Smart systems for a better life

Micro systems exist as part of daily life almost anywhere - and largely unnoticed. They have also mostly unnoticed, beginning through the last two decades a rapid development, starting from miniaturized single-functional system more and more to a complex system containing an integrated functional diversity. Smart systems with their steadily increasing functional diversity are with their capabilities far beyond such already known (and broadly used) microsystems, only designed and able for the measurement of a single physical, biological or chemical parameter, but already combined with signal processing and actuating abilities. Smart systems integration addresses the demand for miniaturized multifunctional devices and specialized connected and interacting solutions. Multidisciplinary approaches featuring devices for complex solutions and making use of shared and, increasingly, selforganizing resources are among the most ambitious challenges. Thereby the progressive develo pment of smart systems is characterized by their increasing autonomy due to two main effects: the increasing self-sufficient in energy requirements and the less reliant upon external supervision and control.