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JANUARY 2025 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 15 train them. We're also working with custom- ers and universities to help them develop tal- ent. AI can play a role in initial training as well as guidance during the design process. In the more mature engineering markets (e.g., across North America and Europe), we're seeing a demographic shi as well, where older, experienced engineers and designers are exiting the workforce, and there's a shortage of new engineers to backfill their positions. is puts a strain on organizations both in terms of workload and knowledge transfer. What areas or disciplines within PCB design do you see becoming more challenging in 2025 and beyond? e continued drive for faster products in smaller form factors will produce new con- straints and drive tighter multi-domain team collaboration. Partially in support of this trend, co-design and technology fusion, with the PCB's close cousin IC packaging, will increase, driving the need for process technology educa- tion as well as adoption of a more diverse set of design tools. More disruptive technologies, like optical interconnect and additive manu- facturing, are also coming online, providing their own challenges and opportunities. To create differentiated products in a very competitive market, new products will have to optimize performance, quality, cost, and manu- facturability and, of course, be designed faster. is will drive a broader need for education on those dynamics and the associated multi-disci- pline trade-offs. AI can play a part here too. This is a lot to think about. Thanks, Dave. anks, Dave. is is a lot to think about. DESIGN007 Dongguk University Develops Gel-based Stretchable Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Wearable Technology Researchers at Dongguk University have devel- oped a gel polymer-based triboelectric nanogenera- tor that generates electrical signals from body move- ment to power electronics like LEDs and functions as a self-powered touch panel for user identification. The device can stretch up to 375% of its original size and withstand rigorous mechanical deformations, making it suitable for wearable applications. From smartwatches, and fitness trackers to medi- cal sensors that can be worn on the body, wearables are transforming the way we interact with technology. As their popularity grows, triboelectric nanogenera- tors (TENGs) that convert mechanical energy such as body movement to electrical energy offer a solution to power these devices without relying on batteries. Most TENGs used in wearable applications incor- porate a triboelectric material attached to an elec- trode that conducts current. However, one of the challenges has been finding flexible electrode mate- rials that can move seamlessly with the human body. The result is a durable, flexible, and semi-trans- parent device that generates electrical signals when tapped or stretched, delivering a peak power of 0.36 W/m² at a load of 15 MΩ. In tests, the device stretched up to 375% of its original size without dam- age and could withstand two months of bending, twisting, folding, and stretching without any signs of delamination or loss of electrical performance. (Source: Dongguk University)