Skin‐Integrated Wearable Electronics: A Dual‐Interface Perspective

ABSTRACT Skin‐integrated wearable electronics enable continuous, medical‐grade monitoring and therapy in daily life, but must balance conflicting needs related to mechanics, power, and communication. This review uses a dual‐interface approach that separates the sensor–receiver interface, which handles wireless data and energy transfer, from the sensor–skin interface, where physiological signals are converted and mechanical and biological integration occur. We first reviewed wireless connections designed for skin electronics, focusing on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Near‐Field Communication (NFC) systems, and hybrid systems. Next, we examine sensor–skin interfaces ranging from mediated contact layers such as hydrogels for wearable ultrasound and soft conductive electrodes, to skin‐conformal direct‐contact methods based on structural mechanics, and ultrathin epidermal devices. Finally, we discuss cross‐interface coupling, emphasizing how antenna layouts, power budgets, and body‐induced RF effects limit mechanical design, and how skin mechanics influence link reliability. We conclude by exploring opportunities in battery‐free and energy‐autonomous systems, body‐coupled communication, and integration with artificial intelligence (AI)‐enabled digital health, positioning future electronic skins as soft, networked platforms that are comfortable and reliable.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
SmartSys
Published
2025-12-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/sys3.70013
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.70

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Skin‐Integrated Wearable Electronics: A Dual‐Interface Perspective

Shuqun Cai, Fuying Dong, Simiao Niu, Chi Han
4 citations
SmartSys
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
2.70
article

Skin‐Integrated Wearable Electronics: A Dual‐Interface Perspective

Shuqun Cai, Fuying Dong, Simiao Niu, Chi Han
article en
4 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Skin‐integrated wearable electronics enable continuous, medical‐grade monitoring and therapy in daily life, but must balance conflicting needs related to mechanics, power, and communication. This review uses a dual‐interface approach that separates the sensor–receiver interface, which handles wireless data and energy transfer, from the sensor–skin interface, where physiological signals are converted and mechanical and biological integration occur. We first reviewed wireless connections designed for skin electronics, focusing on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Near‐Field Communication (NFC) systems, and hybrid systems. Next, we examine sensor–skin interfaces ranging from mediated contact layers such as hydrogels for wearable ultrasound and soft conductive electrodes, to skin‐conformal direct‐contact methods based on structural mechanics, and ultrathin epidermal devices. Finally, we discuss cross‐interface coupling, emphasizing how antenna layouts, power budgets, and body‐induced RF effects limit mechanical design, and how skin mechanics influence link reliability. We conclude by exploring opportunities in battery‐free and energy‐autonomous systems, body‐coupled communication, and integration with artificial intelligence (AI)‐enabled digital health, positioning future electronic skins as soft, networked platforms that are comfortable and reliable.

SmartSysVol. 1(4)
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (US), Georgia Institute of Technology (US), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (KR)
New Jersey Health Foundation, State of New Jersey Department of Health, National Research Foundation, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
2.70
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Skin‐Integrated Wearable Electronics: A Dual‐Interface Perspective — Shuqun Cai, Fuying Dong, et al. · SmartSys (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS