Disappearing electronics and the return of the physical world

As the semiconductor industry matures a paradigm shift occurs, away from the technology-push to a more application-driven exploitation. In this paper, applications are discussed that describe achievements along the road towards ´disappearing electronics´. Appliances and devices disappear into the environment of the individual; instead, services come into focus (W.Weber et al., 2003). System solutions are key to this development. They lead to a significant improvement of the human-machine interface. Along this line, we present important technologies and key system components ranging from low-cost electronic technologies and systems, to ubiquitous sensor networks and electronics in smart textiles. In summary, this contribution relates the semiconductor technology, circuit and systems roadmaps to a future world in which electronics meets human needs in a pervasive, intuitive and beneficial way.