Abstract
The advent of nanotechnology is set to accelerate development of improved and
sophisticated smart material technologies. Researchers are now considering the
possibilities of designing, altering, and controlling material structure at
nanoscale levels in order to enhance material performance and process efficacy.
The advancements in nanomaterials are expected to increase product quality and
performance, and they are finding acceptance in diverse applications such as
sensors and electronic devices. Nanosensor particles assist in creating tools
for analyzing living cells and serve as reporters in industrial process
monitoring. In the future, smart materials are likely to derive their success
from nanotechnology that is likely to be instrumental in creating more varied,
complex, and intelligent systems.
This Frost & Sullivan research service focuses on the global trends and
developments in smart material technologies. The study covers developments at
various universities, R&D centers at leading companies, and other research
institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. It also discusses
the various drivers and restraints that govern the global smart materials
market. Participants can identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the
competition, and stay shoulder-to-shoulder with critical developments.
Smart Materials Expected to Cater to Diverse Applications
The advances and improvements in smart materials allow them to cater to a
diverse set of applications, especially in the defense, aerospace, healthcare,
electronics, and semiconductor industries. Although very few of these
applications are at present commercially viable, their potential for future
acceptance is irrefutable. "Smart materials are particularly useful for
cellular production," observes the analyst. "With the addition of
cellular fluid and by regulating the cells shape and mechanical conditions,
smart materials -- especially polymers -- can mimic these cells interactions
and exhibit effective results."
The computer industry is also adopting smart materials for read/write head
micropositioners and next-generation data storage devices. Researchers are
developing piezo-accelerometers that anticipate and correct head-motion-related
read/write errors. In the healthcare markets, smart material technologies are
making their way into several analytical devices for detecting and diagnosing
complex medical conditions. With future advances, smart materials are also
likely to be useful for fabricating insulin pumps and drug delivery devices.
New Technologies Increase the Pace of Research into Smart Materials
For faster development of innovative smart materials, base technologies such
as robotics, micro-fluidics, and micromachining need to be brought on par with
the production requirements of the materials. "The successful integration
of the hardware and software based infrastructures accompanied by the
application of combinatorial chemistry is set to increase technology development
in the field of smart materials and systems by leaps and bounds," observes
the analyst. High-throughput screening (HTS) consisting of hardware interface
tools for technology assessment, decision control, and logistics is also
expected to accelerate research into smart materials.
Frost & Sullivan Growth Partnership Service
Based on extensive and in-depth research, real-world consulting work, and new
theories tested in hundreds of companies across many industries, Frost &
Sullivan has evolved its Growth Partnership Services (GPS) program that provides
established and emerging firms with powerful growth visions. Moving beyond token
mission statements, GPS provides an actionable vision to growth consulting
partners by illustrating how key intelligence and strategic research based on
defined goals can guide day-to-day behavior and overall company direction. The
foundation of Frost & Sullivans GPS includes:
- Assisting companies to reach their full potential in the core business
- Providing growth strategies to help companies expand into related
businesses
- Preemptively redefining the core business during market turbulence
- Applying the Frost & Sullivan framework to identify and address common
mistakes resulting from misaligned corporate strategies
- Recommending growth management strategies through continuous partnership
To maximize the potential for growth within a firms internal and external
environment, Frost & Sullivan consultants can facilitate the creation of
strategic programs that deliver improved market success. Frost & Sullivans
strengths lie in combining strategic understanding with market expertise and
applying these with absolute commitment to its clients growth. | 
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