In recent years, there has been an increase in digital wearables that collect real-time data and vital signs from the body to assess health.

These wearables can measure a variety of parameters such as temperature, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, etc.

The project will create a versatile hybrid plug & play wearable sensor technology platform by combining expertise in functional skin adhesives and smart textiles. This will make wearable technology more accessible to SMEs, as the type of sensors incorporated into the platform can be adapted according to the manufacturer's needs/application, and will simplify access to and progress in the knowledge-based intricate web of fused sensors.

figure1 hybrid e-tattoo project

Approach

Hybrid E-Tattoo is based on the integration of different sensor concepts in both skin adhesives and textiles.

The plug & play technology platform consists of sensors that measure properties on the skin using functional skin adhesives, called E-Tattoos, and a textile-based unit (TB-U) equipped with textile-based sensors capable of collecting data from a single or multiple E-Tattoos, depending on the application.

The intelligently designed platform will consist of the reusable part and a disposable skin adhesive equipped with the sensors needed for the SME's application.

The TB-U has a universal structure with a defined communication interface and can be used for different sensory tasks/applications. The TB-U will last for the lifetime of the textile, fulfilling all requirements for washability or sweat tolerance, and will be removed and recycled at the end of the textile's life.

Hybrid E-Tattoo aims to develop a reliable, durable, sustainable, safe and easy to use intelligent wearable for healthcare. 

Centexbel's contribution to the project

hybrid e-tattoo figure 2

Centexbel is charged with

the preliminary testing of:

  1. Functionality of the (partial) system​: electronic parameters tested (e.g. sensors, modules, interconnectivity, power supply, etc.)​
  2. ​Durability tests: physical parameters (e.g. stretch, abrasion, rincing, breathability, etc.)​
  3. Biocompatibility​ tests: skin toxicity & sensitization​

the validation under real conditions of

  • sensor testing, connection test, physical/wireless contacts, specific applications​

Partners

Acknowledgement