Wearable Technology

Scientists in China have developed a graphene-based paper which can fold itself into predesigned shapes when exposed to light or gentle heat. The material, which is created from graphene oxide, can also 'walk' across a table and turn a corner. Potential applications of the material include sensors, artificial muscles and robotics.

The debut of AppleWatch early this year has stimulated a new wave of interest in wearable electronics worldwide. Wearable devices include electronics on cloth, in wrist watches and ultimately on the human body.

DuPont Microcircuit Materials to feature innovative new inks at Printed Electronics USA. Advanced materials enable wearable, in-mold, high- and low-temperature electronics.

A biosensor integrated in a glove, specifically targeted at cocaine, will allow customs to quickly screen cargo and baggage on-site, allowing for high throughput and low cost of detection.

A new technology could enable smartwatches to automatically recognize what objects users are touching, for instance, whether the wearer is using a laptop, operating a saw, or riding a motorcycle, creating new opportunities for context-aware apps.

Prototype mouthguard features microelectronics, including motion sensors, within the middle layer of the design. The data received from the mouth guard is linked to a sideline iPad.

A new high-volume production method for hot embossing microscopic channel structures onto large areas of plastic film at a low cost for use, for example, in wearable technology.

A new design strategy has emerged for making batteries flexible.

A research team has been awarded a grant of $2 million over the next four years from the National Science Foundation to research and develop thin, flexible semiconductors that might eventually lead to bendable computer screens and wearable electronics.

Interfacing with machines undergoes a constant evolution, allowing for wider adoption of computing devices over time, as interaction becomes more "natural". According to IDTechEx Research, smartglasses are bringing about the next big step in this ever-changing space.

A material created engineers is the key component of a swimsuit that won an international design competition for its ability to clean water as a person swims.

The NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies develops and employs nano-enabled energy harvesting, energy storage, nanodevices and sensors to create innovative battery-free, body-powered, and wearable health monitoring systems.

Medical Design Solutions is a small design consultancy and IP holder around medical device design. With a long history in the medical device industry, they develop many diverse projects with partners, but are also developing their own work around an e-shirt, with a concept similar to that pursued by Vivometrics before they went bankrupt.

Flexpoint Sensor Systems, Inc has announced product development of ground-breaking and award-winning wearable musical sensor gloves with UK-based mi.mu.

Fraunhofer ISC presents its competence in wearable and flexible technology for medical devices and technical textiles at the IDTechEX Show!, Santa Clara (USA) from 18th to 19th November 2015.

A low-cost, high-speed method for printing electronics using graphene and other conductive materials could open up a wide range of commercial applications.

Video interview with Directa Plus at Graphen & 2D Materials Europe.

The year to 2015 will be the first time that companies have achieved over a billion dollars in revenue from individual wearable technology product lines.

Mutualink has developed the world's first wearable communications gateway that enables first responders to share multimedia information with command posts and other agencies in real time over secure wide area networks.

The technology the team develops likely won't be limited to robot insects. The sensors could be used, among other things, in wearable technology.