Experts rightly view microsystems engineering as a technology of the future with huge market potential. Energy harvesting, for example, opens up new applications in medicine, building automation and measuring technology, with microsystems engineering helping to generate electricity from ambient temperature, vibrations or electromagnetism. Dependency on wire-connected power sources or batteries can be significantly reduced.

Printed electronics (or printed intelligence) is the printing of electronic components and circuits onto paper, film or even organic materials, such as smart textiles. Flexible organic solar cells printed onto film that fits to existing surfaces is another form of printed electronics, as are RFID tags. New materials using nanotechnology features make such processes possible.

Monitoring the status of production machines and buildings (condition monitoring) is also made cost-effective and wireless with microsystems engineering: Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) networked to monitoring grids help save energy in production processes and buildings. Many products, devices and systems are made "greener" with microsystems engineering.

The new MicroTechnology - Smart Systems for Automation area at HANNOVER MESSE is a high-tech marketplace for the full spectrum of microsystems engineering applications and laser technology for micromaterials processing. The core area of the special exhibit at the Industrial Automation trade fair is the Micro, Nano, Materials product market at the joint stand for the IVAM microengineering trade association. The industrial forum Innovations for Industry further explores these topics: science and industry experts share successful applications and practical research results in some 60 specialized presentations and podium discussions. The new location in Hall 17 brings together established automation solutions with microsystems engineering and innovative laser technology.