Internet of Things (IoT)-related technology is developing rapidly and chips designed for satisfying the requirements of various application scenarios have also emerged. The National Nano Device Laboratories (NDL) under the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) has developed an integrated ambient light energy self-powered technology for application in IoT chips. This technology can be used to harvest light energy from various environments; furthermore, it can be used, with the help of energy storage devices such as batteries or capacitors, to extend the charge cycle of chips. The NDL will provide a fabrication technology platform, assisting chip designers in developing system-on-chips, in which sensors are integrated with self-powered chips, for application in IoT and wearable devices.

In the world of IoT, IoT chips installed into building walls, bridges, dams, vehicles, or the human body enable smart disaster prevention, smart transportation, smart home care, and other aspects of a smart lifestyle, resulting in unparalleled convenience and security to people. According to the predictions of IC Insights, the IoT industry’s compound growth rate for the period of 2010–2016 will be approximately 26%; in addition, the Marketing Intelligence and Consulting Institute under the Institute for Information Industry estimates that the global IoT industry production value of 2016 will reach US$620 billion and that 190 million terminal devices will be produced in the same year.

IoT chips are produced by integrating computing chips, memories, wireless communication devices, sensors, and energy management devices (energy harvesting technology and energy storage devices) and can process and store information and transmit signals independently, thus realizing an IoT world of interdevice communication. Principally, IoT chips can be fitted with various types of sensors (e.g., sensors used for detecting temperature, smoke, vibration, gas, or location, or even the signals of human heartbeat and blood pressure), and therefore can be used to collect various environmental information. To enhance the convenience of use in addition to the portability and durability of IoT devices, the IoT chips must be light, thin, and compact as well as energy-conserving. A feasible solution is to develop chips that can be used to harvest energy from the environment to supplement power and reduce the frequency of battery replacements and recharging, while continually researching and developing chips with low power consumption.