Demonstration of a Printed Shock Sensor Visualized Using Augmented Reality

Printed electronics is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the fields of flexible sensors, human-machine interfaces, and compact embedded systems. This technology enables the development of lightweight devices that can be integrated onto flexible substrates, adapting to specific mechanical and industrial constraints. However, these advancements introduce new complexities. Their operation is often difficult to visualize and fully understand, especially for non-specialists.

In this context, the use of functional demonstrators combined with advanced visualization tools, such as augmented reality, represents a powerful lever to accelerate understanding and decision-making.

Challenges of Printed Electronics

Printed electronics relies on specific manufacturing processes, such as screen printing of conductive, resistive, and dielectric layers. These multilayer architectures enable the realization of:

• Capacitive and piezoresistive sensors

• Heating elements

• Touch and contactless interfaces

• Flexible electronic circuits

  
  

The main advantages include:

• Mechanical flexibility

• Reduced production costs at scale

• Integration on non-planar surfaces

• Compatibility with existing industrial processes

  
  

However, several challenges remain:

• Understanding real electrical behavior

• Visualizing active areas (detection, interaction)

• Validating performance under real conditions

• Facilitating communication between technical and decision-making teams

  
  

Role of Functional Demonstrators

The development of demonstrators materializes the operation of designed systems. Unlike purely theoretical or simulated approaches, a demonstrator provides:

• Experimental validation of the design

• Clear visualization of user interactions

• Performance evaluation under near-real conditions

• A concrete support for technical discussions

  
  

In the case of printed sensors, this allows for:

• Verifying sensor sensitivity

• Analyzing detection repeatability

• Observing environmental influence (humidity, substrate, distance)

  
  

Contribution of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality adds an additional dimension by enabling the overlay of digital information onto physical objects.

Printed Electronics Shock Sensor Visualized with Augmented Reality

Applied to electronic demonstrators, it allows:

• Real-time visualization of sensor detection areas

• Display of measurement data (distance, capacitive variation, logical state)

• Representation of fields or interactions invisible to the naked eye

• Easier interpretation of the system’s overall behavior

  
  

This approach is particularly relevant for proximity sensors, contactless interfaces, and embedded systems integrating multiple functional layers.

Use Cases

The combination of printed electronics and augmented reality is relevant in several contexts:

Commercial Demonstration

This enables fast and clear presentation of a technology to clients, without requiring deep technical knowledge.

Proof of Concept (PoC)

Facilitates performance evaluation and identification of system limitations.

Design Support

Helps R&D teams visualize and adjust design parameters.

Trade Shows and Public Demonstrations

Provides an interactive experience that captures attention and highlights innovation.

NeoTronis Approach

At NeoTronis, the development of printed electronics solutions is systematically combined with a focus on demonstration and integration. This approach is based on:

• Designing sensors and systems tailored to application constraints

• Developing integrated functional demonstrators

• Using augmented reality as a visualization and analysis tool

• Preparing for industrialization (technical documentation, processes, bill of materials)

  
  

The objective is to reduce the gap between technological development and industrial decision-making.

Conclusion

Printed electronics opens new possibilities in sensor design and system integration. However, its complexity requires appropriate tools to facilitate understanding. The combined use of functional demonstrators and augmented reality makes it possible to:

• Make physical phenomena visible

• Improve technical communication

• Accelerate validation phases

• Support faster decision-making

  
  

This approach reflects a practical innovation strategy focused on delivering concrete and actionable results. By leveraging augmented reality, we can enhance the clarity of printed electronics, making it easier for stakeholders to engage with and understand these advanced technologies.