Smart systems integration by using micro- and nanotechnologies

The micro and nano system technologies as well as electronics are playing a key role in today's product development and industrial progress. They enable the integration of mechanical, electrical, optical, chemical, biological and other functions into a very small space with dimensions ranging from sub micrometers up to some millimeters. Combined with intelligence, power supply and communication ability, these systems are multi device integrated and should be developed for use inside the host. Systems integration will determine the economic success of manufacturers and users coming mostly from consumer electronics, telecommunication, mechanical engineering, medical technology, and automotive. To ensure long-term competitiveness a sophisticated technological potential is necessary. The Fraunhofer ENAS (till June 30(th) 2008 Branch Chemnitz of Fraunhofer IZM) is positioning itself to meet these challenges and participates very actively in the further development of smart systems integration and the required bridging of the gap from NANO to MICRO and to the MACRO world.