Bendable 32-bit Microprocessor Costs Less Than $1 – But Will Consumers Pay More?

A New Frontier in Wearable Tech?

In an exciting development, Pragmatic Semiconductor has unveiled the Flex-RV, a bendable 32-bit microprocessor based on the RISC-V architecture. Unlike traditional silicon chips, which are notoriously brittle, this innovative chip can twist and contort, thanks to the use of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) transistors printed directly onto flexible plastic substrates.

Priced at less than a dollar to manufacture, the Flex-RV opens up a range of possibilities for wearable tech, medical devices, soft robotics, and even brain-computer interfaces. But don’t expect blistering speeds—this chip tops out at a modest 60 kHz, a far cry from modern processors in your smartphone or PC. Despite this, the ultra-efficient chip consumes less than 6 mW of power, making it ideal for low-power applications.

A Healthy Dose of Skepticism

While the technology promises a breakthrough in flexible electronics, reactions from tech enthusiasts on Reddit suggest that consumers are cautious. Comments on a Reddit post discussing the breakthrough ranged from excitement about potential applications in wearables to a fair amount of cynicism about eventual pricing.

“Man, I hope we get some cool wearable tech out of this,” remarked one user. However, a fellow Redditor quickly countered, “Only after they’ve figured out how to charge 100X for it,” underscoring concerns that consumer products based on the chip could come with a steep price tag despite its low production cost. As another user quipped, “With electronics you’re not paying for the materials, but intellectual property and generally people who had to figure this out.”

Others humorously speculated about future uses, including everything from wearable smart clothing to roll-up televisions. One user envisioned a “the future is now” moment when we’ll be able to unroll a new TV shipped in a tube. Another added, “Please allow 24 hours to flatten completely.”

More Practical Applications?

Beyond wearables, some comments reflected on the more immediate utility of the Flex-RV chip in medical devices and low-cost, disposable sensors. “Wearables or medical sensors that need to stick to the skin but cannot be bulky or hooked up to an external device for processing,” suggested one user as an ideal application. These types of sensors could revolutionize healthcare, providing real-time data without the need for large, rigid equipment.

In particular, the chip’s potential in soft robotics was highlighted. The flexibility and low power consumption make it an attractive solution for applications that require adaptability and endurance. As one Redditor observed, “Chips like these might be better for shock absorption, as the force can travel through them without cracking anything.”

The Cost Conundrum

One thing that seemed to unite the Reddit commenters was a shared belief that the technology might not remain affordable for long. One user predicted, “Less than a buck to make, $50 for you,” humorously pointing out the common markup in tech products. Another commented, “Seems pretty obvious to me, it’s extremely useful for making small devices if your processor can bend any way you want.”

Given the low cost to manufacture, it will be interesting to see how companies price devices using this technology. Whether consumers will be asked to pay a premium remains to be seen, but as one Redditor put it, “The use cases will come, I am sure.”

Looking Forward

Despite its modest processing power, the Flex-RV represents a significant leap forward in flexible electronics, and the applications for this technology are far-reaching. With the potential to enable everything from next-gen wearables to disposable medical devices, this could be the beginning of a new era for the Internet of Things.

But for now, the debate continues. Will we soon see the Flex-RV chip powering your next smart wearable, or will it be another example of promising technology priced out of reach for most consumers? Only time—and the market—will tell.

Learn More about Pragmatic Semiconductor: Pragmatic Semiconductor