Wearables – Flexible and highly dynamic
Wearables are a multifaceted topic with a common thread: product and market development are highly dynamic. This is all the more reason to take a closer look. We asked experts from leading international tech companies to share their views on wearables and the market and present the most important innovations. Read their in-depth analyses on the following pages.
WEARABLES | MILDNER'S COLUMN
The current state of wearables: Challenges and opportunities with printed flexible electronics
Repeated twisting causes mechanical stress in a LOOMIA heating structure. Image source: MSWtech
Wearable technology has quickly moved from novelty gadgets to essential components of modern life. Smartwatches, fitness trackers and health monitors are just the beginning. The evolution of wearables is being driven by advancements in sensor technology, miniaturisation and connectivity. However, the journey is full of challenges and opportunities, particularly in the area of printed flexible electronics, which promises to further revolutionise the industry.
Wearable technology now encompasses a wide range of devices. These include fitness trackers such as Fitbit, smartwatches such as the Apple Watch, smart glasses such as Google Glass and medical devices such as continuous glucose monitors. Each of these devices performs a different function, from monitoring health and fitness to improving everyday productivity and ensuring safety. There are different drivers behind the proliferation of wearables. The principal factors are:
1. Health and fitness monitoring: Wearables can track vital signs, physical activity and sleep patterns, providing users with real-time data to improve their health and fitness levels.
2. Convenience and connectivity: Smartwatches and glasses offer seamless integration with smartphones and other devices, enabling notifications, calls and access to information on the go.
3. Safety and security: Devices such as location trackers and personal alarms enhance safety, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Challenges facing the industry
Despite their popularity, wearables face several challenges:
1. Battery life: Prolonged use of wearables is often limited by battery life. High power consumption due to continuous data collection and transmission can result in frequent recharging, which is inconvenient for users. In addition, battery life cycle management is a challenge, as most of today’s batteries cannot be disposed of as toxic waste.
2. Comfort and design: Wearables need to be comfortable for long periods of time, which can be difficult with rigid components. The aesthetics and ergonomics of these devices are critical to user acceptance. This includes weight, flexibility and even stretchability.
3. Data protection and security: The continuous data collection inherent in wearables raises significant privacy and security concerns. Ensuring that personal information remains secure is a critical challenge.
4. Accuracy and reliability: The effectiveness of wearables depends on the accuracy and reliability of their sensors. Any inaccuracies can lead to misinterpretation of data, affecting user trust and the device’s utility.
Wolfgang Mildner is owner of MSWtech in Nuremberg (Germany), fellow of the OE-A and General Chair of LOPEC
Opportunities in printed electronics Printed flexible electronics offer promising solutions to many of the challenges facing wearable technology. These electronics are produced using printing technologies that deposit conductive materials onto flexible substrates. This approach offers several opportunities: 1. Improved comfort and design: Flexible electronics can conform to the contours of the body, making wearables more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. This flexibility allows for innovative designs that can be integrated into clothing or even directly onto the skin. New approaches show that some stretchability can be achieved using materials such as polyurethane. 2. Improved battery life: Printed electronics can incorporate flexible, thin-film batteries that are lightweight and efficient. In addition, energy-harvesting technologies such as flexible solar cells can be integrated to extend battery life. New material concepts will enable disposable batteries. 3. Low-cost manufacturing: Printing technology can reduce manufacturing costs by enabling large-scale production with less material waste. This can make advanced wearable technology more affordable and accessible. 4. Integration of advanced sensors: Flexible printed sensors can be integrated into different materials, enabling more accurate and diverse data collection. For example, printed biosensors can monitor a range of biomarkers in real time, enhancing the functionality of health-focused wearables.
The role of printed flexible electronics
The role of printed flexible electronics in the future of wearables is crucial. Here are some of the key areas where it is making an impact:
1. Health monitoring: Flexible biosensors can be used for continuous health monitoring, detecting changes in biomarkers that can indicate various health conditions. This real-time monitoring can lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of chronic diseases. 2. Sports and fitness: Wearables embedded with flexible electronics can provide more detailed and accurate measurements of physical activity, helping athletes optimise their performance and prevent injuries. 3. Fashion and lifestyle: The integration of electronics into textiles opens up new possibilities for smart clothing that can monitor vital signs, change colour or provide haptic feedback, seamlessly integrating technology into everyday wear. This can start with features such as textile heaters integrated into clothes, which can effectively improve personal wellbeing. 4. Environmental monitoring: Wearables can also track environmental conditions such as air quality and UV exposure, providing valuable data to the user and contributing to wider environmental monitoring efforts. Of course all of these products or components must be of high quality when in use, which requires additional approaches to testing.
Test procedures are carried out during operation. In the case of heating structures, infrared images are checked for hotspots. Image source: MSWtech
Bright future
The future of wearable technology is bright, with significant advancements on the horizon, driven by the integration of printed flexible electronics. These innovations address key challenges such as comfort, battery life and data accuracy, while opening up new opportunities in health monitoring, sports, fashion and environmental sensing. As technology continues to evolve, wearables will become an even more integral part of our daily lives, improving our health, safety and overall quality of life. The convergence of flexible electronics and wearable technology is ushering in a new era of smart, adaptable and intuitive devices that will change the way we interact with the world around us. In summary, printed and flexible electronics are revolutionising wearables by offering improved comfort, innovative designs and cost-effective manufacturing. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting developments in this area. At LOPEC (25-27 February 2025 in Munich, Germany), we will cover wearables with dedicated sessions and as a key application under the “Smart Living” focus topic.
Wolfgang Mildner