Articles tagged with "flexible-electronics"
China's hair-thin chip can survive being run over by a 15.6-ton truck
Researchers at Fudan University in China have developed an ultra-thin, flexible chip fiber as thin as a human hair, capable of being woven into fabric or implanted in the body without damage. Unlike traditional rigid silicon chips, this new chip is created by first producing a near-perfectly flat, stretchable polymer sheet with less than 1 nanometer roughness, on which standard chip components like transistors and capacitors are fabricated. The sheet is then rolled into a tight spiral, sealed, and coated with a protective polymer layer, resulting in a durable fiber chip that can withstand extreme bending, twisting, stretching, abrasion, washing, and even being run over by a 15.6-ton truck. This fiber chip contains about 100,000 transistors per centimeter, making one meter roughly equivalent in processing power to a traditional CPU. It supports both digital and analog signals and can perform simple neural-network style image recognition. Its robustness and flexibility open up new possibilities for wearable technology that processes data locally without
materialsflexible-electronicswearable-technologyfiber-chipsemiconductor-innovationdurable-materialsmedical-implantsHair-thin fiber chips could bring computing directly into clothing
Chinese researchers at Fudan University, led by Peng Huisheng, have developed fully flexible fiber chips that embed complete electronic circuits within strands as thin as human hair. Unlike traditional rigid microchips, these fiber integrated circuits (FICs) use elastic substrates rolled into thread-like fibers, achieving a transistor density of 100,000 per centimeter—comparable to conventional processors. A 1-millimeter fiber can host tens of thousands of transistors, enabling computing capacity similar to medical implant chips, while longer fibers could reach millions of transistors, approaching classical CPU scales. These fibers support both digital and analog processing, including neural-style computing for image recognition. Designed for durability in real-world conditions, the fiber chips withstand over 10,000 bending and abrasion cycles, stretch up to 30%, twist sharply, endure over 100 wash cycles, tolerate temperatures up to 100°C, and survive heavy compression. This robustness allows integration of power supply, sensing, computing, and display functions into a
IoTwearable-technologyflexible-electronicsfiber-integrated-circuitssmart-textileselectronic-textilesflexible-computingTransparent nanowire films block 99.97% of electromagnetic noise
Researchers have developed an ultra-thin, flexible, and transparent nanowire film that blocks 99.97% of electromagnetic interference (EMI), addressing a critical challenge in protecting sensitive electronics from disruptive electromagnetic signals. Traditional EMI shields rely on thick, rigid, and opaque metal layers unsuitable for transparent or bendable devices. The breakthrough came from precisely aligning silver nanowires—thousands of times thinner than a human hair—using interfacial dielectrophoresis, which arranges the wires into neat, flexible patterns with nanoscale gaps. These gaps act as microscopic energy buffers, significantly weakening incoming electromagnetic waves without compromising transparency. Further enhancement was achieved by applying ultrafast laser pulses that weld the nanowires at contact points and remove insulating surface residues. This laser treatment simultaneously reduced electrical resistance by 46 times and improved transparency by up to 10%, a rare dual improvement in metallic nanowire films. The resulting film is only 5.1 micrometers thick, maintains
materialsnanowireselectromagnetic-interferenceEMI-shieldingtransparent-filmsflexible-electronicsconductive-materialsHighly insulating polymer film that shields satellites to boost flexible electronics' performance
Researchers at Empa have enhanced the performance of aluminum-coated polymer films—currently used as thermal shields on satellites—by introducing an ultra-thin intermediate aluminum oxide layer between the polymer base and the aluminum coating. This innovation improves the film’s elasticity and resistance to mechanical stress and temperature fluctuations, which are critical for applications in space where materials face extreme temperature differences (up to 200°C) and mechanical challenges such as folding and exposure to debris. The base polymer, polyimide, is chosen for its excellent temperature and vacuum resistance and strong adhesion to aluminum, with the intermediate layer further optimizing these properties. The technology, originally developed for space applications like the European Mercury probe BepiColombo and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope sunshield, shows promise for enhancing flexible electronics and medical sensors by providing better insulation and durability. The Empa team used a precise coating process within a vacuum chamber to apply the nanometer-thin intermediate layer and tested the modified films under tensile stress and temperature shocks, confirming significant improvements
materialspolymer-filmsatellite-shieldingflexible-electronicsinsulationspace-technologytemperature-resistanceLiquid-metal patches turn any fabric into wearable electronics
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed an innovative iron-on electronic patch that transforms ordinary fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and spandex into wearable electronics. This patch combines liquid metal—microscopic droplets of a gallium-indium alloy dispersed in polyurethane—with a heat-activated adhesive, allowing it to bond securely to fabric using a standard household iron. The resulting thin, elastic film maintains electrical conductivity while enduring bending, stretching, and wrinkling, addressing common challenges faced by wearable electronics related to durability and comfort. Demonstrations of the technology included powering LEDs arranged in a university logo pattern and integrating a stretchable microphone wire into a shirt, which successfully captured audio comparable to traditional microphones while remaining nearly invisible. These prototypes highlight the patch’s potential for real-world applications, including health monitoring, environmental sensing, robotics, and human-machine interfaces. The researchers emphasize that this iron-on approach lowers barriers to wearable tech adoption by simplifying installation, potentially enabling the integration of soft sensors and embedded controls into everyday clothing. The study
wearable-electronicse-textilesflexible-electronicsliquid-metalconductive-materialsstretchable-circuitsiron-on-electronicsLead-free hybrid material turns motion into powerful electric charge
Researchers from the University of Birmingham, Oxford, and Bristol have developed a new lead-free hybrid piezoelectric material based on bismuth iodide that efficiently converts mechanical motion into electricity. This soft, durable material matches the performance of conventional lead-based ceramics like lead zirconate titanate (PZT) but avoids the environmental and health hazards associated with lead. Unlike PZT, which requires high-temperature processing (~1000°C), the bismuth-iodide hybrid can be synthesized at room temperature, making it easier and greener to produce. This innovation holds promise for powering sensors, wearable devices, medical implants, and flexible electronics in a more sustainable way. The team used advanced characterization techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), to reveal that halogen bonding between the organic and inorganic components is key to the material’s piezoelectric properties. This bonding induces a subtle structural instability that breaks symmetry, enhancing the piezoelectric response without the drawbacks of traditional
materialspiezoelectricenergy-harvestinghybrid-materialsbismuth-iodideflexible-electronicssustainable-technologyLemon-inspired eco battery flexes 80% to power next wave of wearables
Researchers at McGill University’s Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design have developed a novel biodegradable and stretchable battery inspired by lemon acids, designed to power the next generation of wearable devices and medical implants. This eco-friendly battery uses gelatin combined with naturally occurring acids—citric and lactic acid—to prevent the formation of a reaction-blocking layer on magnesium electrodes, which traditionally limits voltage and battery lifespan. By overcoming this bottleneck, the battery achieves improved output and durability while being environmentally sustainable. To enhance flexibility, the team employed a kirigami pattern—an innovative geometric cutting technique—that allows the battery to stretch up to 80% without losing performance. The battery delivers about 1.3 volts, sufficient to power wearable electronics such as a touch-sensitive finger device demonstrated by the researchers. This design is particularly promising for soft wearables, implantable medical devices, and flexible IoT sensors. The researchers aim to further miniaturize the battery, improve its performance, and integrate it
energybiodegradable-batterywearable-technologyflexible-electronicssustainable-materialsgelatin-batteryeco-friendly-energy-storageBattery-free sticker delivers real-time vitamin C readings from sweat
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a battery-free, flexible electronic sticker that measures vitamin C levels from fingertip sweat by attaching to the outside of any drinking cup. The sticker collects microscopic sweat through a porous hydrogel pad and uses a built-in biofuel cell to convert sweat chemicals into electricity, powering a vitamin C sensor and a Bluetooth low energy circuit board. This enables real-time, wireless transmission of vitamin C data to nearby devices without the need for batteries or external power sources. This innovation offers a low-cost, noninvasive alternative to traditional vitamin C testing, which typically requires blood draws and expensive equipment. The sticker’s ability to harvest power from the high density of sweat glands on fingertips allows continuous operation for hours, making it suitable for disposable, widespread use, especially in communities with limited medical access. Demonstrations showed accurate tracking of vitamin C changes after supplement or orange juice intake, highlighting its potential for effortless, frequent health monitoring integrated into everyday objects. Future developments aim to expand the
IoTwearable-technologybiofuel-cellhealth-sensorswireless-monitoringflexible-electronicssmart-stickersSoft, flexible material that can perform complex calculations developed
Researchers at the FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF) in the Netherlands have developed a novel soft, flexible rubber metamaterial capable of performing complex calculations, specifically matrix-vector multiplications, by exploiting “floppy modes”—movements that require minimal energy. Unlike traditional rigid electronics, this elastic material uses a tile-based design where each tile maps inputs to outputs through controlled deformations of beams and joints, enabling programmable and low-power mechanical computation directly within the material. This approach bypasses the usual energy-consuming conversions between physical signals and digital processing, potentially revolutionizing soft robotics, mechanical sensors, and embedded information processing in soft matter. The metamaterial consists of a rubber sheet patterned into repeating units, with beam angles determining matrix weights that can be positive or negative. Inputs are applied as displacements at the sheet’s edges, and outputs correspond to the computed results. Simulations incorporating finite element modeling and automatic differentiation confirm the material’s ability to perform accurate, low-energy computations. However, performance is
materialssoft-roboticsmetamaterialsmechanical-computinglow-energy-computationmatrix-vector-multiplicationflexible-electronicsUS scientists' light-emitting material could revolutionize photonics
Researchers at UCLA’s California NanoSystems Institute have developed a novel light-emitting material by combining molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a two-dimensional semiconductor, with Nafion, a flexible polymer commonly used in fuel cells. This hybrid material overcomes the traditional limitations of MoS₂, which is typically fragile and emits weak light, by leveraging Nafion’s flexibility and chemical stability to reinforce the semiconductor and heal surface defects that usually reduce light output. The resulting membranes are stretchable, durable, and produce significantly brighter and more stable light emission than MoS₂ alone. This breakthrough holds significant promise for photonics, the field of technology that uses light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) for computing and communication. The new material’s durability, flexibility, and efficiency could enable the development of stretchable displays, flexible lasers, and chip-integrated light sources. In the longer term, it may revolutionize photonic computing by enabling faster, more energy-efficient light-based circuits
materialsphotonicsmolybdenum-disulfide2D-materialsNafionlight-emitting-materialsflexible-electronicsScientists craft strider-like robots that paddle and walk on water
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed two insect-inspired soft robots, HydroFlexor and HydroBuckler, that can paddle and walk on water surfaces by mimicking the motions of aquatic insects like water striders. These tiny robots are powered by an overhead infrared heater that causes their layered polymer films to bend and move in response to heat, enabling controlled, repeatable motion including speed adjustment and directional changes. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for miniature robots to perform tasks such as scouting flooded areas, monitoring pollutants, or collecting samples in environments challenging for humans. A key innovation enabling these robots is a novel fabrication technique called HydroSpread, pioneered by Professor Baoxing Xu. Unlike traditional methods that require transferring delicate films from rigid surfaces, HydroSpread allows ultrathin polymer films to be formed directly on water, providing a perfectly smooth platform and significantly reducing failure rates. This method enhances precision and yield, allowing for more complex and delicate designs in soft robotics. Beyond robotics, HydroSpread holds promise for producing thin,
robotsoft-roboticspolymer-filmsHydroSpreadinsect-inspired-robotsflexible-electronicswearable-sensorsNew bendable solar cells hit 21.6% efficiency under heat, humidity
A European consortium called PEARL has made significant advances in developing flexible, low-cost perovskite solar cells with carbon electrodes, achieving over 21% power conversion efficiency (PCE) on bendable substrates and aiming for a 25% efficiency target. Utilizing roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing techniques, the project has demonstrated scalable production methods suitable for flexible, thin-film solar modules. These developments position the technology for applications including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A key breakthrough is the improved durability of these solar cells, which remain stable for over 2,000 hours under harsh conditions of 85°C and 85% humidity, thanks to a new protective encapsulation. The use of carbon electrodes not only enhances stability but also supports environmental goals by reducing production costs below 0.3 EUR/Wp and minimizing carbon emissions to less than 0.01 kg CO2eq/kWh. Various partners in the
energysolar-cellsperovskiteflexible-electronicsroll-to-roll-manufacturingphotovoltaicscarbon-electrodesWorld’s first thermoelectric rubber band turns body heat into power
Chinese researchers at Peking University have developed the world’s first thermoelectric rubber band capable of converting body heat into electricity. Unlike previous thermoelectric materials that were flexible but not elastic, this new material combines high elasticity with efficient thermoelectric conversion. By exploiting the temperature difference between the human body (around 37°C) and ambient air (20–30°C), the rubber band can continuously generate power. The innovation stems from blending semiconducting polymers with elastic rubber and engineering a nanofibre network that allows the material to stretch over 850% of its original length while maintaining conductivity and recovering its shape, similar to natural rubber. This breakthrough opens up diverse applications beyond just powering wearable devices like smartwatches without bulky batteries or frequent charging. Potential uses include remote communications equipment powered by heat from fires, integration into clothing to charge phones and regulate temperature, and medical devices such as lightweight cardiovascular monitors that draw power directly from body heat. The research, published in the journal Nature, represents significant
energythermoelectric-materialswearable-technologyflexible-electronicselastic-materialsbody-heat-energypower-generationFlexible solar cells beat 10,000 bending cycles with 96% efficiency
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed a flexible perovskite solar cell that combines high efficiency with exceptional mechanical durability and environmental stability. By employing a "defect passivation strategy," they sandwiched the light-absorbing perovskite layer between two protective two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers. This innovation shields the core material from moisture, enabling fabrication in ambient air conditions with up to 50% relative humidity—overcoming a major hurdle of perovskite’s traditional sensitivity to moisture and eliminating the need for costly controlled environments. The resulting solar cells demonstrate remarkable performance retention, maintaining over 85% of their initial efficiency after 2,800 hours of operation and 96% efficiency after 10,000 bending cycles, highlighting their mechanical resilience. Additionally, in more rigorous shear-sliding tests, the cells preserved 87% efficiency. This durability, combined with the ability to produce the cells in open air, significantly reduces
energysolar-cellsperovskiteflexible-electronicsmaterials-sciencerenewable-energydurabilityPrinting the future: Scott Miller on the power of hybrid electronics
The article features Dr. Scott Miller, Director of Technology at NextFlex, discussing the transformative potential of flexible hybrid electronics, which combine printed electronics with conventional semiconductor components. This integration allows electronic systems to be printed onto or embedded within objects, creating lightweight, adaptable devices with new form factors. These innovations are already impacting key industries such as defense, aerospace, and healthcare—for example, by printing antennas directly onto UAV airframes for improved robustness and reduced weight, and by enabling stick-to-skin wearable patient monitors that provide continuous health data and facilitate at-home care. Beyond performance benefits, hybrid electronics offer significant advantages for U.S. manufacturing and supply chains. By lowering capital costs, they empower small and mid-sized companies to compete without massive scale, promoting localized, distributed manufacturing that reduces environmental impact, shipping costs, and geopolitical risks. The printing process also minimizes material waste compared to traditional PCB fabrication. Additionally, hybrid electronics support a digital-first design-to-manufacturing workflow, accelerating prototyping and eliminating the need for
materialshybrid-electronicsprinted-electronicsflexible-electronicsmanufacturing-innovationaerospace-technologyhealthcare-devicesLoomia Smart Skin Developer Kit to help give humanoid robots a sense of touch - The Robot Report
The Loomia Smart Skin Developer Kit is a new product designed to help roboticists incorporate flexible tactile sensing into humanoid robots and other automation systems. Recognizing that most robots lack the ability to sense touch, Loomia developed this kit after extensive interviews with over 100 engineers across industrial automation, medical devices, and robotics sectors through the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program. Loomia’s founder, Maddy Maxey, highlighted that pressure sensing is a critical missing component in robotic hands and grippers, with no robust, flexible, plug-and-play solutions previously available. Founded in 2014, Loomia specializes in patented soft circuit systems that enable sensing, heating, and lighting in environments unsuitable for traditional printed circuit boards, and has deployed its technology in automotive, industrial, and robotics applications. The company’s flexible tactile sensors, first developed in 2018, have been shipped in over 1,000 units to enterprise clients for custom prototyping. Loomia identified key challenges faced by robotics
roboticstactile-sensorshumanoid-robotsflexible-electronicssoft-circuitsindustrial-automationsensor-technologyFlexible new polymer may replace toxic plastics in smart devices
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have developed a novel fluorine-free ferroelectric polymer that promises to replace environmentally harmful plastics commonly used in electronics, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), a persistent “forever chemical.” Led by Professor Lei Zhu, the team created a flexible, rubber-like material that generates electric properties without requiring crystallization, unlike traditional ferroelectric materials. This innovation offers tunable electrical characteristics, improved manufacturability into thin films or coatings, and acoustic compatibility with biological tissue, making it particularly suitable for wearable medical sensors, virtual and augmented reality devices, and other smart electronics. The new polymer addresses key limitations of existing ferroelectric materials, which are often brittle ceramics, by combining flexibility, lightness, and environmental safety. Although still in the development phase with small-scale synthesis underway, the material’s potential to reduce toxicity and waste in electronics is significant. The research, initially funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant from 2017
materialspolymerferroelectricflexible-electronicseco-friendlysensorswearable-technology‘Shocking’ 3D resin may build soft robots with plastic-like strength
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an innovative 3D printing technique that uses a custom liquid resin and a dual-light system to create objects combining both soft, rubber-like flexibility and hard, plastic-like strength within a single print. Inspired by natural structures such as human bones and cartilage, this method employs violet light to produce flexible material and ultraviolet light to harden the resin, enabling seamless transitions between soft and rigid zones without weak interfaces. This breakthrough addresses common issues in multi-material printing where different materials often fail at their boundaries. Demonstrations of the technology included printing a functional knee joint with soft ligaments and hard bones that moved smoothly together, as well as a stretchable electronic device with flexible and stiff areas to protect circuitry. The researchers were surprised by the immediate success and the stark contrast in mechanical properties achieved. An adjacent study published in ACS Central Science further highlights the potential of light-driven resin chemistry to advance additive manufacturing, offering faster production, higher resolution, and new design freedoms.
3D-printingsoft-roboticsadvanced-materialsresin-technologyflexible-electronicsdual-light-curingmaterial-scienceFlexible solar cell with record 26.4% efficiency could advance drones
Scientists at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) have developed a groundbreaking ultra-thin, flexible solar cell achieving a world-record power conversion efficiency of 26.4%. This tandem solar cell combines a perovskite top layer, which efficiently captures visible light, with a newly engineered organic bottom layer containing a custom molecule called P2EH-1V that excels at absorbing near-infrared (NIR) light. This innovative design addresses previous limitations in NIR absorption, significantly boosting overall efficiency and outperforming comparable perovskite-organic and perovskite-CIGS cells. The flexible, lightweight nature of these cells makes them ideal for integration into unconventional surfaces, such as wearable electronics, smart textiles, and drones, where weight and form factor are critical. The technology also holds promise for roll-to-roll manufacturing, enabling scalable, low-cost production. Moving forward, the research team aims to improve the operational stability of these cells in real-world conditions and advance toward pilot
energysolar-cellsperovskiteflexible-electronicstandem-solar-cellrenewable-energydrone-technologyNew silicone glows in vibrant colors while conducting electricity
materialssemiconductorelectrical-conductivityflexible-electronicssiliconecopolymerinnovative-materials