Green Electronics

One aspect of green electronics is the development of energy-efficient electronics, so-called neuromorphic electronics, in which biological learning and memory processes are reproduced electronically and new types of microelectronic components and systems are created using innovative materials.

One application example is a bio-inspired microphone that perceives sound waves like the human ear and can significantly improve speech recognition, computing power and energy efficiency of audio technologies in the future. As soon as the microphone is developed to market maturity, it can be used in voice assistance systems and hearing aids, for example, but also in technologies for monitoring machines in production.

The digital revolution has changed our society in unprecedented ways. In the process, the ever more extensive use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) is opening up completely new possibilities for communication and networking, but this is accompanied at the same time by ever higher energy and raw material requirements, which contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions. Current projections predict that by 2030, around one-fifth of global electrical energy production will be required for the information technology (IT) sector.

To avoid long-term negative ecological, economic and social consequences of the growing demand for raw materials and energy, we need environmentally friendly information technology that is sustainable and climate-neutral along the entire value chain and throughout the material cycle. Such green (micro-)electronics will be presented at the booth of Ilmenau University of Technology:

Green electronics is an important approach to minimizing the impact of electronics on the environment and creating a sustainable future:

• Use of environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes, such as recycling of raw materials and toxin-free materials.
• Energy efficiency and low energy consumption in the manufacture, use and disposal of equipment
• Extending the life of equipment through repair, reuse and recycling
• Avoidance of electronic waste through appropriate disposal measures and take-back of equipment by manufacturers