Electrospun nanofiber-integrated embroidered textiles for speed-independent RF-based motion sensing and triboelectric energy harvesting

Textile platforms that simultaneously enable motion sensing and energy harvesting are vital for self-sustained personalized healthcare and autonomous Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (T-TENGs) are widely investigated for biomechanical energy harvesting and self-powered sensing; however, their sensing outputs are inherently dependent on motion speed, which complicates the accurate detection of human body motion. Here, we present a multifunctional embroidered-based TENGtenna capable of both radio frequency motion sensing and triboelectric energy harvesting on a textile platform. A sinusoidal-shaped dipole antenna was embroidered on Lycra-nylon fabric using highly conductive fibers, which can effectively provide sensing outputs determined solely by strain rather than the speed of motion, unlike conventional TENG-based sensing that requires complex calibration algorithms. The sensing performance was systematically validated under controlled mechanical loading (0.2–3 Hz) using a Zwick Roell testing system, as well as in real-time human trials including arm bending, knee bending, cycling, and treadmill walking at variable speeds. The electromagnetic safety of the antenna was verified through HFSS simulations, with the calculated specific absorption rate (SAR) values remaining within international safety limits. For energy harvesting, complementary electrospun nanofibers of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were deposited on fabric to make flexible, stretchable, and breathable triboelectric layers, which achieve enhanced triboelectric performance under biomechanical deformation (0.5–2 Hz). The demonstrated dual functionality, strain-based RF sensing and triboelectric energy harvesting, within a single embroidered textile architecture establishes a scalable pathway toward conformal, mechanically compliant, and energy-autonomous wearable systems for continuous human motion monitoring and next-generation IoT applications. • An embroidered textile antenna integrated with electrospun nanofibers enables speed-independent RF-based human motion sensing and triboelectric energy harvesting. • Strain-induced resonance shifts provide robust motion tracking across a wide frequency range, while nanofiber contact electrification delivers stable biomechanical energy output. • The single, breathable textile platform demonstrates durable performance under cyclic deformation, which offers a scalable route toward energy-autonomous wearable sensing systems. • Electromagnetic exposure analysis shows SAR values compliant with IEEE C95.1-2020 and ICNIRP EMF guidelines to validate user safety.