Besides the initial chemical discovery, what is cited as a key invention enabling the practical, widespread adoption of smart sensors?
The process that allows the sensor structure to be printed or laminated onto packaging films compatible with high-speed, roll-to-roll machinery.
While the initial chemical formulation defines what a sensor can detect, the bottleneck for widespread adoption in the packaging industry—especially for high-volume, low-margin goods—has historically been the economic viability and manufacturing compatibility of the sensor. Therefore, the practical 'invention' enabling current use is the engineering process that facilitates mass production. This involves adapting the sensor chemistry into a reliable, multi-layer structure capable of being applied using existing high-speed techniques like inkjet or gravure printing on roll-to-roll machinery. This allows the sensor to be produced at speeds comparable to traditional printing presses, making the technology economically accessible rather than prohibitively expensive per unit.
