element14 reveals technologies that will revolutionise
electronics design engineering
Exclusive survey of more than 4,500 social media fans brings out interesting trends
about future of electronics and design
Photo caption: Sensing technology voted to revolutionise electronics in the future in the
element14 “We love innovation” survey
Singapore, 14 February 2012 - element14, a collaborative global electronics community from
Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), has revealed the biggest technologies that have the potential to
revolutionise electronics and the one product engineers can’t do without out of a survey conducted
across all its social media channels. The “We love innovation” poll that was conducted for a week
starting 3rd Feb captured responses from over 4,500 element14 Facebook, Twitter and Google+ fans
and provides interesting insights into the world of electronics technology.
More than 50% of the respondents chose the IPad as the one electronics product they love and can’t
do without. This was followed by the Amazon Kindle, the iPhone and the Playstation, which is further
complemented by Sensing, which was voted as the biggest technology with the potential to
revolutionise electronics in the future, followed closely by LED Lighting, Robotics and medical
electronics.
Sensing has increasingly become critical in terms of enhancing the ways in which humans interface
with technology. Sensing technology facilitates intuitive human interactions with devices such as
smartphones and without it, we would be restricted to more mechanical methods of interface, which
wouldn’t allow for things like miniaturisation which is critical going forward. The technology is also
significant in terms of industrial applications, including areas like factory automation, the international
space programme and alternative energy, and will be one of the driving technologies in medicine as
we move towards noninvasive diagnosis and treatment.
The 2012 Olympics also turned out to be an interesting theme where the majority of respondents
chose embedded as the technology that will be a highlight this year, followed by Sensing, Green IT
and mobile and wireless. This was particularly interesting given the latest announcements around
wireless spectrum demands during the games in London this year. Embedded technology in the
games can be combined with Sensing to be used in various areas like monitoring athletic
performance or prosthetics for paralympians.
“Our bespoke “we love innovation” poll was an initiative to gauge the current perceptions the
electronics design community has around various technologies and to look at what design engineers
love the most,” said Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community, element14. “The results do show
some interesting trends within the industry and the technologies that will spearhead the future, which
is where key innovations will become even more significant.”
RoadTest continues to be the favourite element14 Group to assist with design work and the biggest
challenge faced by electronic design engineers is the time involved in initial design stages so
element14 will be looking at ways how the Knode and the Drawer can be used as solutions to
overcome such challenges.
element14’s new Google+ page continues to invite users to share their stories of innovation in the
industry so have your say at: http://bit.ly/wUh3EQ
Editor’s note
The image is available for download at:
http://www.pinnaclecrc.com/PR_PICTURES/Premier_Farnell/PF484/
ENDS
About element14
element14 is a high-service distributor of technology products and solutions for electronic system
design, maintenance and repair. Bringing together the latest products, services, and development
software, all connected to an innovative online engineering community where purchasers and
engineers can access peers and experts, a wide range of independent technical information and
helpful tools. Whether researching a new technology, designing an electronic product, or looking for
parts to repair an existing system, element14 is the trusted global source to find the answers and
parts you need to keep your project on the fast track, right from the start.
element14 is the operating business of Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl) in Asia Pacific.
For more information visit the website:
Australia: au.element14.com
China: cn.element14.com
Korea: kr.element14.com
Hong Kong: hk.element14.com
India: in.element14.com
Malaysia: my.element14.com
New Zealand: nz.element14.com
Philippines: ph.element14.com
Singapore: sg.element14.com
Taiwan: tw.element14.com
Thailand: th.element14.com
About Premier Farnell
Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl) is a global leader in high service distribution of technology products and
solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair. Its differentiated proposition includes
29 local language transactional websites, and the critically important element14 Community for design
engineers – an industry first (www.element14.com). With sales last year of £990.8m and underlying
profits of £93.3m the Group distributes its comprehensive portfolio of products and services
throughout Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, supported by a global supply chain of over 3,500
suppliers and an inventory profile developed to anticipate and meet its customers’ needs.
While global in scope, Premier Farnell recognises the individual needs of each market and has
continued to internationalise its model accordingly. It trades locally as Farnell in Europe,
Newark/element14 in North America and Farnell Newark in Brazil. Across Asia Pacific the business
trades as element14.
Key facts
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Operations in 35 different countries
4,100 employees
Over 2 million customer contacts in 156 industries
Over 3,500 leading suppliers
Over 400,000 products stocked with access to over four million more on demand
Global leader in legislation RoHS, WEEE, REACH
For more information visit the website at Premier Farnell.
For news updates from element14 visit:
Premier Farnell News Centre – www.premierfarnell.com/premier_farnell/publicrelations/
Twitter - @element14news; @element14
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Or contact:
Email: pressoffice@premierfarnell.com