Project description
Expanding the future of smart wearables with stretchable electronic patches
Smart wearables are the next step in the Internet of Things (IoT). Imagine a network of sensors and smart devices woven into our shirts and pants, worn on our skin or even implanted in our bodies to measure important body functions. The EU-funded SINTEC is working to make this a reality. It is developing soft, sticky and stretchable smart patches with sensors that can be used multiple times and for longer periods. This groundbreaking intra-body communication technique gives large bandwidth and secure consumption at low power. The project will test these sensor patches in a clinical environment and in athletics performance evaluation. For instance, the patches will be tested on the Swedish national skiing teams. A broader target group includes patients recovering from surgery.
Objective
Electronics are set to merge with our bodies to extend our perceptions. Smartphones and watches will give way to the bodyNET: a network of sensors and smart devices woven into our clothing, worn on our skin and implanted in our bodies. Smart wearables are the next step in the Internet of Things wearable evolution. This market is one of the most vigorous over the coming years. SINTEC addresses a market, in terms of size, that reach over €70BN by 2026.
A large amount of scientific results have emerged and a few start-ups are focused on stretchable electronics and sensors that employ liquid alloys for interconnects and passive components. However, there are until today no dedicated commercial equipment for manufacturing of such devices. This hinders large-scale industrial exploration and needs to be addressed.
By a novel manufacturing technology for large area rigid-stretch PCB and integration, SINTEC will provide soft, sticky and stretchable sensor patches that can be used multiple times and at longer periods. With its dynamic compliance and water repellent permeable encapsulation it withstands vigorous action, sweating and water; making it ideal for an active life. A ground breaking intra body communication technique gives large bandwidth and secure consumption at low power, allowing for multiplex sensoric inputs from many nodes on the body.
To demonstrate the advantages of the novel technology, SINTEC will apply it in clinical environment and in athletics performance evaluation. Industrial partners will exploit the results in manufacturing technology, Fat-IBC, and in soft compliant smart patch applications, e.g. in preventive care, sports and fitness, and medical technology.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternet
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringtextiles
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsmobile phones
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
751 05 Uppsala
Sweden