MAterials for Smarter AUTonomous sensOrs

MASAUTO is a research and training program for 10 early stage researchers (ESRs), focusing on developing a new generation ofmaterials that will overcome the current bottlenecks in the capability and capacity of autonomous sensors. The design of materials forremote sensing applications, such as real-time information on climate changes or for intelligent transportation systems, stillrepresents an enormous challenge. The ongoing exponential growth of the internet of things (IoT) ecosystem - which could reach atrillion devices in the near future - poses a serious challenge in terms of powering and interconnecting the underlying devices. The fullpotential of the IoT will only be achievable if devices i) have a reliable and sustainable autonomous power supply, and ii) are capableof processing information with reduced power requirements. A promising approach to address the first challenge is the use of anenergy harvester-supercapacitor combination, while for the second challenge a promising strategy is the use of non-volatile randomaccess memories. It's, therefore, crucial to develop materials for energy harvesting and storage, as well as low loss electronics.Through MASAUTO, we will create a highly trained cohort of scientists and technologists, enabling rapid and broadcommercialization and implementation of technology in public and private research centers and in industrial institutions. The ESRswill acquire a solid multidisciplinary scientific training, from basic science to industrial applications, which will enable them togenerate new scientific knowledge of the highest impact. MASAUTO will also deliver practical training on transferable skills in order toincrease employability prospects and to provide the researchers with access to highly skilled employment opportunities in the privateand public sectors. The overarching aim of the network is to position Europe as a leader in autonomous sensors for smart healthcare,automotives, industry and agriculture.