A physical basis for ambient intelligence: the convergence of biology, polymers and electronics enabling new design approaches to assistive living

Innovation in materials drives new technologies - in the 1930’s DuPont and ICI discovered and developed Nylon and Polyethylene polymerisation. Today, a new wave of conjugated conductive polymers is emerging, with electronic properties akin to Silicon with effects & interactions stemming from the electronic configuration within the material allowing them to be programmed, through their electron mobility, yielding conformable logic and memory devices. These active polymers are flexible, lightweight, transparent and solution processable, lending themselves to applications and opportunities in ambient assisted living, driving printed electronics and optoelectronics. This paper outlines the principles and provides initial examples of studies underway afforded by the physical basis for ambient intelligence, pursued through a P3i Design Research Studio.