SCOPE

The Workstream focuses on enhancing the European semiconductor ecosystem's capabilities in environmental data acquisition. As such, it aims to develop and deploy the latest advancements in sensor technology, addressing the organs of perception that generate the raw data necessary for intelligent systems. To achieve these goals, the WS aims to innovate in several key areas. First, it involves the development and deployment of new materials that improve the performance, reliability, and energy efficiency of sensors, including new organic, magnetic, and piezoelectric materials. Second, it enhances the design processes and tools used to create sensors and driver components, leveraging advanced simulation tools, innovative design architectures, and new process flows. Third, it focuses on creating novel sensor architectures that incorporate embedded AI and new memory concepts, providing sensors with higher intelligence and lower power consumption. Fourth, the WS aims to achieve higher performance in sensor technologies while simultaneously reducing their energy consumption, crucial for developing sustainable and efficient electronic systems.

By innovating in materials, design processes, tools, architectures, and process flows, the WS seeks to create the next generation of sensor and driver components. These components will feature embedded artificial intelligence, novel memory concepts, and higher performance metrics while maintaining lower energy consumption. The technologies developed will be applicable across a diverse range of industries, including automotive, mobility, environmental monitoring, healthcare, aerospace, defense, and agriculture.

These innovations are essential for capturing accurate and reliable data, which is the foundation for advanced data processing, decision-making, communication, and action in modern electronic systems. The work stream is structured to cover the entire microelectronics value chain, ensuring comprehensive development from initial research to first industrial deployment, thus supporting Europe’s goals of technological sovereignty and economic resilience.

Expected impact

The impacts anticipated are profound and multifaceted, promising significant advancements in both technology and industry applications. By focusing on the development of high-precision, low-energy sensors with embedded intelligence, this initiative is set to revolutionize the efficiency and functionality of electronic systems. In the automotive industry, for instance, the implementation of advanced sensors will enhance vehicle safety, enable autonomous driving technologies, and improve overall efficiency. Similarly, in healthcare, new sensor technologies will lead to more accurate diagnostics and monitoring, fostering better patient outcomes and advancing medical research. Moreover, the environmental benefits are substantial, as the low energy consumption and high-performance sensors contribute to the broader goals of the Green Deal by promoting energy efficiency and reducing resource usage. This alignment with the Green Deal and digital transformation strategies underscores the initiative's role in supporting sustainable development and innovation.

The collaborative nature of the IPCEI will also stimulate economic growth by strengthening the European semiconductor supply chain, creating high-tech jobs, and fostering innovation. The spill-over effects will be widespread, with indirect participants and associated partners benefiting from the dissemination of new technologies and methodologies. This collaborative approach will ensure that advancements are not confined to a single sector but are shared across various industries, enhancing Europe’s overall technological and industrial competitiveness. Additionally, the Sense Workstream focuses on reliable and scalable detection platforms will meet the needs of critical downstream industries, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of global technological innovation.