🌟 Patent of the Week: Next-Gen Wearable Electronics
🌟 Patent of the Week: Next-Gen Wearable Electronics
Revolutionizing Wearables with Self-Healing and Stretchable, Recyclable Electronics
🧐 What's the Big Idea?
Imagine wearing a smartwatch that not only tracks your steps and heart rate but also heals itself when torn and can be completely recycled when you're done with it. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are turning this into reality. They've developed a game-changing wearable electronic system that boasts incredible stretchability, self-healability, recyclability, and even reconfigurability. This isn't just about making gadgets tougher; it's about making them in harmony with our planet.
🔍 Why It Matters
This innovation matters for few reasons:
Consumers are demanding wearables in new and more flexible form factors. Oura is the trailblazer in the smart ring market but even major players, such as Samsung, are now starting to release smart rings. I’ve been a fan of smart textiles for a while now and this innovation is super interesting when you start to think about electronics embedded in fabric.
Smart bandages has been a hot topic in digital health for a while, imagine if you can place a flexible and smart bandage with a user using this technology.
In our tech-saturated world, electronic waste has become a colossal issue. , with a significant portion being difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. This not only results in harmful substances leaching into ecosystems but also squanders precious resources. By creating electronics that can heal themselves, be recycled effortlessly, and even adapt to new functionalities, we're looking at a future where technology and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
🚀 Stage of Development
This technology is currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6, I’ll be posting a write up soon about TRL but for now, this means the system's capabilities have been proven in a relevant environment, signaling it's on the cusp of being ready for commercial development. It's a crucial step towards bringing these revolutionary devices into our daily lives.
🤝 Interested?
Get in touch with Nicole Forsberg at the University of Colorado, Boulder to learn more.
📒 The Details
Technology Title: Self-Healable, Recyclable, and Reconfigurable Wearable Electronics Device
Published: 4th January 2021
Note: This research does not appear to be patented yet but is available for licensing
🎨 About the artist
Ed Emshwiller (Emsh), an American visual artist notable for his speculative fiction magazine covers.