During the Covid-19 pandemic, a shortage of semiconductors drove up electronics costs worldwide. However, MIT researchers have developed a way of 3D printing fully functional electronic devices without semiconductors, opening up the possibility of democratizing electronics fabrication. Using copper-doped polymers, the researchers created devices that function as resettable fuses, typically requiring semiconductors. While not as powerful as traditional transistors, these 3D-printed devices can regulate the speed of electric motors and perform basic control functions. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize electronics manufacturing, making it accessible across the globe outside of specialized centers.
https://news.mit.edu/2024/mit-team-takes-major-step-toward-fully-3d-printed-active-electronics-1015