Summary of 3D Printed Objects that can connect to Wi-Fi without any Electronics
The University of Washington researchers developed 3D-printed plastic objects that communicate with Wi-Fi routers without electronics or internet connectivity. Using backscatter techniques, these objects reflect radio signals to transmit data via physical motion. Funded by the National Science Foundation and Google, this technology addresses IoT security and power concerns by eliminating traditional chips.
Parts used in the 3D-Printed Connected Objects:
- 3D printed plastics
- Springs
- Switches
- Knobs
- Gears
- Copper filaments
- Antenna
The world has seen an exponential growth of the Internet of things, where things are becoming connected. Every physical object is giving the chance to be connected to the internet and emit some data about itself with just the addition of some chips, and some form of wireless interface. Your Electric kettle can basically tell you when it’s ready or even prepare itself down for you.
Researchers have estimated will we have billions of connected objects in the coming years which are already creating security and privacy concerns. Concerns like; what if my device gets hacked, infected with malware or my mission-critical device suddenly losses it’s power. What if we still could achieve this connectivity possibility without having to rely on much electronics? Researchers at the University of Washington have created a range of 3D-printed plastic objects that can communicate with a router even though they’re not connected to the internet and don’t contain any electronics.
The researchers at the University of Washington have found ways to create connected objects with only 3D printed parts and an antenna. They receive funding from the National Science Foundation and Google.
Researchers have estimated will we have billions of connected objects in the coming years which are already creating security and privacy concerns. Concerns like; what if my device gets hacked, infected with malware or my mission-critical device suddenly losses it’s power. What if we still could achieve this connectivity possibility without having to rely on much electronics? Researchers at the University of Washington have created a range of 3D-printed plastic objects that can communicate with a router even though they’re not connected to the internet and don’t contain any electronics.
The researchers at the University of Washington have found ways to create connected objects with only 3D printed parts and an antenna. They receive funding from the National Science Foundation and Google.
First; they design and 3D printed a combination of plastics like springs, switches, knobs, gears and copper filaments to serve as an antenna. Then, they leverage a technique called “Backscatter Techniques” to transmit the signal to Wi-Fi enabled device. Backscatter systems use an antenna to transmit data by reflecting radio signals emitted by a Wi-Fi transmitting device or a router. Information can be embedded in those reflected patterns and can be decoded by a Wi-Fi receiver. In this case; the antenna is used to reflect the radio signals back to a Wi-Fi receiving device which could by a smartphone and physical motion on the antenna, like a regular tapping cause some form harmonics on the transmitted signal, where this harmonic will serve as the embedded information.
Read more: 3D Printed Objects that can connect to Wi-Fi without any Electronics
- What problem does this technology solve?
It achieves connectivity without relying on much electronics to address security, privacy, and power loss concerns. - How do the objects transmit signals to a router?
They use Backscatter Techniques to reflect radio signals emitted by a Wi-Fi device. - Can these objects connect to the internet directly?
No, they communicate with a router even though they are not connected to the internet. - Does this project require electronic chips?
No, the objects do not contain any electronics. - Who funded this research?
The National Science Foundation and Google provided funding. - What causes the signal modulation in this system?
Physical motion on the antenna, like regular tapping, creates harmonics that serve as embedded information. - What materials are used for the antenna?
Copper filaments are used alongside 3D printed plastics to serve as an antenna. - Can a smartphone receive the transmitted data?
Yes, the antenna reflects signals back to a Wi-Fi receiving device which could be a smartphone.
