Imagine a lamp that is not fixed to the ceiling, but that can be designed into any shape, or even blend into the surroundings. This would give a tremendous design freedom. Think of curtains that emit light to mimic the natural, daytime situation, children with illuminating jackets to safely bike home from school, or even bandages that shine light on the body to treat skin diseases or for infrared massage. If the light were complemented by electronics and sensors, and could be combined into any combination of choice, even more possibilities arise: flexible displays, plasters that monitor vital signs, the possibilities are endless. This view on the future of (opto-) electronic applications is exactly what will be made possible through the PLACE-it project.
The project aims at the development of a technology platform for lightweight, thin and conformable opto-electronic systems.
Two application areas will profit heavily from the developments in the PLACE-it project :
“On the body” healthcare and wellness applications, e.g.
- Skin diseases treatment
- Adaptation of the circadian rhythm, e.g. for night shift workers or on intercontinental flights
- Relief of muscular pain or ‘comfort’ lighting
- Monitoring of organ functions or other body parameters, e.g. blood flow
Consumer product design freedom, e.g.
- Lamp designed into any shape, e.g. head light in a car compartment
- Light emitting curtains
- Signage in clothing
- Fashion with integrated electronics