| Recently, researchers at the University of Washington developed sensors for 3D printed plastic objects and data collection that can communicate with WiFi-enabled devices that do not have electronic devices, and the researchers have made these objects into CAD models that can be downloaded for free. The secret of these special plastic objects is the use of backscatter technology to allow the device to exchange information and use the antenna to transmit data by reflecting radio signals transmitted by a WiFi router or other electronic device.  The antennas in these 3D printed items are made of plasticized copper conductive printing supplies and embedded in 3D printed objects, which means that researchers can turn insulation into convenient WiFi connectivity tools such as a laundry detergent lid, You can detect when the laundry detergent runs out; a battery-less slider that controls the music volume; and a button that automatically orders food online. These devices and sensors use physical motion to gather information. Gears and springs in 3D printed objects are triggered by pressing a button or moving a slider etc. These mechanical changes trigger a conductive switch to intermittently connect or disconnect Antenna, changed its reflection state. These simple pinions and springs even allow you to automatically calculate things, like the amount of detergent in the bottle, using binary data - for example, the speed of gear rotation tells you when you have poured the detergent out of the bottle Soap amount. Static information such as barcodes and instructions can also be embedded in 3D printed objects using plastic wire for quick inventory checking in stores and other environments.For non-automated tasks that require human input, researchers also 3D-print various WiFi Controls such as buttons, knobs, and sliders, all of which can be customized to communicate with other smart devices. Researchers say their 3D printed objects, sensors and controls can be combined to form an ecosystem of 'dialogue objects.' It looks as if you're using plastic to communicate with WiFi. Source: 天工 社 |
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