Researchers at Stanford University have now created a flexible electronic sticker that can wirelessly monitor a person’s pulse, respiration and muscle activity at the same time.
The new design from Stanford uses an impressive new wireless system. The antennae involved here is made from metallic ink, screen-printed onto a rubber sticker that can bend and stretch like human skin.
As it goes through the motions, the electric current running through this metallic ink is altered, giving minute measurements of a person’s physicality.
But while this flexible antenna allows for extremely close contact with the skin, all this motion in the antennae can disrupt the radio waves sent to the receiver.
To fix this, the team of engineers had to create a whole new type of wireless communication – one that would allow the antennae to send strong and reliable signals to the receiver despite being stretched and contracted.
The electronic wireless system used is based on radiofrequency identification (RFID), which is the technology that allows you to access a hotel room with an ID card.
The system works only when a key card is placed near a receiver, because this allows for the battery-free key card to steal a little of the reader’s energy. Using this boost, the card generates an access code that it then sends back to the receiver for access.
The researchers are now working on incorporating sweat, temperature and other sensors into their sticker, while also miniaturizing the receiver so it can one day be woven into clothing.