"As we stand at the brink of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) stand as a beacon of innovation with application in healthcare, communication, automation, aerospace; pushing the boundaries of almost all segments... I think Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Smart Materials will have a significant impact both locally and globally on the Fifth Industrial Revolution,” opined scientist and Director General  of Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems at DRDO Suma Varughese here on Friday.

She shared this after inaugurating the 11th ISSS National Conference on MEMS, Smart Materials, Structures & Systems organized and hosted by Kumaraguru College of Technology from December 14 -16 under the aegis of Institute of Smart Structures and Systems (ISSS).

The small system on a chip that automatically adjusts screen orientation on all our smartphones today is an example of  MEMS many people interact with each day.

Smart Materials on the other hand are materials that can change their behavior or their properties as per change in the atmosphere or in the response of external stimuli and these stimuli could be anything i.e. pressure,force,temperature,stress. 

By the way, have you heard of cars that can change their color when they absorb certain amount of heat/light? It is possible for a car to change its color if it is painted using thermochromic paints . This kind of an unique feature became possible with Smart Materials.

This is just one example of what Smart Materials have in store for us.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Vasudev K Aatre, former Secretary, DD R&D, DG, DRDO, Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, ISSS, Natarajan, Conference Chair, M.Balasubramanianm Correspondent, Kumaraguru Institutions.

Speaking at the event, Suma Varughese shared that MEMS has been identified as one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century and it has shown the potential to revolutionize the industry and consumer products.

Talking about Smart Materials, she said that these type of materials with their ability to adapt, respond and self monitor have transcended the conventional materials. She added that the integration of smart materials into the structures and systems have immense application in the field of aerospace, healthcare, defence etc.

The proceedings of conference were released at the event. Saravanan, Principal, KCT joined with Vasudev K Aatre, Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, ISSS, Natarajan, Conference Chair, M.Balasubramanianm Correspondent, Kumaraguru Institutions to release them.

The conference goes on till Saturday with various eminent researchers, industry-persons and experts delivering special sessions.


_{(The italicized portion in the news about MEMS and Smart Materials are for illustration purpose alone. They are not the views expressed by any speakers at the event)}