Innovation making hardware dynamic

Machines that are dynamic as the human brain, with hardware that can be reconfigured, are becoming a reality. Researchers at Luleå University of Technology have patented technology that has the potential to transform electronics design worldwide. Jerker Delsing, Cristina Paniagua and Shailesh Chouhan have been namned Innovator of the Year 2025.

Conventional electronics are designed with hardware that performs a specific task throughout its entire lifespan. Researchers are now developing electronic systems where the hardware can be altered within milliseconds.

“You can modify software as much as you like, and we’re now opening up the possibility of doing the same thing with hardware. Essentially, we will be able to modify the hardware in real time.” says Jerker Delsing, Professor of Cyber-Physical Systems at Luleå University of Technology.

The technology can be applied to new electronics built with so-called chiplets, small interconnected modules that replace traditional computer chips. Chiplets are currently used in some newer computers, for example, but still only connects a predetermined design. The researchers have now developed a new way of connecting the hardware using software that makes it adaptable. Three fundamental patents have been filed, and the research team is now building several demonstrators to showcase the innovation to potential customers.

Major potential for applications

“The ability to modify hardware through software enables us to create a plastic, self-adapting machine. A system that, through AI, can reconfigure itself. In essence, we’re giving machines brain-like properties , capable of adapting and forming new ‘neural pathways’. A clear practical benefit is the potential to extend the lifespan of electronics. Take a satellite, for example: if the hardware fails, it no longer works. With our system, the hardware can be reconfigured, dramatically increasing its operational life,” explains Jerker Delsing.

The researchers see major potential for the technology to be applied across several industries within a few years, such as AI servers, the automotive industry, and telecommunications.

“Can we build a machine that is adaptable in a similar way as how the human brain is changeable? We can now answer that question with a yes,” says Jerker Delsing.

Innovator of the Year 2025

The Innovator of the Year 2025 award at Luleå University of Technology goes to Jerker Delsing, Cristina Paniagua, and Shailesh Chouhan, with the following citation:

Through deep expertise and extensive experience in cyber-physical systems, the researchers have developed a potentially disruptive technology in electronic design.

As electronics and programming have become increasingly complex and costly, this new technology reduces that complexity and enables flexible electronics with the potential for global impact across a wide range of industries and sectors.

The company is now entering its first funding phase, based on the value of its approved patent applications.

• Read more about the research (pre-publications):
  https://www.techrxiv.org/inst/26407?author_filter=973659&current_inst_tab=public

Contact:

Jerker Delsing, Professor of Cyber-Physical Systems at Luleå University of Technology.
+46706261931
jerker.delsing@ltu.se