Medicine 4.0: The role of electronics, information technology and microsystems in modern medicine

Not only in the technological world (“Industry 4.0”), but also in medicine, a paradigmatic change is taking place: We are already on the threshold of “Medicine 4.0”. Molecular biology has long played a leading role in life sciences. Scientists now realise that, with increasing miniaturisation, microelectronic systems downsized to the dimensions of cellular systems will facilitate new therapeutic approaches. But conventional telecommunications systems can also be equipped with sensors and transformed into intelligent medical monitoring devices that can help patients become part of the diagnostic and therapeutic process. This article illustrates development trends that will lead to modern, electronically supported healthcare concepts.