Master Thesis: Biomimetics: Harnessing Nature’s Secrets for Sustainable Innovation in the Electronics Sector

Do you think that sustainability needs to be a keystone element of today’s digital society? Do you have an interest in innovation and ICT (information and communication technology)? Do you want to contribute to a sustainable Swedish industry?

We are looking for a Master of Science student for a thesis project at the Sensor Systems unit at RISE. The unit is part of the division Digital Systems.

Background and thesis description
Biomimetics (sometimes also referred to as biomimicry or bionics) is about using nature's millions of years of research and development for optimal form, function, process, or strategy as a source of inspiration to create smart technological solutions to human problems. With the potential for radically new solutions, biomimetics can become a key process in many applications and industrial sectors, such as manufacturing and process industries, transport, aeronautics, water management, buildings, and energy infrastructure. Besides innovative product and system designs, biomimetics also offers the potential for a more sustainable innovation strategy.

One of the emerging trends in biomimetics focuses for instance on the ability of organisms to sense and respond to their environment, which can be used to develop among others smart materials, bio-inspired sensors, robotics, swarm intelligence, and AI algorithms. Biomimetics is also proving valuable in the energy field to develop new designs for batteries, renewable energy sources, and electronics thermal management.

This thesis will contribute to investigate the potential for bio-inspired technologies to contribute to an innovative and sustainable digitalization of Swedish industry. More specifically, the goal of this thesis is to explore and analyze in which sectors and technical areas of the electronics industry biomimetics has the potential to create the greatest value, and to identify how value is created as well as challenges. Relevant technologies in the field of electronics include, but are not limited to, sensors, smart electronic systems, IoT, electronics cooling, and data centers.

The work is expected to be carried out through literature study, possibly interviews, and a SWOT analysis of biomimetics and its strengths and challenges per application and technology area in the electronics industry, as well as in-depth analysis for specific case studies.

Terms

• The thesis project is expected to start in January 2024 (flexible arrangement possible). The expected duration of the thesis work is 20 weeks.
• Location: RISE, Göteborg. Option to partially work remotely.
• Credits: 30 ECTS (academic credits) in agreement with your thesis advisor at your university.
• Number of students per group: 1-2

Who are you?
You have an interest in sustainability, electronics, ICT and/or engineering. You should be a M.Sc. student in the field of innovation, industrial engineering/management, physics, engineering, or related subject. You are enthusiastic, curious, and keen to develop your skills, enjoy working in an international team, and with good communication and writing skills in English.  

Welcome with your application!
If you need more information, please contact Vincent Schaller (vincent.schaller@ri.se). Applications should include (1) a brief personal letter, (2) a CV, and (3) a recent grade transcript. Candidates are encouraged to send their application as soon as possible but at the latest by 2023-12-20. Please apply directly through this portal (We do not accept applications via email).