Printing the future: Scott Miller on the power of hybrid electronics

The article features Dr. Scott Miller, Director of Technology at NextFlex, discussing the transformative potential of flexible hybrid electronics, which combine printed electronics with conventional semiconductor components. This integration allows electronic systems to be printed onto or embedded within objects, creating lightweight, adaptable devices with new form factors. These innovations are already impacting key industries such as defense, aerospace, and healthcare—for example, by printing antennas directly onto UAV airframes for improved robustness and reduced weight, and by enabling stick-to-skin wearable patient monitors that provide continuous health data and facilitate at-home care. Beyond performance benefits, hybrid electronics offer significant advantages for U.S. manufacturing and supply chains. By lowering capital costs, they empower small and mid-sized companies to compete without massive scale, promoting localized, distributed manufacturing that reduces environmental impact, shipping costs, and geopolitical risks. The printing process also minimizes material waste compared to traditional PCB fabrication. Additionally, hybrid electronics support a digital-first design-to-manufacturing workflow, accelerating prototyping and eliminating the need for