Natural systems have evolved seamless electro-mechanical integration by exploiting intelligence and by developing multi-functional componentry. This philosophy also holds promise for creating smarter vehicles because the limitations of electronics integration and demand for new features will, sooner or later, clash with vehicle space and cost constraints. Meeting this need to maximize `functional density' and develop smarter vehicles will, however, require further improvements in several of the enabling technologies, such as digital signal processing, micro- electro-mechanical systems and smart materials.

Date Published: 19 June 1997
PDF: 21 pages
Proc. SPIE 3046, Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Electronics and MEMS, (19 June 1997); doi: 10.1117/12.276608

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3046:
Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Electronics and MEMS
Vijay K. Varadan; Paul J. McWhorter, Editor(s)