72824a188d43d8a2d99d26b1067bbb~mv2.webp" 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Mass manufacturing electronic textiles and in doing so combining textile based wiring and sensors with PCB electronics is no easy task. In this article, you will learn about an innovative approach to enable embriodery of PCBs and conductive wiring/sensors in mass produced e-textiles 

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<p id="isPasted">On the 24<sup>th</sup> May 2022 in Uvalde, Texas, a gunman killed 19 children and two adults at an elementary school. This is part of the events <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2022/05/27/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-timeline/" target="_blank">timeline</a>, focused on the police functioning during this event:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><u>11:28 a.m.</u> - Shooter arrives at school</li><li><u>11:30 a.m.</u> - A teacher calls 911</li><li><u>11:35 a.m.</u> - &ldquo;&hellip;Pete Arredondo, the chief of the school district&rsquo;s police department, arrives at the scene around this time. He does not use his radio. <span dir="RTL">)</span><strong>Arredondo wanted both hands on his gun if he encountered the shooter and believed the radio would have slowed him down</strong>, his attorney said.&rdquo;<span dir="RTL">(</span></li><li><u>12:03 p.m.</u> - A student calls 911 from room 112 for a minute and 23 seconds and identifies herself in a whisper. Meanwhile, as many as 19 officers <strong>are positioned in the school&rsquo;s hallway</strong>.</li><li><u>12:46 p.m.</u> - Breach command is given. Arredondo gives his approval to enter the classroom. &ldquo;If y&rsquo;all are ready to do it, you do it,&rdquo; he says, according to a transcript of police body-camera footage.</li><li><u>12:50 p.m.</u> - Forces kill gunman&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>It took one hour and twenty minutes from the first 911 call until the gunman was neutralized!</strong></p><p><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NqlAcD-OqE?&ab_channel=WFAA&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" style="width: 720px; height: 480px;" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true" id="559664948" title="Uvalde shooting: Police bodycam footage shows moments when law enforcement entered Robb Elementary"></iframe></span></p><h2><strong>The problem&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Emergency responders all over the world need an immediate understanding of their surroundings. This critical information makes the difference between lives saved and unfortunately, horrible disasters.<br>All forces involved share the same desire for precise information ASAP in a clear and visual way that will<span dir="RTL">&nbsp;</span>enable them to make smart decisions in real-time.</p><p>From investigating the horrible attack in Texas, we can specify a few points that were handled poorly:</p><h3><strong>Non-unified data management in control rooms led to inefficient management of the forces.&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Control rooms and dispatches are constructed of multiple sub-systems and&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;screens. These subsystems rely<span dir="RTL">&nbsp;</span>on:</p><ul><li>Extensive operator training</li><li>The misassumption that operators are not suffering from cognitive load&nbsp;</li><li>The ability to communicate with each other simultaneously</li></ul><p>These factors can cause fragmented data, which can easily lead to the loss of important information and in some cases can cost human lives.<span dir="RTL">&nbsp;</span></p><p><a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1183457/iot-connected-devices-worldwide/" target="_blank">In a six-year period, the amount of IoT devices in the world is expected to double</a>, which will make the cognitive load even more challenging and almost impossible to process without data fusion systems.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjU4MTc1NjY4NTQ3LXJpb19jb250cm9sX3Jvb21fZ2VvcmdlX3NvYXJlcy5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 720px; height: 480px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h3><strong>Unclear visual picture and lack of critical elements geolocation in the school.</strong></h3><p>Emergency responders that arrived at the scene were missing relevant visual information and understanding of the current status at the elementary school - in particular, regarding the attacker&rsquo;s and civilians&#39; locations.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Operators&rsquo; limitation to free his hands for radio &amp; tech devices (tablets, etc.).</strong></h3><p>A major fact is that Chief Arredondo was only focused on his gun, claiming to be unable to free his hands for the radio, even at the price of being cut off from communication with others.</p><h3><strong>The flow of information from control rooms to the field.</strong></h3><p>It is clear from this timeline that the information <strong>was</strong> <strong>available</strong> to the control room streaming constantly to the 911 dispatch via oral information.&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, the ability to exploit accessible data such as smartphone devices of the students or even the gunman was possible, yet, unfortunately, unavailable to the emergency responders as a result of poor distribution to the field.&nbsp;</p><h2>The Solution</h2><p>The ultimate solution for this type of scenario will involve taking all the data that was streamed in real-time to the 911 dispatch, combined with any other accessible data such as the students&rsquo; smartphone information, static cameras deployed in the school and other friendly forces&rsquo; locations that were on-site in order to bring to any relevant emergency responder a <strong>comprehensive image</strong> of what&#39;s going on in a way that will <strong>improve efficiency</strong> and drastically increase situational awareness.</p><p>Oversight develops <em><strong>Absorber</strong></em><strong>&nbsp;- A visual, 3D, Command-and-Control (C&amp;C) solution based on augmented and virtual reality tools</strong> enabling information sharing and management on top of Geographic Information System (GIS) between many users simultaneously. The system does not require a physical location to run in and can be managed remotely.</p><h3><strong>Complete data fusion - one platform for all information stitched together in real-time</strong></h3><p>This product has a novel unified and distributed data management system.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>All devices that are map-locatable and can produce valuable data to the system, (hereinafter, data collection agents) - <u>Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, robots, IoT sensors, smartphones, XR headsets (extended reality), PTZ cameras or other stationery cameras&nbsp;</u>and other sources that produce localization information or other visual information.</p><h3><strong>XR-based display overlaid on reality image</strong></h3><p>Another breakthrough is connecting information to the actual world by displaying data collection agents in real-time on the user reality image. Seeing things without any physical limitations will open a whole new world for managing data.</p><h3><strong>Easy to operate</strong></h3><p>Controlling information on such a system is done using the operator&rsquo;s <strong>hands, head and eye gestures</strong> in a common and natural way. This will reduce the number of operators and the level of training required. Logics can be in-built in order to eliminate the operator needing to deal with other devices. For example, he will be able to talk to a partner only by focusing on them with his eyes.</p><h3><strong>Decentralized multiple-player system</strong></h3><p>This method for controlling agents is especially suitable for a rear control room operation while the user in the field can also participate by managing data. All data can be shared on one system, making the system mobile and not so dependent on hardware-based devices.</p><h3><strong>Bottom line</strong></h3><p><em>Absorber&nbsp;</em>is a breakthrough all-in-one system that can independently operate throughout a developing situation and communicate information in real-time. <strong>It enables an immediate flow of information and smart decision making</strong></p><h3><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7WTHrbVi7r0?&t=7s&ab_channel=Oversight&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" style="width: 727px; height: 454px;" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true" id="283478871" title="Absorber by Oversight"></iframe></span></h3><h2><em>Absorber&nbsp;</em>and Its Components</h2><p>The different data collection agents <em>Absorber&nbsp;</em>will support have the common ability to continuously convey their current location. This is a basic requirement of the system to allow accurate determining of each agent&rsquo;s location, their spatial relation to others and displaying them on a hologram-based 3D digital table-top view board using XR headsets or smartphones.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Absorber&nbsp;</em>will serve as an add-on or replacement for agent management and can enhance operators&rsquo; situational awareness in real-time.&nbsp;</p><h3>Collectors&nbsp;</h3><p><em>Absorber&nbsp;</em>consists of &ldquo;collectors&rdquo; - software utilities for connecting devices to the system. Collectors convert the protocol of the connected device into <em>Absorber&rsquo;s&nbsp;</em>proprietary protocol - that&rsquo;s what makes the system unified, since each device can have different operating systems, SDK, units of measurement or even global datum reference.</p><p>XR devices serve as the system display and also act as data collection agents since most XR devices can report their relative location, produce a real-time map and report device status. By connecting them to a GPS device they can also be a map-locatable device.</p><p>The very use of immersive technology and holograms to represent information will make it possible to build a multi-user system that can share information even from remote locations.</p><h3>Core &nbsp;</h3><p><em>Absorber&rsquo;s&nbsp;</em>core components are media server for managing videos from multiple devices, map server in order to store relevant geocell information for a comprehensive on-premises solution and an interactive simulation engine in order to create events and scenarios for an offline training solution. Data fusion logics for managing multiple agents will be built on top of that collaborative information.</p><h3>Users and SDK</h3><p>On the other side, we have the end-users who can be control room operators or even emergency responders. The system will also deliver SDK to let other users build solutions on top of this collaborative information.</p><p><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/731725270?autoplay=1&loop=1&autopause=0&background=1&muted=1&quality=1080p" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p>

Using AR/VR technology, Oversight gives emergency responders the ability to literally SEE THROUGH WALLS and strengthens the connectivity between control rooms and field operators.

Enhancing Emergency Responders Situational Awareness Using XR Tools

<h2 id="isPasted">How industrial robots can help address the growing labor shortage in manufacturing</h2><p>Many manufacturers are struggling to find skilled labor for their manufacturing plants? According to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 89% of manufacturers are having difficulty finding skilled workers in the United States today. Moreover, a 2018 study by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/press-releases/manufacturing-industry-faces-unprecedented-employment-shortfall-2-4-million-skilled-jobs-projected-to-go-unfilled-according-to-deloitte-and-the-manufacturing-institute/" target="_blank">Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute</a> projected that 2.4 million US manufacturing jobs will go unfilled from 2018-2028 due to the lack of skilled talent<sup>1</sup>. The same study notes that manufacturers who are searching for skilled talent like robot programmers, operations managers, and production managers, expect the skilled labor gap to worsen over the next three years, as the aging baby boomer workforce retires and younger workers decline to enter the manufacturing field.</p><p>Not only is the skilled labor shortage impacting businesses&rsquo; ability to hire, but it&rsquo;s also stunting businesses&rsquo; ability to grow and meet production demands. Manufacturers across industries today are having to turn away new business as a result of not having adequate labor resources. According to a 2018&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kornferry.com/press/korn-ferry-study-reveals-global-talent-shortage-could-threaten-business-growth-around-the-world" target="_blank">study by Korn Ferry</a>, the labor skills gap in the global manufacturing industry could result in more than $607 billion in lost revenue by 2030. In this scenario, the U.S. alone would experience a total of $73 billion in unrealized output.</p><h2>What can be done to address the widening skilled labor gap?</h2><p>One effective solution is to implement robotic automation for repetitive tasks. While there were initial fears that industrial robots would replace human jobs, the reality is that industrial robots are actually helping manufacturers to supplement the low-skilled, repetitive jobs that are otherwise going completely unfilled. According to <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends/2018.html" target="_blank">Deloitte&rsquo;s 2018 Global Human Capital Trends report</a>, 47% of manufacturers are already supplementing their current workforce with automation, with 24% using AI and robotics to perform routine tasks and 16% using automation to augment human skills.</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1654781735511-shutterstock_681146401.webp" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p id="isPasted">Robotic automation is also helping manufacturers to refocus existing skilled workers on higher-level tasks that require human-only skills. With automation, seasoned human workers are empowered to use their intrinsic knowledge of production best practices to help the manufacturing plant well beyond repetitive or tedious tasks. Refocusing skilled workers on more strategic tasks can create critical competitive advantages for manufacturers, especially as all competitors worldwide struggle to find and retain talent. Additionally, research from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/06/industrial-robots-are-bringing-jobs-back-home-but-not-for-low-skilled-workers" target="_blank">Word Economic Forum</a> reveals that increasing robotic automation actually helps to reshore low-skill production jobs from abroad, which in turn helps to increase employment and wages for high-skilled workers.</p><p>Automation doesn&rsquo;t just stop at helping fill open manufacturing jobs. Using industrial robots for tasks that were previously strenuous, or even dangerous, for humans can result in a safer factory environment for all workers. This is especially true for the automotive and electronics industries, where humans were at higher risk for workplace injuries pre-automation; industrial robots in these industries have diverse arrays of computer-vision sensors that help detect when human body parts, like fingers or hands, are in the way of a task being completed. Some industrial robots also have deep machine learning capabilities via artificial intelligence that further help them to learn tasks on the job without pre-programming, all while ensuring that production efforts are being completed in accordance with the highest safety standards.</p><h2>New technologies are enabling automation</h2><p>Advances in industrial automation software are also helping to aid the skilled labor shortage. In the past, manufacturers that purchased industrial robots needed to hire teams of engineer-level programmers to take weeks or months to code the new machines. There are over 30 different manufacturers of industrial robots, each with their own <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robot_software#Examples_of_programming_languages_for_industrial_robots" target="_blank">unique programming language</a>, meaning that the highly-skilled programmers needed to know how to program the specific industrial robot that was purchased. While these skill requirements made it very difficult in the past for manufacturers to deploy and redeploy robots as quickly as needed, there are now new solutions in automation that make it possible to launch robots without relying on hard-to-find programmers. For example, at READY Robotics, our <a href="https://www.ready-robotics.com/software/forge-os/" target="_blank">Forge/OS</a> software makes it possible for any factory worker to program any robot in minutes via a user-friendly, visual touchscreen &ndash; no coding required. This means that businesses can now rely on existing factory workers to complete the work of rare, high-skilled programmers, which is both more time-efficient and cost-effective.</p><p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1654781794102-pasted-image-0-3.webp" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><p id="isPasted">Human-machine pairing that is enabled by collaborative robots (cobots) will also be helpful for factories that need to maximize their existing human workforce alongside robots. Similar to industrial robots, cobots can also aid with dangerous and repetitive tasks, improve product quality and consistency, and increase overall productivity. A major benefit of cobots over industrial robots is that they allow robots to work within the same factory space as humans, with minimal safety concerns. In some cases, new product designs can be deployed up to 50% faster with cobots than industrial robots, particularly since they often use human-machine interfaces (HMI). By removing the need to have formal robotics or programming experience, HMIs help to address the skilled labor shortage by making it easier and quicker for all workers to learn how to use cobots.</p><p>As the labor shortage situation in the U.S. manufacturing industry continues to unfold in the coming decade, manufacturers should continue to plan ways that they can meet production demands without the availability of highly skilled labor. Though industrial automation cannot fill all roles left empty by the skilled labor shortage, it can help manufacturers to directly address the areas of production that are most repetitive and easiest to complete by robots. It is uplifting to see how automation worldwide is already helping to supplant, and not replace, human workforces. Robotic automation is transforming the factory of the future, where not only is production more efficient, but the available human workforce also benefits from higher-level tasks and safer work environments. It&rsquo;s evident that by working through the implementation of automation, while also empowering factory workers, manufacturers will be in the best position themselves to be successful in the future.</p>

Many manufacturers are struggling to find skilled labor for their manufacturing plants? According to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 89% of manufacturers are having difficulty finding skilled workers in the United States today.

Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage with Automation

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human machine interaction (hmi)

Human-Machine Interaction (HMI)

Profiles