CES Sparks Electronics Innovations

What’s in It for Me?

Have you ever caught yourself asking the question, “What’s in it for me?” This question certainly has a negative connotation when used for personal gain. If you are expecting something in return, then you’re missing the point in asking this very powerful question. However, if you ask it in a way that challenges your intellect and reinforces the opportunity to learn something new for the benefit of others— then it’s a fantastic question! The focus becomes external versus internal. The question in essence becomes, “What can I do for you?”

When deciding whether it is financially worthwhile to attend CES, many organizations and individuals fall into the trap of asking, “What’s in it for me?” At DISHER, Innovation is a core Cultural Characteristic. We challenge our intellect all the time. We are intentional about expanding our breadth of knowledge for the benefit of our customers. CES is a perfect way to accomplish this. It’s another opportunity to Make a Positive Difference.

When planning my trip to CES this year as the leader of DISHER’s Electronics team, I embraced the opportunity to learn about several new technologies and trends. The hi-tech electronics and industry trends I gleaned will only further strengthen our ability to provide the latest electronics design services for our customers. Here are a few of my top observations and a note about how DISHER can help your organization realize your product development goals.

1) Organic and printed electronics can be used for force actuation.

There is no need for rigid PCBs. A company called Peratech.com has created a matrix multi-touch force sensor (3-axis) that not only detects touch but how much force is being displaced by the touch. Imagine not needing physical buttons to activate something or the need to press harder to determine levels of activation. DISHER Electronics can help you eliminate the need to actuate a button (which is so 2017)— and utilize surfaces to make your products more streamlined and clean looking.

2) The IoT train has left the station.

But did you know that you can take IoMT with you on the go? mCube dubbed it the Internet of Moving Things and keeps you connected via motion. DISHER Electronics can help take mCube’s MEMS motion sensors and help create your next design, pair it up with firmware, and then write software for your phone that keeps you connected to your devices. We can also help build front-end apps and GUIs for command and control at your fingertips.

3) Sensor nation.

Sensors come in all shapes and sizes, can be used for just about anything, and are found practically everywhere. From MEMS to cameras to pulse-oximeters, the DISHER Electronics team can help prototype a limitless world of applications using various sensors to build intelligent networks seen in complex systems such as self-driving cars, companion robots, and Smart Cities.

4) The power of voice.

We communicate via voice from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. From commanding the coffee pot to make your morning latte, to raising your desk at the office, to shutting off the porch light before going to bed— DISHER Electronics can help integrate voice command and control into your next device.

5) Rise of health, wellness and medical tech.

A wide variety of health monitoring, healthy living, healthy lighting, and sleep-aid devices are trending. The DISHER Electronics team can help formulate a plan, create a proof-of-concept, and test out your next health, wellness, or biomedical device.

6) Performance analysis.

A spectrum of performance tools were featured such as monitoring and prevention to tracking the trajectory of a golf ball and everything in between. Using the data from tracking objects and learning from the information it provides as quick feedback intelligence, can really help organizations find their sweet spot no matter what the industry. DISHER Electronics has experience in automotive, office furniture, consumer products, marine, biomedical, and agriculture where GPS, LiDAR, and wireless are the catalysts to sweet spot devices.

The DISHER Electronics team continues to grow in knowledge, capabilities, and size. We are a group of high-level geeks who absolutely love to come alongside and help design and develop amazing electronics solutions that enable our customers to stay ahead of the competition. It’s no wonder that we invest the time and effort in CES every year. How can our Electronics team Make a Positive Difference with you? Give us a call and let’s get started creating your next big thing.

Written By: Tod Grams, Electronics Team Lead
Tod has a BS degree in Electronics Engineering and an MS degree in Engineering Management with over 19 years of Electronics industry experience. He volunteers as President of the Greater Holland Bowling Association and loves competitive bowling.